Frequently Asked Questions


What are the benefits of an all boy education?
This requires a detailed answer. However, the following observations have been made:

  • boys are less distracted in single-sex schools and more likely to concentrate on the task at hand
  • the curriculum can gear all resources to the specific needs of boys
  • some subjects are more difficult to explore and discuss in co-educational schools
  • in single-sex schools, girls get a better chance in Science/Maths whilst boys can be more successful in the Cultural areas
  • boys learn differently from girls and these needs are catered for

What are BBC's strengths?

  • we offer an all round education: a broad based curriculum designed to achieve the goal of educating the "whole" person and to encourage boys to reach their full potential in all areas.
  • a structured pastoral care programme
  • BBC is large enough to offer a full range of subjects but small enough to preserve a friendly atmosphere between staff and students
  • our students are from a diverse range of social, ethnic and religious background thus encouraging tolerance and understanding
  • well qualified and experienced staff who possess individual strengths and bring empathy, enthusiasm and friendliness to the task of teaching
  • established 100 years ago, we have a long tradition of excellence and we offer a full range of academic subjects including foreign languages in all year levels. The College uses a learning and teaching framework to guide academic learning and teaching. The framework is based on Dimensions of Learning, Multiple Intelligences, Moral and Ethical Thinking, and the use of technology to enhance thinking and learning.
  • BBC also offers manual arts and cultural subjects including music, drama, dance, physical education and life skills
  • we are committed to an extensive activities programme, both as part of the academic curriculum through physical education, drama, dance and class music, and as an integral component of the co-curricular life of the school through organised activities including many sports as well as pursuits such as chess and debating. This commitment embraces the important objectives of participation, striving and fair play.
  • the arts play an important part in the life of the school. The Music Department is a busy and greatly respected part of BBC with class groups and individuals being taught by highly professional staff from within BBC and from outside the school. Various orchestras, instrumental ensembles, pipe and drum band and choral groups provide opportunities for boys to perform regularly in public and tours have been organised both in Australia and overseas

What are the class sizes?

  • Junior School - maximum of 25 in Year 4 and between 25 - 28 in Years 5 and 6
  • Middle School - between 25 - 28
  • Senior School - between 25 - 28 in core classes although most electives are between 15 - 25

How do you overcome Year 8 students feeling lost in such large year groups?
A number of strategies have been put in place to assist boys to settle quickly into Year 8:

  • transition programme which includes a day experiencing life at BBC in the November before commencing at the College
  • up to 60% of their lessons take place in their Home Rooms
  • links between their House and class group

Do you offer an IT Programme?
BBC has integrated IT across its curriculum in all Year levels. A robotics and multimedia elective is available in Years 9 and 10 and Information Processing Technology and Information Technology Systems in Years 11 and 12.

What languages do you offer?

  • Indonesian in Years 4 - 6
  • French, German, Japanese or Chinese (Mandarin) in Years 7 - 12

What programs do you have for gifted and talented students?

We offer opportunities for enrichment and extension to all students. The College has established a centre dedicated to meeting the needs of student with high intellectual potential. The MAP Centre (Managing Academic Potential) aims to develop innovative and creative programs to challenge and extend these students. Subject extension is also available.

Do you provide bus services?
BBC is only a 5 minute walk from the Toowong Railway Station and is also serviced by several major Brisbane City Council bus routes. In addition, the College is accessible via private bus services from The Gap and Ashgrove areas and the Hamilton and Clayfield areas.

Do you have an outdoor education programme?
An extensive programme is in place for Years 4 - 10. The object of the integrated programme is to augment the education of each BBC boy by challenging him to experience an integrated programme of academic, physical and social skills development in an outdoor environment under the guidance of experienced instructors. A Leadership Camp is offered for all Year 11 students.

Do you offer a Music Programme?
Music has always been an important part of BBC and is encouraged and nurtured at all year levels. More than 450 boys take part in our instrumental or vocal lessons and are actively involved members of various ensembles, orchestras, bands, choirs and Pipe and Drum Band

How many female teachers does BBC have?
Approximately 27% of BBC's academic staff are female.

Do they have to do sport if they want to pursue music and drama?
All students are expected to participate in at least one sporting activity per season.

When should I lodge my application?
Applications are accepted any time after birth. Although we can offer no guarantees, provided an application is received within two years of enrolment,every endeavour will be made to assist you.

Are there opportunities for boys to interact with girls?
A number of social education events are organised by the College to provide the opportunity for boys to have interaction with girls such as school dances and social education. BBC boys also have the opportunity to interact with girls from our sister schools Clayeld College and Somerville House.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


CRICOS Code: 00491J