Good Schools Spotlight: John Monash Science School
In order to achieve its aims, JMSS has formed strong partnerships with researchers and academics in a broad mix of scientific fields at Monash University and CSIRO — sharing resources and expertise and ensuring the courses offered at JMSS are rich, challenging, contemporary and relevant. Co-constructed with Monash academics, the curriculum at JMSS allows students to explore the cutting-edge of scientific knowledge and understanding in the areas of physics, chemistry, biology, earth science, mathematics, engineering, biomedical science, geography and computer science.
Throughout Years 10 to 12 the school has implemented the Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS), the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and the new National Curriculum. Most VCE studies are offered. Many students access a university extension subject on the Monash campus alongside traditional Year 12 subjects.
Every student has access to a range of co-curricular options, including languages, music, the arts, community service, leadership and sport. JMSS believes in a holistic education for all students, and the strong focus on personal wellbeing and empowerment, physical activity and leadership development is a feature of life for students at the school.
Student empowerment
There is a strong support system at JMSS, which underpins all learning. The school is noted for its House system with all students allocated to one of four houses for their entire time at JMSS. Each student has their own mentor teacher who will also remain with them during this time. Mentors are the first port-of-call for parents and students, and are responsible for overseeing each student’s day-to-day progress and wellbeing. The school runs many House events and other programs designed to build confidence, resilience, connectedness and spirit within the community. The school has a well-developed Mindfulness program to build resilience in students.
Facilities
The physical environment at JMSS is very different from traditional schools. Flexible learning spaces enable students to learn individually and in teams. Students use any combination of laptops, tablets, iPads and smartphones to research, problem-solve, organise, document, analyse, present and create digital objects, as well as to access references and resources from Monash University and beyond. All students develop individual learning portfolios informed by their own interests and abilities.
Location
JMSS is co-located on Monash University’s Clayton campus in Melbourne’s south-east. The university is well served by several metropolitan bus routes, and Huntingdale and Clayton train stations are nearby.
