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Brisbane Boys' College (BBC) is an independent, Presbyterian and Uniting Church, day and boarding school for boys, located in Toowong, a suburb of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

Established in 1902, the prestigious college has a non-selective enrolment policy and caters for approximately 1,500 students from Prep to 12, including 150 boarders from Years 7 to 12.

Brisbane Boys' College is a school of the Presbyterian and Methodist Schools Association (PMSA), and is affiliated with the Australian Boarding Schools Association (ABSA), the Junior School Heads Association of Australia (JSHAA), and the Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia (AHISA). The school is also a founding member of the Great Public Schools' Association Inc (GPS).

Some of the Brisbane Boys' College Buildings are listed on the Queensland Heritage Register and are beloved by its students and the surrounding communities.

History

Brisbane Boys' College was established in 1902 by Arthur Rudd. Rudd arrived in Brisbane in 1901 by boat from Melbourne and started a school in Clayfield. The school officially started in March 1902 with just four students.

In 1912, the school moved to a new location on the corner of Bayview Terrace, near the tram terminus, needing more room. Even with the new land, due to space constraints sporting activities were out of the question, so for many years the boys walked to the nearby Kalinga Park. In 1908, there were 80 students and a cadet corps was formed with the impending 1914–1918 war. The school suffered the losses of eight Clayfield Collegians during the war. In 1931, the school was moved, again due to a lack of room for new facilities, to its current site in Toowong with support from its owners, the daughters of the late Premier of Queensland, Sir Robert Philp. The Clayfield campus became a primary school department of Somerville House, which later developed into the independent Clayfield College.

Today BBC is owned by the Presbyterian and Methodist Schools Association, which was formed in 1918, and owns other private schools in Queensland.

Headmasters

Campus

BBC's campus is located in the Brisbane suburb of Toowong on land bordered by Moggill Road, Kensington Terrace and Miskin Street, with the main entrance from Kensington Terrace.

The main building dates from the early 1930s, when the school moved to the site, and is characterised by its arches and clock tower in the Mission Revival architecture style. The Rudd and Hamilton wings, built in 1963, form a T-shape extending away from the main building, and the modern glass fronted Resource Centre, built in 1996, fills the quadrant. Other buildings on the site include McKenzie wing (built in 1983), Barbara Helen Thomson Sports Complex (opened in 1987), and the Birtles wing (built in 1973). The main Junior School precinct was completed in early 2008, and a separate building catering exclusively to Prep students was completed in mid 2007. The Junior School precinct was designed in light of the introduction of Years Prep to Grade 3 in 2007. The old college hall (built in 1979) was demolished in late September 2009 and a new college hall was constructed and opened in early June 2011. The present college hall includes an air conditioned auditorium capable of seating 695 people, the Phil Bisset Gallery, and facilities for the music department. In 2014, a new state of the art Middle School precinct was completed, which is situated next to the Junior School buildings.

There are three ovals included within the BBC grounds: the John Noblet Oval, the Parents & Friends Association Oval, and Miskin Oval. BBC also makes use of the Oakman Park ovals, Toowong College (QASMT), University of Queensland and St Lucia, Queensland playing fields. The school plans to build new sporting facilities in a location detached from the main school, possibly in Corinda, though this has sparked local residents' concerns about traffic problems and noise pollution.

In 2022 it was reported that Brisbane Boys' College, in partnership with the Presbyterian Methodist Schools Association, settled on the purchase of the neighbouring 1.23-hectare (3.0-acre) Goldicott, outlaying A$17 million.

House system

The school is divided into a house system with ten houses.

The house system was introduced in 1931 by the headmaster at the time Mr Hamilton. The school was divided into 3 Houses - School House (Boarders), Wesley House (Day Boys A-L) and Knox House (Day Boys M-Z).

Due to increasing numbers of boarders School House was sub-divided into Rudd and Campbell House in 1950. However due to boarding numbers once again declining, the two houses were briefly managed together, before the decision was made to continue with only Rudd House for boarders, with Campbell placed in hibernation until 1976, when it was reactivated as a day house. Five new day houses were introduced in 1980, (Flynn, Hamilton, McKenzie and Wheller). Birtles was house was introduced in 1998, and Cole House was introduced in 2020 after the retirement of long time chaplain Reverend Cole the previous year.

Co-curriculum

Music

The music department hosts string, orchestral and vocal ensembles, as well as concert and stage bands throughout the levels of the school. Brisbane Boys' College maintains the tradition of conducting a pipe band, which plays at public events such as the annual ANZAC Day March in Brisbane and the 2018 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Edinburgh and in the special 2019 Sydney Tattoo.

Sport

The college offers rugby, football, rowing, gymnastics, cricket, basketball, volleyball, chess, tennis, debating, cross-country, Australian rules football, athletics, swimming, waterpolo, golf and sailing.

