Indooroopilly State High School

Indooroopilly State High School, or "Indro State High" as it is often referred to, is situated in the south-western suburbs of Brisbane, Australia after its opening in 1954. It is a co-educational, secondary state school. In 2014, the school had an enrolment of 1251 students^[1] but the number of students is expected to increase from 2015 as Year 7 is transferred from primary schools to secondary schools in Queensland. It is accredited by the Council of International Schools and offers the International Baccalaureate program.

Unlike most schools in Queensland and Australia, Indooroopilly does not have a uniform, but the students do have a dress code. Indooroopilly offers some programs not available under normal curriculum, namely a pilot's course, a Spanish immersion program and a Chinese and math acceleration program. It is also a school that focuses heavily on the arts. In particular film, television, new media studies, and visual art.

Arts at Indro

Many graduates of the school have found membership in the local, national and international arts communities. Film, television and new media studies, visual art, drama, dance and music are well established areas of intellectual, artistic and creative pursuit at Indoorooopilly. The school's reputation for specializing in the arts has attracted many students wishing to pursue future careers in the arts industries. Many past students have involved themselves heavily in the visual arts industries. Many drama, dance and music graduates of the school have continued to pursue careers at industry level.

Culture

Cultural practice is a central part of the curriculum at Indooroopilly. The school celebrates many specific festivals and celebrations throughout the school year; biennial school musical, visual art exhibitions and drama, dance and music productions and concerts. These, and similar activities, have cemented the school's position as one of the most culturally active international high schools in Brisbane. One particular festival that is held every year is United Nations Day when Indooroopilly celebrates the cultural diversity of its student body. Indooroopilly has a strong multicultural community with approximately 30% of the school's population being international students.

Values

Indooroopilly's focus on values establishes it as being a unique school compared to other public secondary schools. It's four core values are: Each person's dignity, Our community's diversity, Open communication and Quality learning.^[2] School Principal Lois O'Reilly states that the school's values of teaching students to take responsibility for their own behaviour is part of its success.^[3]

Weekend programmes

The Japanese Language Supplementary School of Queensland Japanese School of Brisbane (ブリスベン校 Burisuben Kō), a weekend Japanese school, holds its classes at Indooroopilly State High. The school offices are in Taringa.^[4]

Notable alumni

Past students who have had very successful careers or have been in the media:

• Dane Bird-Smith, a bronze-winning racewalking athlete who competed in the 20 kilometers race walk in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio. ^[5]

• Peter C. Doherty, medical researcher, Nobel Laureate 1996, Australian of the Year 1997.
• Peter Greste, Al Jazeera journalist was an Indooroopilly State High school captain.
• George Negus, author, journalist and host of Network Ten's current affairs programme 6PM with George Negus.
• Chloe Shorten nee Bryce, journalist and wife of Leader of the Opposition Bill Shorten.
• Jillian Whiting, Brisbane news reader and television host.
• Sarah Elston, Brisbane based artist who was murdered in early June 2008.^[6]

See also

• Queensland State High Schools

References