The school ethos of “Respect” underpins the way the school operates and forms the basis of student behaviour management. This ethos is strongly supported by the wider school community.
Students enjoy a range of amenities including a modern Visual Arts Centre, a dedicated Year 12 study and recreation area, a multipurpose Resource Centre containing a multimedia suite, a well-equipped gymnasium, Technology, Music and Home Economics facilities, excellent grounds and ovals, and an auditorium.
Our school offers many extra-curricular activities for students, including organised exchanges to Japan and Germany, excursions to Canberra and the snow, sport (including a biennial tour to the USA playing basketball), Music and Pedal Prix. In addition, the school offers an international program which includes both long-term and short-term stays as well as short-term study tours.
Modbury High School opened in 1965 with a total of seven teachers and 97 students who were all in Year 8. The facilities of the school were shared with Modbury South Primary School. The first matriculation (Year 12) class was formed in 1970.
The students were taught in what is still the main building, a traditional 1960s E-shaped structure. It accommodated a maximum of 850 students but in 1972, a peak enrolment of 1383 saw the introduction of transportable classrooms.
In 2021 Modbury High School has 721 students enrolled.
Modbury High School has a strong history of traditions. These have evolved over generations and continue to play an important part in the positive life of the school. Examples include:
School Houses were formed to promote competition in academic interests and sporting activities while providing leadership among the students.
Dame Mary Gilmore (Gold - now Yellow) and Henry Lawson (Blue) were chosen as representatives of men and women prominent in Australian Literature from the past.
From the present, Judith Wright (Red) and Colin Thiele (Green) granted the school permission to use their names.
Gilmore House had the distinction of winning the cup in the first year of competitions.
We believe in a culture of achievement in a respectful and rigorous learning environment
