History
The 1954 Melbourne & Metropolitan Planning Scheme rezoned a large section of land in the then-rural Burwood East, paving the way for residential development. During the post-war housing boom, thousands of new residents—many of them European migrants—settled in the area. [1]
Development plan, 1969
Completed college, 1975
In response to the population surge, the State Government acquired part of a former orchard off Burwood Road along Mahoneys Road to establish public education facilities. Burwood Heights Primary School opened in 1965, followed by Burwood Heights High School (now Forest Hill College) in 1969. [2]
The original school was designed by project architect J. J. Weston and his colleges from the Public Works Department in 1969 using a standardised configuration. Similar layouts were employed at the Keilor Heights (1968), Fairhills (1973) and Highvale (1977) public schools. [3]
Development took place across multiple stages, beginning in late 1969, and was undertaken by various contractors. The library, student centre, boiler/locker room and canteen were built by Landall-Fulton Constructions and occupied on 8th June 1970 with J. R. McLennan as principal. As enrolments expanded, portable science and general classrooms were as an interim measure before the next stage of development was completed. [3]
First staff, 1970
First students, 1970
By April 1974, enrolments had reached 504 students. However, due to a planning oversight, the general classroom and administrative buildings were still incomplete—only the foundations had been laid. As an interim measure, additional portables were installed until the permanent structures were finished. The school was officially completed and opened in 1975. [4]
Facilities
Academic
Year 7 William Barak Centre - The William Barak Centre is a modern, purpose-built learning space designed for all Year 7 students. Recently renovated, it features state-of-the-art facilities that support 21st-century learning. The Centre includes six spacious classrooms, each equipped with two televisions and a new wireless connection app that allows devices to connect directly to the screens, ensuring all students have clear access to learning materials. In addition, there is an open-plan classroom fitted with three televisions, which provides a flexible space for collaborative learning and is also used to host small incursions.
Middle Years Centre - The Middle Years Centre is a dedicated learning space for students in Years 8 and 9. The building features eight individual classrooms and one open-plan classroom, providing both structured and flexible learning environments. Each classroom is thoughtfully designed with vibrant, colourful patterns to create an engaging and inspiring atmosphere for students.
Aspire Centre -The Aspire Centre is dedicated to senior students in Years 10, 11, and 12. The building includes multiple classrooms and offices that cater to both students and teachers. A large open-plan classroom provides a shared study space for all senior students, encouraging independent and collaborative learning. The Centre also features a kitchen area for student use and is a highly valued, well-used space within the school.
Library - The College Library is one of the most popular and well-used spaces in the school. It offers a vast collection of books and audiobooks, with new titles regularly added based on student suggestions. The library also features a dedicated board game room, equipped with nearly three full shelves of games, providing students with a fun and engaging space to enjoy during their breaks. Designed with flexibility and comfort in mind, the library includes multiple seating areas such as couches, armchairs, and desks, as well as a wellbeing section where students can access books on related topics or simply relax in a calm environment. Printing facilities are available, including a commercial printer with an organised workspace to support student needs. For focused learning, the library also provides two individual quiet study rooms. Constantly evolving, the College Library continues to be a welcoming and supportive hub for student learning and wellbeing.
STEAM Centre - The STEAM Centre brings together all aspects of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics, providing students with access to a wide range of modern facilities. These include 3D printers, advanced software, coding and gaming resources, as well as dedicated spaces for hands-on crafting and building. The Centre features three spacious open-plan classrooms, furnished with modern whiteboard tables to support interactive and collaborative learning. A specialised Maker Space area serves as the hub for creative projects and practical work. Opened only recently and continually upgraded, the STEAM Centre offers state-of-the-art facilities that inspire innovation and creativity.
Others
Mac Lab - Located within the Arts Building, the Mac Lab is a spacious classroom equipped with iMac computers. Students have access to this space for a wide range of purposes, from completing schoolwork to exploring creative projects and other learning opportunities.
International Student Building - The ISP Program Block, located at the far end of the school, was formerly home to the uniform shop. The building is richly decorated with cultural items and serves as a dedicated space for IELP students to learn and engage in a supportive environment. Others
Canteen - The Canteen run by 'Cafe Oggi' is a spacious area designed to comfortably seat students during lunch. It also features a television for student entertainment, creating a welcoming and relaxed environment.
