Earlier this year, Melbourne High School undertook a Curriculum Review to align our Teaching and Learning program with the requirements of the new Victorian Curriculum 2.0 at Year 9 and 10 which will be implemented in 2026.
As a result of the extensive process, a number of changes were made, whilst retaining the features of the Melbourne High School program which makes it a unique setting.
Some of the changes will be to the day-to-day operations of the school for all students.
The day will commence for students slightly later than currently, with them now required at school at 8:50. 10 to 9 – be on time! This change has been made to accommodate announced changes to train timetables due to the opening of the Metro Tunnel. Students will go to their lockers at this time, and then be ready for their first class which will commence promptly at 9am.
On Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, students will work 2 periods, recess, 2 periods, lunch and 2 periods, and conclude the school day at 3:25pm. Several Co-curricular programs will continue to run afterschool. Wednesdays will have a different structure, to accommodate Junior (Year 9 and 10) Sport. Students will work 3 periods followed by recess. Year 9 and 10 students will then have 2 periods, lunch and sport from 2:30 to 3:30pm. Year 11 and 12 students will work 1 period after recess, and have no timetabled classes in Periods 5 and 6. However this time will be utilised for SACs (School Assessed Coursework – formal assessment for Unit 3&4 subjects), and may be used by students completing folio subjects as extra working time. Students in Year 11 and 12 should not make regular appointments at this time.
From 2026, the school will operate 6 x 50 minute periods. The rationale for this is based around student feedback about trying to reduce the time taken for movement around the school between classes, particularly for those with classes in the CHES building. It is also supported by evidence to develop the learning of students working at or towards mastery in their areas of study.
Instead of a 10 minute Form Assembly each morning, students will have at least 1 Connect period each week with their form teacher for the year.
Students studying VCE classes will have 4 x 50 minute classes per week consisting of 1 double class and 2 single classes. Year 9 and 10 classes are working to a different structure, with classes having a differing number of periods per week.
