Shaz36

Hi. I cannot comment on Bardon State School but have also looked at Indooroopilly High School. I went to the open day and tour of the school, and also to a few information evenings. I have applied there and my daughter has an interview in a few weeks time however ,am not decided on schools yet so am making sure I have a few options. The reason I looked at this school is that it performs very well academically and is in my local area. It is one of the only schools around here without a uniform, the reason being, they aim to have a university campus feel about the school, with the kids being encouraged to take responsibilities for their actions and not follow a strict regime. The kids I met were all very confident, polite young kids, who took their education very seriously. I was shown round the school by the Head Girl who was on the Spanish Immersion programme and doing very well academically. She was an articulate young girl who had her head screwed on. This is the special programme that I am looking at for my daughter. They have a few special programmes such as an engineering and maths course for high maths achievers, which fast track their learning so that they are studying university level in year 11 or 12. My only concern is that people who live in the area have expressed their experiences of the school as being one which due to the lack of discipline and uniform, they feel attracts kids who dont want to conform to a traditional schooling system and they have said that the school attracts 'problem kids' who are badly behaved. I didnt see this personally but guess you only see the kids the school want you to see on an open day. It offers the International Baccaulaureat programme which is very highly regarded too. I also felt that it did not seem very big on sports, although has a strong performing arts department. It all depends on what your child is interested in and if you feel they are the kind of child who does not need to be spoon fed at school or prodded as I feel this school allows the kids a lot of independence and creativity. Its so hard to pick a high school I think when you have not lived in the area long. I have been here 2 1/2 years and still am not sure which one to go for. I have another year and half to make up our minds. If there is anything you would like to know, I could ask at the interview if you wish? Which area will you be living in, as Bardon is not in the catchment for Indooroopilly its in the area for The Gap State High School. Its not a big deal getting in out of catchment tho as I think the non uniform puts a lot of the catchment area people off. A lot of them go private in Indooroopilly. The area, and surrounding suburbs are a great place to live. A feeder primary for Indro would be Ironside State School which has a very good reputation. Shaz

Hi Henry, Sorry, but my kids are too young for the HS right now, so not sure but from people around here have been told that Corinda SHS is a highly regarded school, and I must admit, looks very impressive. I am not sure about the ESL offering, but do know that they have international students attend when they ask families if they can have them as homestay pupils. They are mainly from Asia, I think. As Tina said, try emailing and the calling them when they are back. This is from the website: Student Support Our international Student Program has several officers to assist students and parents. Guidance and Counselling The School Guidance Officer plays an integral role in supporting International Students. This officer overseas the educational and personal welfare of the students. On arrival the Guidance Officer takes time to plan the curriculum program with the student and assist them in becoming acquainted with the school and Australian life. English as a Second Language (ESL) The ESL teacher is dedicated to working with international students along with subject teachers and support staff to help students with their English skills and their transition with study programs.

Hi Henry, I know people at both primaries you mention who are both happy. I am over the bridge in Corinda and my daughter is at Corinda State School. Sherwood and Graceville have very strict catchment rules so you would have to be in the area for those. If you have any questions I can answer, just let me know. I couldnt get a response when emailing last year during the summer break but the principals I contacted replied when schools went back and I got appts to see them.