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Ballarat Clarendon College

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37°33′31″S 143°51′04″E / 37.5587°S 143.8510°E / -37.5587; 143.8510

Ballarat Clarendon College
Map
Ballarat
,
Victoria

Australia
Information
Typeprivate school, co-educational, day & boarding
MottoE Studis Viridis et Claritas[1]
(Out of Enthusiastic Endeavors Come Truth and Understanding)
DenominationIn association with the Uniting Church of Australia[2]
Established1864 (Ballarat College) & 1868 (Clarendon College)[3]
School number
278[4]
Principal
Jen Bourke
Key people
William Henderson (Founder)
Elizabeth Kennedy (Founder)
Years offered
ELC–12
GenderCo-educational
Enrolment1710
HousesPrep - Year 4: Sloan, Thwaites, Shaw

Years 5-6: Horner, McPherson, Polson, Ross, Waters

Years 7-12: Cairns, Elliot, Garbutt, Godbehear, Henderson, Kennedy, Sloss, Walker
ColoursRed, black, gold, blue     
VCE average37[5]
AffiliationBallarat Associated Schools
Websitewww.clarendon.vic.edu.au

Ballarat Clarendon College is a private, co-educational, day and boarding school, located in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia.[6] The school has been the subject of legal action and media reporting concerning child protection, staff welfare, and governance issues.[7][8][9] Formerly affiliated with the Presbyterian Church of Australia, it now operates in association with the Uniting Church in Australia (but is not governed or managed by the Church)[10] and is a member of the Ballarat Associated Schools.

History

[edit]
Ballarat College campus, early 20th century (State Library Victoria)

Ballarat Clarendon College was established in 1974 through the amalgamation of Ballarat College (founded 1864) and Clarendon Presbyterian Ladies’ College (founded 1876). [11]

Ballarat College

[edit]

Ballarat College was founded in 1864 as part of a Presbyterian initiative to establish secondary education in regional Victoria. Enrolments increased rapidly in its early years, and the school became established by the late 1860s despite financial and organisational challenges. [11]

From 1877 to 1909, the College was led by principal John Garbutt, during which time enrolments grew and a structured curriculum was introduced. In 1912, the school relocated to a purpose-built campus on Sturt Street designed by architect Percy Richards.

The College contributed to Australia’s war effort during the First World War, with a number of former students serving in the armed forces. Enrolments fluctuated during the interwar period but recovered following the Second World War.

From the 1950s, the school expanded its facilities and enrolments. By the 1960s, it offered a broad academic and extracurricular program prior to the eventual merger in 1974.

Clarendon Presbyterian Ladies’ College

[edit]

Clarendon Presbyterian Ladies’ College was founded in 1876 by Elizabeth Kennedy in Ballarat. The school initially operated from a private residence before relocating to purpose-built premises at Soldier’s Hill.[11]

The school expanded in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and in 1919 was acquired by the Presbyterian Church of Victoria and renamed Clarendon Presbyterian Ladies’ College. A new campus was established in Mair Street during the 1920s as enrolments increased.

Enrolments continued to grow through the mid-twentieth century, supported by academic and sporting programs. By the early 1970s, declining enrolments led to discussions regarding amalgamation with Ballarat College.

Amalgamation and development

[edit]
Ballarat College campus, early 20th century (State Library Victoria)

Ballarat and Clarendon College was formed in January 1974 through the amalgamation of the two schools, initially operating across the Sturt Street and Mair Street campuses. Leadership was initially shared between the principals of the former schools.[11]

During the 1970s and 1980s, the College developed as a co-educational institution, with facilities expanded and enrolments increasing. In 1993, a reorganisation of campus use saw junior classes moved to Mair Street and senior classes consolidated at Sturt Street.

Further development occurred from the late 1990s onwards, including campus upgrades and organisational changes. The College was rebranded in 2008, and by the early 2010s enrolments had grown to over 1,300 students.

In 2014, the College marked the 150th anniversary of its earliest predecessor institution. Ongoing development has continued into the twenty-first century, including expansion of facilities and the establishment of the Yuulong Remote Schooling Campus in 2022. [12]

Controversy

[edit]

Media investigations in 2022 reported concerns about culture and wellbeing at the College.[8][9] A parent undergoing chemotherapy described the primary school environment as “emotionally unsafe” and alleged that she was “categorically” asked for a financial payoff to ensure her child’s safety.[8] Teachers also alleged loss of toilet and lunch breaks, constant pressure (“they are constantly grilling you”), and a culture that contributed to mental health strain.[8]

In one widely reported incident, a teacher insulted students’ VCE essays and said reading them made her “want to kill herself,” which colleagues described as reflecting “a ruthless, arrogant, blinkered, and incestuous culture.”[13] Media reports also noted that internal investigations were conducted by individuals with close connections to the Board, raising concerns about independence and transparency.[8]

Co-curriculum

[edit]

Sport

[edit]

The college participates in many sports both within and outside the Ballarat Associated Schools.

