Hobart College, Tasmania

An independent school, called Hobart High School operated from 1850 to 1884.{{cite news |title=Obituary |url= http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=AS19201228.2.73 |accessdate=3 May 2013 |newspaper=Auckland Star |volume=LI |issue=309 |date=28 December 1920 |page=5}}{{cite web | url=https://www.utas.edu.au/tasmanian-companion/biogs/E000512b.htm | title=Independent Schools | publisher=University of Tasmania | work=Companion to Australian History | accessdate=29 August 2021}}

Hobart College was the first government school in Tasmania to be developed solely for years 11 and 12, the students in years 7–10 being re-directed to other government high schools such as Taroona High School.{{cite web|url=http://search.archives.tas.gov.au/default.aspx?detail=1&type=A&id=TA01208 |title=Archive Office of Tasmania |date=January 1913 |accessdate=2009-09-13}}

The current Hobart College campus was originally part of the former Tasmanian College of Advanced Education, established in 1972, a large part of which was eventually absorbed into the University of Tasmania. Buildings on the campus reflect the architectural style of inner city American college designers of the late 1960s, with massive concrete facades and few windows in the earliest buildings. Hobart Matriculation College relocated to the Mount Nelson campus from its previous 71 Letitia Street, North Hobart location in 1984.{{cite book |last1=Brewer |first1=Warren B.|title=Last assembly : a celebration of education at 71 Letitia Street, Sunday December 10th, 1995 |date=1985 |publisher=Department of Education and the Arts. Education Services |location=Hobart}} Prior to this, between 1913 and 1917 the Hobart High School was located at Trinity Hill, also in North Hobart.{{cite web |title=Hobart High School records |date=January 1913 |url=https://librariestas.ent.sirsidynix.net.au/client/en_AU/tas/search/detailnonmodal/ent:$002f$002fARCHIVES_AGENCIES$002f0$002fARCHIVES_AGE_DIX:TA1208/one |publisher=Libraries Tasmania}}

The commencement of the Hobart State High School was an important step for education in Tasmania, as it was the first state high school set up in Tasmania. A high school was also established in {{TAScity|Launceston}} sharing two classrooms of the Charles Street Primary School.

In order to gain entrance to the new state high schools students had to have a qualifying certificate from a class teacher and pass their grade 6 exam. Attendance at high school was optional. On 26 November 1912, 885 students sat for the exams, and 513 qualified to enter high school either in Hobart or Launceston. However, only about half actually enrolled.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10270024 |title=STATE HIGH SCHOOLS. |newspaper=The Mercury |volume=XCVIII |issue=13,344 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 January 1913 |accessdate=10 September 2019 |page=7 |via=National Library of Australia}} Some of the students were permitted to start the second year when the school started.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10371084 |title=EDUCATION DEPARTMENT. |newspaper=The Mercury |volume=C |issue=13,794 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=14 May 1914 |accessdate=10 September 2019 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}

The old Trinity Hill state school was remodelled to accommodate the high school. There were five classrooms, a teacher's room, a science room, two cloak rooms, and a woodwork workshop. Classes started on 28 January 1913 at 9 AM. The new high school was officially opened by the Premier, Albert Solomon on 29 January 1913. The school started with 137 scholars, 69 girls and 86 boys. The original courses included teaching, university preparation, industrial, commercial, and home making. Common subjects for each course were English, geography, history, mathematics, music and physical culture. Students in the teaching course also had to learn a foreign language, science, and woodwork or cookery. Students desiring to enter university had to study two foreign languages, and two science subjects. Commercial school students had to study business principles and practice, shorthand and bookkeeping. The industrial course was for those that wanted to be mechanics. It included drawing, benchwork and science. The domestic course included needlework, cooking and domestic hygiene. The foreign language courses included Latin for university entrance, and French and German were considered more useful for occupational benefit. History covered Australian history and English history.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article50711540 |title=EDUCATION DEPARTMENT The Report for 1912. |newspaper=The Examiner (Tasmania) |volume=LXXII |issue=144 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=18 June 1913 |accessdate=10 September 2019 |page=7 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}} Science subjects included Chemistry and Physics. Mathematics included Geometry and Algebra.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10402810 |title=Hobart State High School. First Annual Speech Day. A Successful Gathering. |newspaper=The Mercury |volume=CII |issue=14,019 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=6 February 1915 |accessdate=11 September 2019 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}

An intermediate certificate would be issued after two years of education on passing the exams. A leaving certificate was issued to those that completed the two year upper school courses.