They have a number of former representative players and coaches as coaches at the college.

• Rugby union first XV head coach: Daniel Leo (rugby union) – former Samoa national rugby union team player
• Rugby union first XV assistant coach: Brad Thorn – former New Zealand national rugby union team player as well as his many other remarkable union and Rugby league achievements
• Rugby union first XV assistant coach: Ben Meehan – former Melbourne Rebels, Melbourne Rising, London Irish, and Gloucester Rugby player
• Cricket first XI head coach: John Buchanan (Australian cricketer) – former Australian national cricket team coach and Queensland Bulls player

Recent sporting achievements

Brisbane Boys' College has achieved sporting success as a GPS school in the following activities:

• Track and field – 2016, 2017, 2018
• Australian football – 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2009
• Basketball – 1987, 1995, 2005, 2011, 2017
• Cricket – 2003, 2020
• Cross country – 2018, 2019
• Football – 1991, 1993, 2004, 2010, 2011
• Gymnastics – 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2007
• Rowing – 2002, 2003, 2021, 2022, 2023
• Sailing – 2007, 2008, 2011
• Tennis – 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2023
• Volleyball – 1994, 1995, 1996, 2001, 2019

Rowing club

The BBC Rowing Club is active throughout the year however the primary season is during terms 1 and 4, and is open to boys in Years 7–12. The boathouse is located on the Brisbane River, near the University of Queensland at St Lucia. The club has been successful since its first race in 1918, winning more Queensland Head of the River races than any other school. The club's most recent wins were in 2002, 2003, 2021, 2022 and 2023.

The club was founded in 1916, by school founder A W Rudd. The first shed was built on Breakfast Creek in 1918, with the club winning its first Head of the River the following year. The shed was moved to the banks of the Brisbane River near the Regatta Hotel in 1930, where it was destroyed by flood in 1974. A new shed was built near the University of Queensland at St Lucia in 1976.

The club is split between quad sculls and eights, with Years 8, 9 and 10 racing quads, with Year 11 and Opens racing eights. The 1st VIII has been successful at the Head of the River on 23 occasions, winning in 1919, 1934, 1937, 1938, 1946, 1947, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1956, 1957, 1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1972, 1974, 1990, 1992, 1993, 2002, 2021 and 2022. The club's 1st VIII also won the Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup at the Henley Royal Regatta in 1993, becoming the first Australian crew to do so.

In recent times Brisbane Boys' College rowers have gone on to represent Queensland and Australia in Regattas worldwide. John Dickson (Alumni 2005), Scott Laidler (Alumni 2007), Harrison Westbrook (Alumni 2008) and Cameron Stitt (Alumni 2008) are just some of the examples of old boys who have performed at representative level.

