What student years and levels do you cater for?
JMSS is a co-educational school for Years 10, 11 and 12.
How and when can I join JMSS?
Entrance to JMSS will be based on students’ aptitude in and passion for science, mathematics and associated technologies. Potential students undertake an application process including written assessment tasks and an interview where students demonstrate their suitability for the school’s learning opportunities.
JMSS accepts 200 students into Year 10 each year, and there will also be limited places available in Year 11. The school does not allow entry at Year 12. Prospective students can register for the selection process via our website www.jmss.vic.edu.au.
Enrolment into the school is limited to a maximum number of students from each school, as with select-entry schools. The school attracts students from all educational sectors, as well as regional and rural locations.
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What are your average class sizes?
Normal class sizes will be at or below 25 students. Group sizes may vary according to the needs of the task, from large lecture groups to small tutorial groups on specific topics. JMSS uses Team Teaching in many subjects, with 2 teachers and up to 50 students in classes. Our school’s layout is largely open plan to accommodate large classes and flexible learning spaces.
What is the balance between males and females?
Our experience has shown that both genders are attracted to the school in equal numbers, with the outstanding facilities and curriculum opportunities cited as the key reasons. We have an equal number of male and female staff. We have an almost 50:50 gender balance between females and males. Science is for everyone.
What are the school hours?
At JMSS, our school day begins at 8.40 am.
Students are dismissed at 15.20 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and 15.30 pm on Wednesdays.
What is the school uniform policy?
School uniforms are compulsory for JMSS students, comprising of a Summer, Winter and Sports uniform. Uniform information is given at enrolment, and second-hand uniforms are available.
What are the fees and other costs?
Victorian Government Schools provide students with free instruction to fulfil the standard Victorian curriculum and we want to assure you that all contributions are voluntary. Nevertheless, the ongoing support of our families ensures that our school can offer the best possible education, facilities, and support for our students. We want to thank you for your support so that we can continue to provide students with access to world-class science and education research and ensure our curriculum can continue to hit the cutting edge of contemporary knowledge and practice.
Is there a full choice of subjects through to VCE?
Although JMSS is Victoria’s first specialist school for the sciences, mathematics and associated technologies, it offers a broad curriculum that satisfies the Australian Essential Learning Standards (AusVELS) and Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) requirements and assessments.
What textbooks and technology are required?
Students are required to bring two digital devices to school. The primary device (for example laptop or notebook computer) will serve as the student’s main computer. The secondary device (for example a tablet or a hybrid “phablet”) will give students access to advanced digital content and various applications through which to organise this content.
Textbooks, apps and eBook lists will be provided to parents before the start of each school year. Students will be able to borrow both eBooks and print resources from the school’s library.
Who is John Monash?
JMSS is named to commemorate the legacy of a famous and distinguished Australian, General Sir John Monash. Sir John Monash is best known for his outstanding military service during World War One, but his impact on Victoria was profound in the civic, education and engineering spheres. He is remembered in the names of Monash University and the City of Monash.
Are the students free to socialise with Monash University students?
JMSS is a separate facility from the University, even though it is located on the grounds of Monash University’s Clayton campus. Students remain within the school grounds for the whole day except for supervised lectures and workshops on the University campus.
Monash University provides immersion opportunities for all of our students in science, engineering, mathematics and IT. These are held at regular times throughout the year under the supervision of JMSS staff and University Academics.
Year 12 students undertaking a first-year University subject as part of Year 12 extension at JMSS may be required to attend lectures, tutorials and pracs at Melbourne University and this will be factored into the construction of the timetable.
Students may also take advantage of the library, sporting, cultural and other extra-curricular opportunities presented by the University outside school hours.