The purpose of the high school was to provide for education of students that would otherwise drop out after primary school. The aim was not to satisfy examiners, but to "broaden and deepen the educational outlook and cultivating right thoughts and actions".{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10272856 |title=THE STATE HIGH SCHOOLS |newspaper=The Mercury |volume=XCVIII |issue=13,366 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=30 January 1913 |accessdate=10 September 2019 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}

The first principal was Mr P. H. Mitchell B.A. who was previously working as principal at the Beaconsfield Primary school. The other original teachers that started at the school were Mr. G. L. Wood, Mr C. L. Sharp, Miss Law, Mr. R. C. Stephens, BA.,{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article190274939 |title=LATE MR. R. STEPHENS |newspaper=World |volume=VII |issue=633 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 November 1922 |accessdate=11 September 2019 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}} and Miss M. W. Weaver, B.A.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article50683321 |title=STATE HIGH SCHOOLS. |newspaper=The Examiner (Tasmania) |volume=LXXI |issue=293 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=7 December 1912 |accessdate=10 September 2019 |page=5 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}

In 1914 the Hobart State High School in its second year had 113 first year students, 74 second year, and 35 in third year. Fourth year class had not yet started.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article50818332 |title=Education Department. Annual Report. An All-round Advance|newspaper=The Examiner (Tasmania) |volume=LXXIV |issue=130 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=2 June 1915 |accessdate=10 September 2019 |page=7 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}} Enrollments for each course were secondary course: 49; teachers: 28; industrial: 33; commercial: 97. Space for the school was insufficient, and with overcrowding even the cloakrooms were used as classrooms. The teacher's residence at Ivy Lodge was then planned to convert to woodwork workshops for students.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10361003 |title=STATE HIGH SCHOOLS. |newspaper=The Mercury |volume=XCX |issue=13,711 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 February 1914 |accessdate=10 September 2019 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}} Later space was rented in the Hobart Baptist Tabernacle.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10437437 |title=Public Works Committee. Proposed New High School In Hobart. Director Emphasises The Need. |newspaper=The Mercury |volume=CIII |issue=14,263 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 November 1915 |accessdate=10 September 2019 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}

The school moved to the Letitia Street building, and its accommodation was immediately taken over by the infant department of the nearby Elizabeth Street Practising School.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226336775 |title=STATE HIGH SCHOOL. |newspaper=The Mercury |volume=CVII |issue=14,969 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=11 October 1917 |accessdate=10 September 2019 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}

In 2013 the building was sold by the Tasmanian Government for {{AUD}}2.8 million.{{cite web |last1=Hodgman |first1=Will |title=Greens hypocrisy exposed |url=http://www.premier.tas.gov.au/site_resources_2015/additional_releases/greens_hypocrisy_exposed |website=www.premier.tas.gov.au |language=en |date=4 April 2017}}

From 1918 to 1984 the school was located at 71 Letitia Street, North Hobart.

A new site for the Hobart State High School was selected in North Hobart on a {{convert|2|acre|ha|0|adj=on|order=flip}} block between Park Street (now the Brooker Highway), Federal Street and Letitia Street, on which a tramway ran. It was adjacent to the Queens Domain and close to the North Hobart recreation ground. One building was designed with space, ventilation, lighting and heating.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10438084 |title=Proposed State High School - Recommended By Public Works Committee - Electrical Heating Recommended |newspaper=The Mercury |volume=CIII |issue=14,268 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=3 December 1915 |accessdate=10 September 2019 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}} The building cost £15,000.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article84276654 |title=TASMANIA. |newspaper=Zeehan and Dundas Herald |volume=XXIX |issue=57 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 December 1917 |accessdate=10 September 2019 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}

