William Ross State High School offers students an environment where they can experience positive, personal success through a highly structured curriculum and teaching strategies that target advanced learning and improved student outcomes.

Situated close to Townsville’s Murray Sporting Complex, the school has a proud sporting tradition, demonstrated by an excellence program that has nurtured talented athletes to achieve success at regional, state and national competitions. An established study tour program has enabled the school to build strong relationships with schools in China and Japan.

Partnerships with James Cook University (JCU) and Queensland University of Technology (QUT) provide valuable opportunities for students to enhance their learning and prepare for tertiary study. The school also offers vocational training courses in a range of subjects, including engineering and digital media, alongside courses from external providers in fitness, sport and recreation and early childhood education and care.

Special programs

• Leading Learner program in mathematics, English, art, engineering, science and humanities for academically advanced students (Years 7, 8, 9 and 10)
• Instrumental music programs: brass, woodwind, percussion and strings
• Rhinos Sports Academy for elite athletes in Years 7 to 12
• Film, television and digital photography
• English as an Additional Language/ Dialect (EAL/D) Extracurricular activities
• Science and mathematics competitions
• School camping program including the Student Leaders Retreat and Learning Access Transition Camp
• Year 7/8 Camp and Year 11 Camp
• Sports carnivals and Ski Tour
• Community performances, dance, musicals and rock eisteddfods
• Chess club
• Concert bands and jazz, strings and brass ensembles
• Junior and senior debating and public speaking
• Junior and senior student representative council
• Chinese speaking and writing competitions
• Study tours to China and Japan

School facilities

• Wireless networked classrooms with smartboards, desktop and laptop computers
• Computer laboratories, 3D printing and AutoCAD design capabilities
• Commercial kitchen with café and barista facilities
• Trade Centre with trade certified equipment
• Dance room, gym and Performing Arts Centre
• Aquaponics system
• Film and sound, art studios