BAS premierships

[edit]

BCC has won the following BAS premierships.[14]

Combined:

  • Athletics (12) – 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996
  • Badminton (3) – 1982, 1990, 1991
  • Cross Country (3) – 1980, 1981, 2011
  • Lap of the Lake (2) – 1980, 1981

Boys:

  • Athletics (2) – 1983, 1989
  • Basketball (7) – 1982, 1984, 1985, 1993, 1996, 2008, 2009
  • Cricket (5) – 1980, 1988, 2005, 2009, 2016
  • Cricket T20 – 2015
  • Cross Country – 1985
  • Football (4) – 1980, 2002, 2005, 2006
  • Hockey (8) – 1985, 1995, 1997, 1998, 2006, 2016, 2017, 2018
  • Rowing premiership, Harold Deveson Cup (8) – 1975, 1976, 1988, 1990, 1991, 1998, 2021, 2022
  • Soccer (7) – 1979, 1980, 1999, 2006, 2007, 2011, 2015
  • Tennis (5) – 1977, 2006, 2007, 2011, 2013
  • Volleyball (5) – 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2020

Girls:

  • Athletics (12) – 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996
  • Badminton (2) – 2011, 2012
  • Basketball (6) – 1990, 2001, 2011, 2013, 2016, 2017
  • Cricket (4) – 1985, 1998, 2020, 2021
  • Cross Country (6) – 1980, 1981, 1993, 2004, 2005, 2011
  • Football (14) – 1996, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
  • Head of the Lake, Patterson Shield (14)[15] – 1981, 1983, 1984, 1989, 2002, 2005, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2021, 2022
  • Hockey (21) – 1974, 1975, 1979, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1989, 1991, 1996, 1998, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018
  • Lap of the Lake (7) – 1980, 1981, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011
  • Netball (13) – 1984, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1993, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2011, 2012, 2017, 2019
  • Road Relay (3) – 1999, 2005, 2008
  • Rowing Premiership, J H Netherway Cup (11)[16] – 1981, 1984, 1989, 1990, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011*, 2013, 2014, 2021, 2022
  • Soccer (2) – 2012, 2019, 2022
  • Softball (10) – 1985, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1998, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
  • Volleyball (7) – 1978, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1985, 2001, 2011

Performing arts

[edit]

The school has a free standing building on the east of the senior campus where all aspects of Performing Arts take place, subsequently called, the Performing Arts Centre (PAC). From years 5–8 students partake in different Arts Classes which rotate each trimester, Music, Art and Drama or Dance (alternating each year). In year 9 students are able to choose which performing and visual arts they do for each term and Year 10 and VCE students may choose out of the various higher level VCE arts classes the school offers. Students accordingly participate in music lessons for:

  • Brass – Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium and Tuba
  • Woodwind – Flute, Clarinet (+Bass Clarinet), all Saxomaphone types, Oboe, Recorder and Bassoon
  • Piano – Piano, Contemporary Piano
  • Keyboard
  • Guitar – Classical Guitar, Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar
  • Strings – Violin, Viola, Violoncello and Double Bass
  • Music Theory
  • Speech Art
  • Voice (Classical And Contemporary)

They may participate in any of the student ensembles at the school. They are:

  • Novice Band
  • The Geoff Smith Jazz Orchestra
  • Concert Band
  • The Barry Currie Stage Band
  • Chamber Ensemble
  • Orchestra
  • Intermediate and Senior Strings

and numerous contemporary bands.

In addition, the college puts on an annual Senior School Production, Senior School Play and Middle School Production. They also have an annual Performing Arts Showcase performance for both the Junior and Senior School and a Middle School and Senior School Presentation Night.

Notable alumni

[edit]

Art

Defence

Diplomatic service

  • Sir Patrick Shaw, Australian Ambassador to Washington 1974–75

Fashion

Law

Performing arts/media

Politics

AFL

Other sport

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ↑ "2007 College Handbook". What's Happening. Ballarat Clarendon College. Archived from the original on 12 October 2007. Retrieved 17 December 2007.
  2. ↑ "Associated Schools" https://victas.uca.org.au/community-learning/uniting-church-schools/
  3. ↑ "Ballarat Clarendon College". Vic Schools. School Choice. Archived from the original on 30 August 2007. Retrieved 17 December 2007.
  4. ↑ "State Register - Provider details". Vrqa.vic.gov.au. Retrieved 21 August 2022.
  5. ↑ "VCE School Ranking – 2020".
  6. ↑ "School Performance Information 2014". Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority. 2014.
  7. ↑ Arnold Thomas Becker – Child abuse claim settled at Ballarat school, accessed 2025.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 [https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-10-10/ballarat-clarendon-college-bullying-allegations/101516634 ABC News – Bullying allegations at Ballarat Clarendon College] (10 October 2022).
  9. 1 2 [https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/ballarat/whistleblowers-claim-bullying-misogyny-at-ballarat-clarendon-college/news-story/96443c3444801658043813b581c9fb9c Herald Sun – Whistleblowers claim bullying, misogyny at Ballarat Clarendon College] (10 October 2022).
  10. ↑ "Associated Schools". Uniting Church in Australia. Synod of Victoria and Tasmania. Retrieved 23 January 2020.
  11. 1 2 3 4 Roberts, Phil (2014). Ballarat Clarendon College: One Hundred and Fifty Years. Mud Group Pty Ltd. ISBN 9780980284447.
  12. ↑ "Book reveals the secrets of Ballarat Clarendon College's success". The Courier. 2025.
  13. ↑ [https://www.heraldsun.com.au/victoria-education/ballarat-clarendon-college-teachers-shock-outburst-reflective-of-schools-culture/news-story/829c3b53b51a4217b4a0decb5d1b8ae7 Herald Sun – Teachers’ shock outburst reflective of school’s culture] (11 October 2022).
  14. ↑ "Past Results". bas.vic.edu.au. Archived from the original on 23 February 2021. Retrieved 5 February 2021.
  15. ↑ "Results Summary, Girls Ballarat Head of the Lake". www.rowinghistory-aus.info. Retrieved 2 February 2023.
  16. ↑ "Girls' Premiership for the J H Netherway Cup". www.rowinghistory-aus.info. Retrieved 2 February 2023.


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