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ABOUT SOMERSET COLLEGE

THE HISTORY OF SOMERSET COLLEGE

2007 marked the 25th Anniversary of the commencement of Somerset College.

Somerset College, a co-educational day school from Early Education to Year 12, is located at Mudgeeraba, Gold Coast, and is situated on approximately 22 hectares of land. The site upon which Somerset College is built was originally used for dairy farming, was uniquely rural and owned by the original pioneering families to the area. Since 1983 the surrounding countryside has undergone considerable urban development.

The school opened with a simple ceremony on January 27th, 1983 with 158 pupils in classes from Year 1 to Year 8. The school's first Headmaster was Mr CR Wells. By the commencement of Term 4, total school enrolments had grown to 248, 189 of which were in the Junior School. The growth of numbers through this first year proved that there was a need for another independent school on the Gold Coast and, indeed, secured the school's future.

Major contributing factors to the success of the school have been a very well-qualified, talented and deeply committed staff, and the presence of very strong support from parents and the community. The most up-to-date equipment and the fine facilities enhance an educational environment in which academic, cultural and sporting opportunities are maximised.

Massive building developments have taken place almost continually as the school increased in size to its present maximum enrolment of approximately 1160. The first Year 12 pupils graduated in 1987.

Dr BJ Arnison OAM retired at the end of 2008 after 26 years at the College. He was appointed as Headmaster late in 1986. Dr Arnison was a foundation member of staff and up until his appointment had been Deputy Headmaster.

Mr Craig Bassingthwaighte was appointed Headmaster in 2009.

The history and traditions of the school are recorded and maintained by the Head of Archives.

SCHOOL COUNCIL

The Founders of Somerset College formed the initial School Council. Subsequent personnel changes were made in accordance with statutory regulations and provisions of the Companies Act.

The School Council has total responsibility for the affairs of Somerset College, but is most generally concerned with major issues such as finance, building alterations, maintenance, salary scales and fee structures.

The Headmaster has responsibility for the administration of all day-to-day affairs. He is also charged with encouraging and promoting activities appropriate to the ethos of the school.

THE CHRISTIAN ETHOS OF SOMERSET COLLEGE

Somerset College is an Inter-denominational Christian School, which implies a number of things. The most important being the Christian Foundation upon which this school operates. Staff are expected to uphold these standards and to demonstrate a respect for them. It is our preference that staff affirm pupils and encourage them in all aspects of school life.

As part of the normal school life, times are set aside for prayer and weekly Christian services. Staff are more than welcome to join the prayer gathering on Monday at 8.15am and for Holy Communion on Wednesday at 8.00 am. Both gatherings are in the small chapel under the Chaplains’ offices. This is a time when both staff and parents join together and pray for all aspects of the school. All teachers are called upon to be present at House Chapels, weekly School Chapel, House Family Services and various whole school services such as the Induction of Senior Leaders/Commissioning of Senior Pupils, Anzac Day and so on.

The school also provides care and support to the families of both staff and pupils. This support is given through the conducting of weddings, baptisms and funerals, as well as some form of visitation during an illness, or times of difficulty. At times teachers need someone to chat with or need emotional or spiritual support and the Chaplaincy team is only too happy to assist in this way as well.

We have a number of different faiths at the school with holy days which are different to those on the Christian calendar. These pupils may be absent on these days but will be marked present. As normal, a note should be provided in the student diary regarding the absence. Special allowances will need to be made in relation to assessments. The school will attempt to notify you of these dates in advance.

SCHOOL ORGANISATION

The Headmaster is responsible for the educational programme of the School. In the Senior School, he delegates day-to-day conduct to his Deputy Headmaster, Mr Michael Brohier. The Head of Senior School, Mr Adrian Johnson assists the Deputy with academic and pastoral care matters respectively.

In the Junior School, the Headmaster delegates day-to-day management to the Head of the Junior School, Mrs V. Lamb. The Deputy-Junior School, Mrs M. Sauer assists the Head of the Junior School with academic matters.

Pupils in both the Junior and Senior school are placed in classes on criteria such as age, learning readiness, literacy and College grouping philosophy. Parents are involved as much as possible in selection and review.

The Headmaster has appointed an experienced and capable member of staff in charge of each subject in the school, who is responsible for course selection and teaching methods in that subject.

All approaches to the Headmaster should be made through the Headmaster's Personal Assistant. The Headmaster will be pleased to handle each matter personally. Other commitments may necessitate an appointment being made for an interview.