What student years and levels do you cater for?
JMSS is a co-educational school for Years 10, 11 and 12. Applications are open to students currently studying Years 9 and 10. Applications close in May for the following year.
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.
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.
How competitive is entry?
We take approximately 200 students for Year 10 and approximately 30 for Year 11 entry each year. Interest in both year levels continues to grow, making selection highly competitive.
What is the selection process?
It is a two-stage process; students’ results are analysed, and those shortlisted will be invited to the group activity and interview. First round offers are sent out in late September. Please refer to our enrolment policy on our website for more information.
What does the entrance exam assess? Is the process the same for both Year levels?
Academic potential, Literacy, Scientific aptitude, Mathematics, Numeracy, and Scientific Writing. The testing format is similar across both year levels and aligned with the Victorian school curriculum level the student is currently studying. The assessments created are unique to John Monash Science School and change each year.
Are there preparation resources or sample questions?
Students should consider purchasing one practice exam from the Edutest website to experience the assessment style. Scientific Written materials are not included in the practice test sets. They are designed to help students prepare for the testing environment rather than the specific content. JMSS does not encourage tutoring for the entrance test or interview stage.
Does prior academic performance matter?
Not for the testing stage. However, if a student is shortlisted for an interview, they will be asked to bring full school reports from the past 18 months.
How heavy is the workload?
Students who come to JMSS often find that the workload is higher than they have experienced previously. This can be due to a combination of factors, including the step up from Year 9 to 10 (or 10 into VCE), the faster pace of some subjects, and the depth and breadth of others. It may be the first time students have faced academic challenges, and it may take time for them to explore and establish different study strategies and routines.
If you have participated in extracurricular activities, does that help with admission?
Extracurricular activities are not assessed in the test. However, during the interview, we like to understand a student’s interests and how they balance school and life. It helps us get a sense of the whole person and how they arrange priorities.
Students are interested in Mathematics and Science, what about English at JMSS?
English is a core part of VCE; strong English skills support success across all subjects and help become strong communicators. We offer English, Literature, English Language, and EAL.
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 does a typical timetable look like?
We have a 10 Day timetable, with five 60-minute periods on most days. Wednesday afternoons are dedicated to the Co-Curricular Program, where students explore interests beyond the standard curriculum. We have mentor groups that meet four times a week. This is a cross-year level group, led by a Mentor Teacher.
We are planning a family holiday next year. Will this be an issue?
Travel due to family vacations is not considered a school-approved absence. Trips should be confined to the designated school holiday period. Not only do absences during the school year put extra pressure on the student to catch up on missed work, but they also make it difficult to authenticate assessments.
Where do students come from geographically?
Students travel from all across Melbourne, and some students travel over 1.5 hours each way. Families should consider daily travel time, transport options, who can pick up in an emergency, and how travel time may affect study routines, especially in VCE.
Is there a school zone or catchment?
No, JMSS accepts students from all areas of Melbourne and regional Victoria.
How do students typically travel to school?
Most students use public transport. The Monash University bus loop connects students to Huntingdale Station and services different parts of Melbourne.
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.
Does JMSS accept students with neurodiverse backgrounds? And how do you support them?
Yes, JMSS values diverse ways of thinking, learning, and problem-solving. Neurodiverse students apply through the same entry process as all applicants, with reasonable adjustments available upon request. Support is tailored, practical, and grounded in Department of Education guidelines. We work closely with families to understand each student’s needs and put appropriate adjustments in place so they can thrive academically and socially.
How is JMSS different from other high schools?
JMSS is Victoria’s first Designated Purpose Setting for High Ability Students studying Science, Mathematics, and Technology. We offer an extensive range of subjects in these areas and provide a learning environment designed for curious, motivated, high-achieving students. We encourage all applicants to read our School Prospectus, available on our website.
What Wellbeing supports are available?
JMSS has a dedicated Wellbeing team that supports students through academic pressure, stress, and personal challenges. Students can access counseling, check-ins, and tailored support when needed.
Do students still have time for extracurriculars?
Yes. We encourage students to maintain a healthy balance and pursue interests outside of study throughout Years 10 to 12.
Which universities do graduates go to?
Graduates of Year 12 at JMSS generally attend university, with more than two-thirds traditionally going to Monash University Clayton. Some of our students choose to study interstate or overseas. In recent years, the most popular courses for JMSS graduates have been Engineering, followed by Science and Biomedical Science. Pharmaceutical Science, Computer and Medicine are also popular.
