Learner Resources
- The Library
- Information and Communication Technology
- Art Specialist Rooms
- Sporting
- International Students Room
- Indigenous Studies Centre
- Technology Areas
- Playground Areas
- Hall
The Library
Melrose High School has an attractive and spacious library with an extensive collection of books, magazines and DVDs for students to borrow. The library is open throughout the day except for recess. It is also open for borrowing before and after school. There is a teacher-librarian and a qualified library assistant.
Teachers with their classes may access the library during class time for research, using reference materials, the vertical file and the Internet. Students may also be sent to the library for independent study. At lunchtimes the library is open for students to work on assignments, enjoy quiet reading of books or magazines or to use a computer for research or assignment work. A computer may be reserved for this purpose. While in the library, students are expected to respect the rights of others and their surroundings.
The library uses Alice software to manage its computer-based catalogue, circulation and enquiry facilities. There are several enquiry terminals for students to search the catalogue for relevant library resources. A bank of 14 computers allows students to work individually or in pairs to complete research and learning tasks. New students record one fingerprint (stored only in electronic format) and this is used to identify students accurately when borrowing.
Students may borrow up to four library books at a time, in addition to one DVD and textbooks for English and Mathematics. DVDs may be kept for three days, books for two weeks (with an option for renewal), English textbooks for a term and Maths textbooks for up to a year. Borrowing rights are suspended if a student has an overdue book. Lost books must be paid for.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Computers for student use are located in four large computer rooms. The equipment is Windows-based with a large range of software available.
Year 7 and Year 8 students undertake an introductory computer course to orient themselves with the MHS computer set up. Keyboard skills, the Microsoft Office package and the use of other integrated packages are emphasised. Learning Technologies (LTs) such as computers, digital still and video cameras, data loggers and scanners are used in all curriculum areas as tools for effective teaching and improved learning outcomes in accordance with the “Learning Technology Plan 2004-2006” and Melrose High’s own Learning Technology Plan. Melrose High embeds LTs into all learning areas.
The use of MyClasses across all learning areas complements the teaching and learning program in each class. Parents, through MyClasses, have access to learning that students are participating in. MyClasses provides secure access to students class information through the use of user names and passwords which are allocated to each student. The website to access MyClasses is http://www.melrosehs.act.edu.au/myclasses.
Our Computer Assisted Learning Program (CALP) initiative offers students with notebook computers the opportunity to learn in an environment where learning technologies are an integral part of each learning area. Teachers working with classes and students in CALP are also encouraged to use similar approaches with other classes via the student computer room facilities. A wireless network is installed in the school to complement the existing broadband network through which students and staff access the safe, private intranet system MyClasses to support their studies further.
Arts Specialist Rooms
Melrose High School has two fully equipped Art studios. Facilities are available for many forms of two and three-dimensional art. Students have access to kilns for clay and glasswork as well as painting, drawing and print making facilities. Drama students use two dedicated spaces. One has its own lighting rig and a performance space. The other has a large mirror and “gym-lay” carpet – this room is also used for dance. There are two Music teaching rooms at the school as well as studios for individual tuition. Students have access to keyboards and guitars for general music classes as well as a wide range of instruments for hire by students in the school’s bands. All students have short-term access to woodwind, brass, string and percussion instruments.
Sporting
Melrose High School is well supplied with outdoor playing fields and courts as well as a school Hall, which serves as a gymnasium for indoor sports. A new gymnasium is to be built and ready for use in 2007. Situated in the Woden area, the school is within easy access to numerous sporting venues. The school quadrangles are marked out for various sports, which students can play during class time or at lunchtime.
International Students Room
Students recently arrived from overseas for their study abroad use the designated room for classes, and at times, during recess and lunch breaks. Amenities include a television, video, DVD, microwave oven, refrigerator, tables and chairs.
Indigenous Studies Centre
The Indigenous Studies Centre (ISC) is a dedicated space for our indigenous students. The ISC coordinator provides a welcoming environment that provides support to all indigenous students in improving literacy and numeracy skills as well as assisting them to complete classwork, homework tasks and assignments. The ISC is also a drop-in centre for students to receive pastoral care and a focal point for our indigenous families. Parents/carers often attend lunch meetings and functions and are welcome to visit the ISC at any time. The ISC coordinator also works very closely with the Indigenous Home/School Liaison Officer to provide a holistic service to our indigenous students and their families.
Technology Areas
The technology areas have been refurbished in recent years. The areas include two modern kitchens, a textile room, four student computer rooms, and three Design Technology rooms.
Playground Areas
Students have access to a sports oval and tennis, netball and basketball courts for sports and recreational use at recess and lunch. Students have use of shaded and grassed areas equipped with tables and chairs. The main quadrangle is marked for small ball games and the inner quadrangle is available, for Year 7 students only, in term 1.
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Hall
Our Hall is used during the day as a gymnasium for PE classes but is also available for school assemblies and for other learning activities. The stage is available for performances and for other school gatherings. The Hall is used at lunch times for sporting activities.