Sporting and Performing Arts Facilities
Sports Stadium - The College Sports Stadium features tiered seating surrounding two international-sized basketball courts, recently upgraded with new flooring and modern lighting. The courts can also be adapted to accommodate eight volleyball or badminton courts, or two futsal soccer courts. Complemented by large changing rooms, a spacious foyer, and an on-site café, the stadium offers outstanding facilities for sporting clubs and external hirers. The venue is also used for whole-school assemblies and major events, including the annual basketball marathon and the end-of-year presentation evening.
Gym - The College has two gyms available for all students, one located inside the Sports Stadium and the other directly opposite it. Both gyms are equipped with a variety of fitness equipment and feature motivational wall art, providing an inspiring environment for physical activity and wellbeing.
Futsal Courts - Located outside the Stadium and gyms, the Futsal Courts are dedicated spaces for the AFL and Soccer Academies. Featuring synthetic grass, the courts provide an ideal surface for training and matches in both sports.
Outdoor spaces - The College features a variety of outdoor spaces, including three courtyards, two ovals, a synthetic soccer field, three tennis courts, and two outdoor basketball/netball courts. Each courtyard is equipped with shaded areas, benches, and grassy spaces, providing students with comfortable and inviting areas to relax, socialize, and enjoy outdoor activities.
Soccer Field - The College offers beautifully maintained multipurpose synthetic and grass fields available for hire. Facilities include an 80m × 40m synthetic soccer field, a two-lane running track, a full-sized grass FIFA soccer field, and three multipurpose tennis courts with line markings for netball and hockey. These facilities are ideal for sporting clubs and casual hire.
Tennis Courts - The Tennis Courts are located at the front of the school on the main oval and are primarily used by the Tennis Academy.
Performing and Visual Arts
Kel Watson Theatre - The Kel Watson Theatre is conveniently located in the Eastern Suburbs within the grounds of Forest Hill College. The College grounds offer over 150 parking spaces, with additional free street parking nearby. The theatre features a spacious foyer area suitable for meet-and-greet opportunities, and up to six dressing rooms accessible from both the foyer and the stage area. High-quality lighting and sound facilities are available, along with closed-circuit TV coverage to most areas, including the foyer and dressing rooms. The theatre seats 405 patrons comfortably, with plush woollen seating and wheelchair access to both the auditorium and the stage. The stage measures approximately 9 metres wide by 9 metres deep and includes three curtains at the front, middle, and rear, with the middle curtain adjustable to reduce stage size as needed. An orchestra pit is located in front of the stage.
Black Box Theatre - The Black Box Theatre is a versatile performing arts space featuring a small portable stage along with visual and audio equipment. The area is also used for the storage of props and costume items. The Band Room, located next to the William Barak Centre, serves as the dedicated space for both senior and junior bands. All band rehearsals and lessons take place in this building, providing a focused environment for musical learning and practice.
Student Leadership
Student Leadership - Forest Hill College now runs a program called Leadership Connect, which meets once a week during an hour when other classes have homegroup. Students involved in Leadership Connect, drawn from all year levels, participate in a dedicated session to focus on school improvement and student wellbeing. During these sessions, leadership students conduct surveys, gather student suggestions, and address any issues raised within the school community. They also carry out Connect Visits, visiting homegroups to collect feedback and discuss concerns. In addition, leadership students organise and oversee key school events such as assemblies and the annual Basketball Marathon, ensuring student voices are actively represented in the life of the College.
Leos Club (Former) - The Forest Hill College Leos Club is a student-run organisation affiliated with the Lions Club Nunawading, dedicated to raising funds and supporting charitable causes. All proceeds from events are donated to charity. The club organises a wide range of activities, including bake sales, BBQs, fun runs, trivia nights, and more. The Leos Club is managed by a board of directors, which includes roles such as President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Activity Director, Fun Director, and Fundraising Director. General meetings are held every fortnight, with board meetings held as needed in between. In addition to fundraising, the club actively participates in volunteering projects, including clothing, food, and book drives, tree planting, Clean Up Australia Day, and supporting sick children. The club operates under the guidance of 2–3 teacher advisors, while remaining fully student-run.
Tribes - Forest Hill College has four tribes, or houses, named Kookaburra (Blue), Dingo (Red), Wallaby (Yellow), and Crocodile (Green). Each tribe has a designated Tribe Captain or leader responsible for guiding their members and overseeing various activities. These leaders play an active role in events, including cheering on students during the Athletics and Swimming Carnivals, helping to build school spirit and camaraderie.