The new site was officially opened by the premier G. H. Lee on 18 December 1917.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article153027753 |title=HOBART STATE HIGH SCHOOL. |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |volume=XXXVII |issue=303 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 December 1917 |accessdate=10 September 2019 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}} The Hobart State High School started at the new location on 29 September 1918. By 1919 in addition to the main building there was a separate block containing science laboratories and wordworking and fitting shops. A new building for science and music opened on 7 June 1958.{{cite book |title=Official opening of the new building for science and music, 7th June 1958 : programme |date=1958 |publisher=Mercury |location=Hobart |pages=1–4}}

Students were organised into three colour groups for sporting competition purposes, red green and blue.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article187739727 |title=A Flourishing Institution - State High School's Progress - Its Place in Community|newspaper=World |volume=II |issue=61 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 March 1919 |accessdate=10 September 2019 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}} Later on gold was added.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article23540772 |title=HOBART-STATE HIGH SCHOOL. Annual Speech Night |newspaper=The Mercury |volume=CXVI |issue=16,991 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 March 1922 |accessdate=10 September 2019 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}

A Student's Christian Union formed in 1920, let by YMCA staff, it met once a week.

By 1922 high school study had been extended to five years, with an additional year required to achieve the Intermediate Certificate. In the same year an inter-school sports included hockey, football, cross-country running, tennis, cricket and swimming. Four extra classrooms were added to the main building in 1928 at a cost of A£2,162 by H. W. Pease.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article29770732 |title=HOBART STATE HIGH SCHOOL |newspaper=The Mercury |volume=CXXIX |issue=18,986 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1928 |accessdate=10 September 2019 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}

The 21st celebration of the Hobart High School was celebrated with a speech night at the Hobart City Hall attended by the Governor of Tasmania, Sir Ernest Clark on 6 March 1934. Later in the week there was a swimming carnival and sports competition. A special church service at the Wesley Church completed the week of celebration on Sunday.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51859651 |title=Justified The High School System Coming of Age |newspaper=The Examiner (Tasmania) |volume=XCII |issue=304 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=6 March 1934 |accessdate=10 September 2019 |page=7 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}

In 1935 two blind pupils enrolled from the nearby Institution of the Blind, Deaf and Dumb and were provided Braille textbooks.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article141470476 |title=Untitled |newspaper=Dungog Chronicle : Durham and Gloucester Advertiser |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=1 March 1935 |accessdate=11 September 2019 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}} One of these successfully completed 5 years.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article25775340 |title=HIGH SCHOOL PARENTS |newspaper=The Mercury |volume=CLII |issue=21,603 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=22 February 1940 |accessdate=11 September 2019 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}} The school was again excessively crowded, with the locker room in the basement being used as a classroom.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article29182150 |title=A ROYAL WELCOME |newspaper=The Mercury |volume=CXLII |issue=20,070 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 February 1935 |accessdate=11 September 2019 |page=7 |via=National Library of Australia}} In this year wireless was installed throughout the school.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article29181088 |title=HIGH SCHOOL PARENTS |newspaper=The Mercury |volume=CXLI |issue=20,064 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=13 February 1935 |accessdate=11 September 2019 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}

In 1936 the government considered building a new high school at nearby {{TAScity|New Town}}.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article25208346 |title=General News Items Tasmania New High School |newspaper=The Mercury |volume=CXLIV |issue=20,463 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 May 1936 |accessdate=11 September 2019 |page=7 |via=National Library of Australia}}

