Aldridge
enjoys an excellent reputation and has outstanding achievements across the
academic, cultural, citizenship and sporting areas.
The school’s
Gifted and Talented program begins in Year 5 and has pathways extending into
the Tertiary sector. A feature of the program is the tailoring of individual
curriculum plans for students whose academic ability sits more than 1 year
above their peer group. An Extension Music program in Years 7 and 8 supports
those with a passion and flair for music performance. The classroom and
Instrumental music programs are closely linked.
STEM focused
students are provided with a number of opportunities in expand their knowledge,
and the application of that knowledge. In the Junior school, support is given
for students to engage with UNSW Science tests, Bridge Building competitions,
Coding & Robotics to name but a few. In the Senior phase (Year 10 – 12)
STEM students are able to be immersed in subjects such as Physics, Chemistry,
Information Technology, Specialist Maths from the first day of Year 10.
As the only
school with a system endorsed Sporting Excellence program (Volleyball) in the
local area, the school takes a good deal of satisfaction from building
student’s ability in this specific sport from scratch to now having medalled at
the highest level (Volleyball Australia – National Cup) for each of the last 10
years with at least one team. A number of students have graduated from Aldridge
to then play in the State Premier League (predominantly with the UQ Premier
League side). Several students have also been offered college Volleyball
scholarships in the USA at the end of the time at Aldridge.
In addition
to Volleyball, the school has very strong hockey and athletic squads. The
strength of the hockey program is due primarily to the wonderful work done by
the Hockey Clubs in Maryborough however the Athletic success owes a good deal
to one of the school’s current teachers who has Level IV Coaching
accreditation. Over the last 4 years, Aldridge has been the school with the
greatest representation of students amongst Wide Bay Athletic teams that have
travelled to the State Championships in Brisbane.
Another
feature of the school is our Agricultural facility. Students with an interest
in rural pursuits are able to complete a Certificate II in Rural Operations or
Agriculture as well as study the more formal Agricultural Science subject. Our
“Cattle Club” attends a number of shows each year where students learn the
skills of leading and judging cattle. A recent addition to the Ag farm
offerings has been Equine Therapy. A number of students are able to manage
issues associated with anxiety and social pressure through the regular
interaction with appropriately trained animals. In line with this the school’s
Learning Enhancement Centre has a “PAWS” program where Monnie and Toby (trained therapy dogs) comes up twice a week to work with a variety of students and their wellbeing.
In 2013, the
school became one of the first 26 schools in the state to become an Independent
Public School.
We have
outstanding staff who have contributed much to the lives of our students over
the years. Aldridge State High School provides you with many new, comprehensive
and exciting opportunities for participation over your 6 years of high school.
One of the hallmarks of Aldridge State High School is the safe, disciplined and
inclusive educational environment where young people can focus on achieving
excellence in a range of academic, vocational, sporting and cultural pursuits.
As the
principal of Aldridge State High School I will be sharing your journey over the
coming years and I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know you. As a
leader I am strongly focused on ensuring that each student has an opportunity
to achieve their full potential by building a school culture that models and
promotes high expectations of learning, behaviour and uniform.
As a teacher
and parent I cannot stress enough how important a little bit of perseverance
(not giving up) and hard work (setting aside study time at home) is in getting
the best possible results. A weekly commitment to study and revision – by
setting aside extra time at home - should be a priority for all students
wanting to achieve success in their studies and in their lives beyond school.
I am
convinced that your course of study at this school will bring great benefits to
you personally and professionally in the future. In the end success at school
involves a healthy combination of hard work and commitment mixed with fun and
enjoyment.
This is an
exciting, comprehensive and culturally vibrant school community where all
students are challenged to work towards our school vision. We value parental
involvement in our school activities and welcome visits from interested members
of the school community. I trust that your education at Aldridge State High
School is an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
Mr David Burns
Principal