Are you in Year 10 and excited by the arts and humanities?

* Do you have an aptitude for visual or performing arts and humanities?

* Would you like to extend your arts and humanities experiences?

* Can you see yourself attending Victoria’s leading government secondary boys’ school?

* Do you want a broad education that includes a study of the arts and humanities?

Melbourne High School is a selective entry Years 9 to 12 boys’ school that offers an arts and humanities intake at Year 11 for a two-year VCE arts and humanities course of study. This additional enrolment enables students who are excited by the arts and humanities, and who have a demonstrated commitment to these disciplines, to take advantage of the School’s learning environment to achieve excellence.

1. Students must be Australian citizens, either by birth, Australian Citizenship, or as holder of a visa or ImmiCard, which would exempt them from paying International Student Fees to attend a Victorian government school. New Zealand citizens residing in Australia are eligible to apply however, Melbourne High School cannot enrol international or temporary students.

2. Applications open on Monday 1st May 2023

​3. Closing date is Monday 17th July 2023

4. Applicants must be currently enrolled in a full-time Year 10 program.

5. In year 11 successful students must study at least two VCE subjects from the Arts and Humanities domains.  In year 12 the student must study at least two VCE subjects from the Arts and Humanities domains.

This study load equates to a minimum of eight units of VCE Arts and, or Humanities subjects.

The 2024 Arts and Humanities subjects offered are listed below. Please note that these study options are subject to demand. There is no guarantee that all subjects listed will be offered in 2024. Successful applicants will be advised of confirmed selections prior to any final offering of a place.

Arts subjects

Humanities subjects

Art Making and Exhibiting units 1-4

Australian Politics units 1-2

Media Studies units 1-4

Geography units 1-4

Music Enquiry units 3-4

Global Politics units 3-4

Music Repertoire Performance units 1-4

History: Modern History units 1-2

Theatre Studies units 1-4

History: Revolutions units 3-4

Visual Communication Design units 1-4

Philosophy units 1-4

Language: Can be only one of the four languages offered at Melbourne High School. 

French, German, Japanese, Indonesian

units 1-4

Sociology units 1-4

Selection is via the completed MHS Application Form (located at the bottom of this page), accompanied by photocopies of two school reports and, where applicable, submission of a folio. Short-listed candidates will attend an interview and where relevant an audition.

The 4% rule and Principal’s Discretionary Category are not applicable for the Visual and Performing Arts and Humanities Intake.

There are two main components of the Year 11 Selection Process:

1. Written Application

Applications are made using the MHS Application Form, located at the bottom of this page. The candidate, in their own handwriting, must write their personal response outlining the reasons why they wish to attend Melbourne High School. Statements of achievement against the selection criteria are to be made with supporting documents, such as certificates or coach’s reference. Photocopies of two school reports are required. All applications are assessed by a school-appointed selection panel against the required criteria.

A photocopy of the 2023 mid-year and 2022 end of year 10 school reports must be included with the written application. Applicants wishing to study Media are required to submit a two-minute film. Applicants wishing to study Studio Arts and Visual Communication are required to submit up to six photographs of their work with an artist’s progress statement. Those applying for these subjects need to email the School Registrar to request a personalised Electronic folder (email is link provided below). An Electronic folder with the candidate’s name will be set up so that all the applicant’s material can be saved in their own personalised folder and submitted to Melbourne High School. Full application instructions appear in the MHS Application Form.

Based on written applications, students may be shortlisted for further consideration.

2. Interview and Audition (where relevant)

All short-listed applicants are interviewed by a School selection panel. Applicants wishing to study Music Enquiry, Music Repertoire Performance, and Theatre Studies are required to perform works for the selection panel.

Following interviews, the selection panel ranks all short-listed applicants and positions are offered by the School strictly according to this rank order.

Application for entry to Melbourne High School at Year 11 is assessed against the following criteria:

1. Outstanding Potential in VCE Arts or Humanities Subjects

Successful applicants will be able to demonstrate significant ability and potential in at least two of the Year 11 Intake subjects listed above. The written application, supporting material, together with performance at audition(s), if relevant, and interview, will be taken into consideration.

2. Co-curricular Achievement

Successful applicants will be able to demonstrate significant achievement in one or more areas of co-curricular involvement such as sport, music, debating and the performing arts.

3. School Leadership

Successful applicants should be able to demonstrate a record of leadership at the secondary school level or within the broader community. It is expected that applicants can demonstrate a high level of achievement against each criterion.

4. Academic Achievement

Successful applicants should be able to demonstrate a record of strong academic achievement at secondary school level.

A previous close family connection to the School may be considered.

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Application Forms

1. Download information and application form from here>>

2. Download monologues for Theatre Studies audition from here>>

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Confirmation of offer

Melbourne High School will confirm an initial offer of a place during the first week of September. However, this will be conditional on our confirmation of the current availability of subjects selected (i.e. a subject may not be offered in 2024 if there are insufficient subject enrolments; in this event, applicants and parents will be notified to select another subject). A formal offer of a place will only occur once subject selection and availability have been confirmed. Course confirmation is advised prior to the end of Term 3.​