The Governor-General of Australia, Lord Gowrie visited the school in February 1937.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article30141296 |title=High School Girls Provide Guard Of Honour |newspaper=The Mercury |volume=CXLVI |issue=20,695 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=26 February 1937 |accessdate=12 September 2019 |page=12 |via=National Library of Australia}} Film projectors were ordered in 1938.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article25484922 |title=VISUAL EDUCATION |newspaper=The Mercury |volume=CXLVIII |issue=21,018 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=6 April 1938 |accessdate=12 September 2019 |page=10 |via=National Library of Australia}} Also in 1938 intermediate exams were abolished,{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article25486201 |title=EXAMINATION SYSTEM |newspaper=The Mercury |volume=CXLVIII |issue=21,019 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=7 April 1938 |accessdate=12 September 2019 |page=10 |via=National Library of Australia}} which meant that the intermediate certificate was based on schoolwork from 1939 onwards. A basketball court and two new tennis courts were made available in 1939.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article25607814 |title=HIGH SCHOOL PROGRESS |newspaper=The Mercury |volume=CL |issue=21,328 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=5 April 1939 |accessdate=14 September 2019 |page=11 |via=National Library of Australia}} In 1940 extra building work included a library, dining room, gymnasium, domestic science block and fences.

During World War II, the Hobart State High School contained the first aid post for sector 7, North-East Hobart.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article25889432 |title=WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT A.R.P. |newspaper=The Mercury |volume=CLV |issue=22,181 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=1 January 1942 |accessdate=15 September 2019 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}} A new canteen opened at the site on 12 March 1953.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article27141122 |title=High School Canteen Opened |newspaper=The Mercury |volume=CLXXIII |issue=25,656 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=13 March 1953 |accessdate=15 September 2019 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}

College facilities include a drama auditorium, sport and recreation centre, library, various computer laboratories, canteen, and many sporting fields.

• A-Block is the largest of the college's buildings. It houses the school's main entry and offices, and the student common area and canteen. A-Block also houses the library, student services, and principals' offices. Courses taught primarily in A-Block include, but are not limited to, accounting, business, and economics, history, geography, and social and behavioural sciences, legal studies, tourism, information systems, and music and dance. The International Student Centre is also located in A-Block
• C-Block contains arts and technology teaching areas. This includes a kitchen, cafe, and wood and metal work rooms.
• D-Block contains performing arts, foreign languages, health, English, and the adjoining Mount Nelson Theatre.
• E-Block contains the science laboratories and mathematics teaching areas, and the student study areas.
• F-Block contains the sport and outdoor education teaching areas. This includes a gymnasium, fitness centre, and a climbing wall.
• G-Block contains the glass and ceramics studio.

Hobart College also has a car park for student and teacher use and a bus mall. A ring-road surrounds Hobart College that is used as the perimeter of the campus grounds.{{Cite web|date=June 2021|title=Hobart College Student Information Guide 2022|url=https://hobartcollege.education.tas.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Std-InfoBook-2022-V10-1.pdf|access-date=23 June 2021|website=Hobart College|pages=26–30}} Outside of the ring-road is the Sustainability Learning Centre where the Student Environment Team (SET) gather and develop strategies for a more sustainable environment. The SET has audited the fortnightly collection of recycling wheelie bins by Veolia, partnered with the City of Hobart to introduce the [https://www.hobartcity.com.au/Residents/Recycling-and-rubbish/FOGO-and-compost Food Organics and Garden Organics] collection scheme, removed single-use plastics from the college canteen, and developed a draft College Waste Management Policy.{{Cite web|date=2020|title=Hobart College Course Information 2021: Student Environmental Team|url=https://hobartcollege.education.tas.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Course-Information-2021-SEPT-WEB.pdf|website=Hobart College|pages=50–51}}

Graduates from the Hobart State High School are called "Old Hobartians". This term was suggested by the teacher R. C. Stephens. The Old Hobartians Association was formed on 19 June 1915.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article25213437 |title=CIVIC SERVICE - Old Hobartians Praised - "Coming of Age" Dinner|newspaper=The Mercury |volume=CXLIV |issue=20,477 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=15 June 1936 |accessdate=10 September 2019 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}

File:Princess Mary of Denmark.jpg]]

