FAQs
Is bullying a problem here?
Any school of 1000 boys will have some bullying. It happens, but is not a major problem at Hutchins. We teach boys resilience - just walk away. If that does not stop it, we ask boys to say to the person "I do not like that behaviour / comment." If there is not an appropriate response, boys are asked to tell a parent or teacher and a mediation process may be set up. Sanctions are part of the process but we do all we can to resolve the issue before it gets to sanctions - the final step if all else fails.
How big are the classes?
In the ELC classes are usually not more than 24. In the Junior School classes are usually 25 or 26 in size and in the Middle School about 26 or 27. Occasionally, a class may grow to above 25, but many other classes are often as low as 10 or 12, depending on the subject.
Do we have composite classes?
No. All classes are the same Year Group up to Year 10. Year 11 and Year 12 have shared classes with both Year Groups and with girls from Fahan and Collegiate.
What is the settling-in process?
A "Big Brother" or mentor is assigned to every new student. MS boys have two Orientation days in November where they will meet the other students and staff. Another Orientation Day is held in February, just before the commencement of the new school year.
What about the school buses?
There are three routes and seats are available for boys up to Year 6 only - older boys may be carried depending on availability of space. Older boys travel on public transport. The precise school bus routes are determined each year by Chief Driver but are usually door-to-door.
Discipline?
Pastoral care and discipline go hand in hand. Boys are taught self-accountability and accountability to their peers, teachers and other adults. Each sub-school has a Head of School. Counselling is also available and the Student Tribunal is a special body which assists staff in some disciplinary matters. Sanctions can range from staying in class at lunch time to detentions after school or on Saturday. Boys may be suspended internally or externally or even asked to leave the School. The School has the right to ask for a boy to be removed if he is likely to affect the safety or happiness of other boys. Hutchins tries to be firm but friendly in all situations.
Girls?
Many classes in Year 11 and Year 12 are mixed - girls from Collegiate or Fahan attend classes here and Hutchins boys may attend classes at the girls' schools. This offers Hutchins boys a unique advantage of an enormous range of subjects offered at Year 11 and 12. Socials and individual class activities occur where Hutchins boys will work with girls' classes. The School also offers social opportunities through drama productions, music and activities days with Collegiate.
Boys only?
All classes are single sex to Year 10. This allows us to focus on the education of boys. Boys and girls mature at very different rates and learn differently. Boys are competitive and often need more activities to use up energy.
How do Hutchins' academic results compare with other schools' results?
Every year over 90% of Hutchins' Year 12 boys go on to university. Last year it was 93%. Hutchins is not academically selective - we have a number of boys who elect to do VET courses and we will permit all boys to sit for exams if they wish. Many of the girls who do a subject at Hutchins get their best marks at Hutchins.
Fees?
A full list of fees for tuition and boarding can be obtained by making contact with the Enrolments Assistant on 6221 4236 or emma.griffiths@hutchins.tas.edu.au.
Compulsory sport?
A wide selection of summer and winter sports is offered. All Middle School and Senior School boys must play a summer and a winter sport. Junior School boys have compulsory sport in winter. Sport is compulsory because it assists with physical development, with team spirit and discipline. Sport is also important because it helps boys stay connected: this is now seen as a vital element in the development of a boy.
All boys are expected to give absolute priority to commitments they have through the membership of orchestras, choirs, debating teams and representative sporting teams. Written applications for exemption (on medical grounds only) may be made to the Sports Administrator.
Boys from Year 2 - Year 12 may participate in community teams provided that such participation does not prevent their meeting School requirements and provided that they do not play in a team which competes against a Hutchins team in the same roster or Premiership competition.
Does Hutchins offer Scholarships?
Scholarship exams are held in May each year for Scholarships into Years 6, 7, 11. All boys may apply. Application forms are available from School office in April.
What is the Bednall Centre For Learning Support?
The Bednall Centre For Learning Support offers extension programs for Gifted and Talented boys, and has attracted national interest for the special programs offered. The Centre also offers remedial lessons for boys needing assistance in any area. The Centre also has special support groups for boys with special needs - Aspergers, ADHD etc. The ESL (English as a Second Language) classroom is part of the Centre.
Do you have international students?
Students from many countries attend Hutchins. Hutchins has had international students for over fifty years, and currently the School is host to boys from Bangladesh, Japan, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Korea, Germany, Singapore, Malaysia, France, Spain and Vietnam . Approximately 4.5% of the total School population is international students. Most international students live in Burbury House.
GAP students from USA, South Africa, Germany and UK are welcomed - and Hutchins sends GAP students to many countries.
The School offers exchange programs with schools in Thailand, Canada, Singapore, India and the USA.
