ABOUT SOMERSET COLLEGE

THE HISTORY OF SOMERSET COLLEGE

2012 marked the 30th Anniversary of the commencement of Somerset College.

Somerset College, a co-educational day school from Pre-Prep to Year 12, is located at Mudgeeraba on the 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 College opened with a simple ceremony on 27 January 1983 with 158 students in classes from Year 1 to Year 8. The school's first Headmaster was Mr CR Wells. By the commencement of Term Four, 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 College'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 College increased in size to its present enrolment of approximately 1400 students. 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 College are recorded and maintained by the Head of Archives.

Copies of The Bird and the Tree: the first 25 Years of Somerset College are available.

COLLEGE BOARD

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 College Board 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 current Board is:
Mr Tony Hickey                Chairman
Mr Terry Herbert             Deputy Chairman
Professor Lyn Griffiths     Member
Mrs Belinda Simmons      Member
Mrs Penny Thurnwald    Member
Mr Sahba Abedian            Member
Mr Jason Cordner              Member
Mrs Louise Davidson         Member
Mr Bede Young                   Member

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 College.

THE CHRISTIAN ETHOS OF SOMERSET COLLEGE

Somerset College is an independent, inter-denominational school in the Christian tradition, 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 students and encourage them in all aspects of school life.

As part of normal school life, times are set aside for prayer and regular Christian services.

The College also provides care and support to the families of both staff and students. 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 College with holy days which are different to those on the Christian calendar.

SCHOOL ORGANISATION

The Headmaster is responsible for the educational programme of the College. In the Senior School, he delegates day-to-day conduct to his Deputy Headmaster, Dr Michael Brohier. The Head of Senior School, Dr 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 Virginia Lamb. The Deputy-Junior School, Mrs Michele Sauer assists the Head of the Junior School with academic matters.

Students 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 College, 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, Mrs Wendy Bacon. The Headmaster will be pleased to handle each matter personally. Other commitments may necessitate an appointment being made for an interview.