• Eric Abetz (born 1958), former Liberal Senator for Tasmania{{cite web |url=http://www.liberal.org.au/Abbott-Team/People/Eric-Abetz.aspx |title=Eric Abetz – Liberal Party of Australia |publisher=Liberal Party of Australia |accessdate=23 November 2011}}
• David Bartlett (born 1968), former Premier of Tasmania
• Sir Max Bingham {{post-nominals|country=AUS|QC}} (born 1927), Rhodes Scholar and former Deputy Premier of Tasmania
• Ashton Calvert {{post-nominals|country=AUS|AC}} (1945–2007), Rhodes Scholar and former senior Australian public servant
• Peter Conrad (born 1948), Rhodes Scholar and English academic
• Mary Donaldson (born 1972), Queen Mary of Denmark, {{post-nominals|post-noms=R.E.}}{{cite web |url=http://www.kongehuset.dk/publish.php?dogtag=k_en_fam_mary |title=HRH The Crown Princess |publisher=The Danish Monarchy (Official Website) |accessdate=23 November 2011 |url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081228123135/http://kongehuset.dk/publish.php?dogtag=k_en_fam_mary |archivedate=28 December 2008 |df=dmy-all }}
• Rodney Eade (born 1958), Australian rules football coach{{cite web |url=http://www.collingwoodfc.com.au/rodney%20eade/tabid/18485/default.aspx |title=Rodney Eade Collingwood Football Club Profile |publisher=The Collingwood Football Club |accessdate=21 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120824235906/http://www.collingwoodfc.com.au/rodney%20eade/tabid/18485/default.aspx |archive-date=24 August 2012 |url-status=dead }}
• Stuart Hamilton {{post-nominals|country=AUS|AO}} (born 1950), Rhodes Scholar and former senior Australian public servant{{cite web|url=https://hobartcollege.education.tas.edu.au/rhodes-scholars/ |title=Rhodes Scholars |work=Hobart College |publisher=Tasmanian Department of Education |date=2018 |access-date=16 October 2020 }}
• Malcolm McCusker {{post-nominals|country=AUS|sep=,|AC|CVO|QC}} (born 1938), former Governor of Western Australia{{cite web |url=http://www.govhouse.wa.gov.au/governors-role-link/governor’s-biography.html |title=His Excellency Malcolm McCusker AC CVO QC, Governor of Western Australia |publisher=Government House Western Australia |accessdate=9 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701232721/http://www.govhouse.wa.gov.au/governors-role-link/governor%E2%80%99s-biography.html |archive-date=1 July 2017 |url-status=dead }}
• Nick McKim (born 1965), Australian Senator representing Tasmania, former leader of the Tasmanian Greens, State Minister and Member of the Tasmanian House of Assembly

• Charles Button (1838–1920), lawyer, judge and politician in New Zealand

Over the years the school has produced several publications.{{cite web |title=Authors: "Hobart High School (Tas.)" |url=https://librariestas.ent.sirsidynix.net.au/client/en_AU/library/search/results?qu=AUTHOR_INDEX%3D%22Hobart%20High%20School%20(Tas.)%22 |publisher=Libraries Tasmania}}

• Magazine{{spaced endash}}1914–1918
• The Centurion: a monthly magazine of pleasant and varied reading{{spaced endash}}1918
• The Log{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article25805606 |title=OBITUARY MR. C. J. MULLIGAN |newspaper=The Mercury |volume=CLI |issue=21,686 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=30 May 1940 |accessdate=11 September 2019 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}
• The Compass: Hobart High School science journal{{spaced endash}}1955–1967
• Knots{{spaced endash}}1959
• Probe{{spaced endash}}1964–1968
• Handbook{{spaced endash}}1960s–2007

• Tasmania Tomorrow
• List of schools in Tasmania
• Education in Tasmania

{{Reflist}}

• {{cite book |editor1-last=Batt |editor1-first=Neil |title=Fifty years, 1913-1963 : the history of the Hobart High School |date=1963 |publisher=Hobart High School |location=Hobart |pages=1–96}}

• [https://hobartcollege.education.tas.edu.au/Pages/Home.aspx Hobart College Website]

{{Tasmanian Colleges}}

Category:Colleges in Tasmania

Category:Public high schools in Hobart

Category:Educational institutions established in 1913

Category:1913 establishments in Australia