Didn’t founder Charlotte Anderson possess a vision when she established Ruyton Girls’ School in 1878? Ruyton Girls’ School stands as a testament to the power of education for young women. It is located in the inner-eastern suburb of Kew in Melbourne, Victoria.
Ruyton Girls’ School is more than just a school. It is a place where girls are encouraged to be adventurous. They challenge themselves and each other to achieve their best.
Charlotte Anderson named Ruyton Girls’ School after her great-great-grandfather’s parish. He was a vicar in Ruyton-XI-Towns in Shropshire, England. The school’s motto is “Recte et Fideliter”. It means “Upright and Faithful”. This motto is also the name of the school song.
Ruyton Girls’ School caters for approximately 850 students. They range from three-year-old Kindergarten and Pre-Prep to Year 12. Boys are enrolled only in Kindergarten and Pre-Prep.
In 2008 Ruyton Girls’ School was ranked second in Victoria based on VCE results. Impressively 40% of study scores exceeded 40.
Ruyton Girls’ School offers the Victorian Certificate of Education program. Vocational Education and Training courses are also available. The school provides co-curricular activities like sport, music and debating. Ruyton is regularly involved in inter-school activities and competitions. These include debating, sporting carnivals and academic competitions.
The school hosts events like the Performing Arts House Festival. Public speaking awards and creative writing awards are also held here.
Sport is an integral part of Ruyton life. Ruyton is a member of Girls Sport Victoria. The school has won numerous GSV premierships in athletics, cross country and hockey.
In Years 11 and 12 Ruyton students may study with students from Trinity Grammar. The two schools also collaborate on an annual musical. Ruyton also performs plays with Scotch College, Melbourne.
Ruyton’s international program provides opportunities for student exchange visits. The Sister School Network includes 16 schools across the globe.
The Expanding Horizons Programme offers educational camps. These camps visit various parts of Australia. They include ski camp and a political journey to Canberra. There is also a camping tour of the Northern Territory.
Ruyton utilises a house system. Girls are divided into four houses named after former Principals. The houses are Anderson, Bromby, Daniell and Lascelles. These houses compete in athletics, swimming and cross-country carnivals. They are also involved in debating and performing arts festivals.
Alumnae of Ruyton Girls’ School are known as Old Girls or Old Ruytonians. They may join the Old Ruytonians’ Association. This association keeps former students connected through social and sporting activities.
Notable alumnae include Dame Zara Bate a fashion designer and wife of former Prime Minister Harold Holt. Also, Judith Durham the lead singer for The Seekers attended Ruyton. Michelle Grattan a political reporter for The Age is another notable alumna.
The Ruyton Heritage Collection preserves the school’s history. It acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land. The collection includes photos of prefects, house captains and hockey teams.
Speech Night is a long-standing tradition at Ruyton. It celebrates student achievements. Prizes are awarded and choirs perform.
Ruyton Girls’ School continues to uphold Charlotte Anderson’s vision. It fosters individuality and prepares girls for a lifetime of learning and leadership. The school encourages girls to lead lives of purpose with courage and compassion. Ruytonians affect positive change and make a difference in the world.