Remember Charles Rendall’s vision as we stand before Haileybury College Brighton Campus. Rendall established Haileybury in 1892. He aimed to create a school mirroring the traditional English public school model.
Haileybury College Brighton Campus is more than bricks and mortar. It embodies a rich history and a commitment to education. Rendall himself was an alumnus of Haileybury College in England. He sought permission to use the name and badge for his new school in Australia.
Initially, Haileybury began with just 17 students and five staff. Rendall’s emphasis was on classical texts and cricket. Louis Berthon joined the staff in 1894 and played a crucial role. He often took charge due to Rendall’s health issues. Both men prioritized supportive relationships between staff and students.
In 1932, Sydney Dickinson, the third Headmaster, acquired the Castlefield Estate. From 1932 to 1939, Haileybury operated from both the original Brighton location and Castlefield. Today, the Brighton campus is still known as Castlefield. It houses various learning centers for different age groups. These include an Early Learning Centre, Junior School, and Middle Schools for both girls and boys.
Haileybury’s motto, “Sursum Corda,” meaning “Lift up your hearts,” inspires students. The school’s colors are magenta and black. These were chosen to distinguish it from the magenta and white of the English Haileybury.
Notably, Haileybury has expanded significantly since its founding. It now has multiple campuses across Victoria including Keysborough, Berwick and the City. It also has interstate and overseas campuses. These are located in Darwin and China. This expansion demonstrates Haileybury’s commitment to providing quality education to a wider community.
Haileybury is known for its parallel education model. Boys and girls learn in separate classrooms during middle school. This approach caters to their unique developmental needs. However, they share the same campus. This allows them to socialize and participate in co-curricular activities together.
Haileybury has received multiple awards. These include Australian School of the Year and Primary School of the Year. This recognition highlights Haileybury’s commitment to excellence in education. The school emphasizes social justice and community responsibility. Students are encouraged to support various charities and raise awareness about important social issues.
The first student enrolled at Haileybury, Barney Allen, became a Master of Classics at the University of Melbourne. This illustrates the high academic standards from the very beginning. Haileybury’s history is a testament to its enduring commitment to providing a rewarding educational experience. As we conclude our visit to Haileybury College Brighton Campus, remember its legacy of academic excellence and community engagement.