Notable alumni

See also

• Lists of schools in Queensland
• List of boarding schools

References

1. ^ "Brisbane Boys' College". Schools. Presbyterian and Methodist Schools Association. Archived from the original on 16 February 2008. Retrieved 5 December 2007.
2. ^ "Introducing Mr Andre Casson, 10th Headmaster of BBC". Brisbane Boys College. Archived from the original on 4 January 2022. Retrieved 5 January 2022.
3. ^ "2006 School Report" (PDF). Reporting. Brisbane Boys' College. 2007. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 October 2007. Retrieved 5 December 2007.
4. Study QLD provider information for BBC Archived 12 November 2009 at the Wayback Machine
5. ^ "Brisbane Boys' College". Schools. Australian Boarding Schools Association. Archived from the original on 17 November 2007. Retrieved 5 December 2007.
6. "JSHAA Queensland Directory of Members". Queensland Branch. Junior School Heads Association of Australia. Archived from the original on 12 April 2008. Retrieved 5 December 2007.
7. "AHISA Schools: Queensland". Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia. November 2007. Archived from the original on 2 November 2007. Retrieved 5 December 2007.
8. ^ "Brisbane Boys College (entry 600337)". Queensland Heritage Register. Queensland Heritage Council. Retrieved 22 July 2009.
9. ^ "Brisbane Boys' College – Queensland Heritage Register". West Toowong Community. West Toowong Community Association Inc. Archived from the original on 14 September 2009. Retrieved 15 June 2009.
10. ^ "BBC: A brief history of BBC". Brisbane Boys' College. Brisbane Boys' College. Archived from the original on 3 April 2002. Retrieved 15 June 2009.
11. "BBC". Our Toowong. Archived from the original on 29 August 2009. Retrieved 6 March 2022. OurToowong page for BBC
12. "Brief History". Brisbane Boys College. Archived from the original on 17 October 2009. Retrieved 6 March 2022. BBC official brief history
13. "STEADY PROGRESS". The Brisbane Courier. No. 22, 777. Queensland, Australia. 28 January 1931. p. 14. Retrieved 6 March 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
14. ^ "Our story". Brisbane Boys College. Archived from the original on 5 March 2018. Retrieved 5 March 2018.
15. "Appointment of Paul Brown as Headmaster of Brisbane Boys' College". The Presbyterian and Methodist Schools Association. Archived from the original on 2 December 2017. Retrieved 2 December 2017.
16. QAGTC map Archived 3 October 2009 at the Wayback Machine
17. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 October 2009. Retrieved 25 November 2009.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) CIC fields pamphlet
18. BBC official campus map
19. "College Hall". Sons of the College. Brisbane, Australia: Brisbane Boys' College. October 2009. p. 7.
20. "Brisbane Boys College – News & Media Centre – 21st century learning". Brisbane Boys' College. Archived from the original on 12 January 2018. Retrieved 12 January 2018.
21. "Brisbane Boys' College plans for expansion under fire - Council - News | South-West News". Archived from the original on 26 September 2009. Retrieved 11 October 2009. Southwest News – Brisbane Boys' College plans for expansion under fire
22. Allen, Lisa (15 April 2022). "Brisbane Boys' College collects $17m 1800s homestead". real.commercial.com.au. REA Group Limited. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
23. "Brisbane Boys' College Finalises Purchase Of The Iconic Goldicott House". Toowong News. May 2022. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
24. ^ Portal 2002. Brisbane Boys' College. 2002. p. 31.
25. ^ Portal 2002. Brisbane Boys' College. 2002. p. 33.
26. ^ Portal 2002. Brisbane Boys' College. 2002. p. 34.
27. ^ Portal 2002. Brisbane Boys' College. 2002. p. 36.
28. ^ Portal 2002. Brisbane Boys' College. 2002. p. 38.
29. ^ Portal 2002. Brisbane Boys' College. 2002. p. 40.
30. ^ Portal 2002. Brisbane Boys' College. 2002. p. 42.
31. ^ Portal 2002. Brisbane Boys' College. 2002. p. 44.
32. ^ Portal 2002. Brisbane Boys' College. 2002. p. 46.
33. "Music - Co-curricular Activities - Visitors and Applicants - Brisbane Boys' College". Archived from the original on 17 October 2009. Retrieved 11 October 2009. BBC Music page
34. "Brisbane band here to learn". Otago Daily Times. 26 June 2009. Archived from the original on 8 June 2011. Retrieved 22 September 2011.
35. "Pipe Band - Co-curricular Activities - Visitors and Applicants - Brisbane Boys' College". Archived from the original on 17 October 2009. Retrieved 11 October 2009. BBC Pipe Band page
36. "Australian Rules Football - Co-curricular Activities - Visitors and Applicants - Brisbane Boys' College". Archived from the original on 17 October 2009. Retrieved 25 November 2009. BBC Australian Rules Football
37. "The Great Public Schools' Association of Qld Inc". SportingPulse. Archived from the original on 15 October 2012. Retrieved 25 March 2012.
38. Portal 2003. Brisbane Boys' College. 2003. p. 165.
39. Portal 2004. Brisbane Boys' College. 2004. p. 208.
40. "Gymnastics - Co-curricular Activities - Visitors and Applicants - Brisbane Boys' College". Archived from the original on 17 October 2009. Retrieved 25 November 2009. BBC Gymnastics
41. Portal 2002. Brisbane Boys' College. 2002. p. 143.
42. Portal 2003. Brisbane Boys' College. 2003. p. 189.
43. thinking.com.au. "Brisbane Boys College wins team racing". Boatingoz.com.au. Archived from the original on 13 August 2008. Retrieved 21 January 2010.
44. "Tennis - Co-curricular Activities - Visitors and Applicants - Brisbane Boys' College". Archived from the original on 17 October 2009. Retrieved 25 November 2009. BBC Tennis
45. "Volleyball - Co-curricular Activities - Visitors and Applicants - Brisbane Boys' College". Archived from the original on 17 October 2009. Retrieved 25 November 2009. BBC Volleyball
46. ^ BBC Rowing History Archived 24 July 2008 at the Wayback Machine
47. ^ GPS Head of the River Rowing Championships
48. AYOF07 profile for John Dickson
49. ^ "From the Headmaster Notice to users of the Brisbane". Archived from the original on 13 September 2012. Retrieved 2 September 2009. College News – 19 June 2009 (page 3)
50. Athlete profile: Harrison Westbrook Archived 24 September 2013 at the Wayback Machine

External links

• Official website

• Boys' schools in Queensland
• Educational institutions established in 1902
• Former Methodist schools in Australia
• Presbyterian schools in Australia
• Boarding schools in Queensland
• Private secondary schools in Brisbane
• Junior School Heads Association of Australia Member Schools
• Uniting Church schools in Australia
• Toowong
• Atkinson & Conrad buildings
• 1902 establishments in Australia
• Great Public Schools Association of Queensland
• Mission Revival architecture in Australia