Lowther Hall Anglican Grammar School

History

Lowther Hall comprises numerous buildings, each varying in age. At the centre of the school is 'Earlsbrae Hall', commonly referred to as 'The Mansion' by students, parents and staff alike, which Coiler McCracken constructed in 1890.

Earlsbrae Hall was designed by renowned architect, R. A. Lawson. The exterior of the mansion is described as a Graeco-Roman temple with Corinthian columns. Inside the mansion, one can find carved woodwork and an extensive use of stained glass windows. 'The Mansion' houses the drawing room, as well as the administration wing of the school, music classrooms and the Principal's office.

Earlsbrae Hall was sold for £6500 to the Church of England Trusts Co-operative for the Diocese of Melbourne to be used for educational purposes. The school was named after Archbishop Henry Lowther Clarke who directed the purchase of the building.

Blinkbonnie's Ladies' College in Moonee Ponds and Winstow Girls' School merged in 1920 to become Lowther Hall Anglican Grammar School. Essendon's Afton College, a coeducational school, amalgamated with the School in the 1930s.

Campus

Lowther Hall Anglican Grammar is located on Leslie Road in Essendon, which is situated close to amenities such as Essendon Station. There is also a hall, named the Joan M Garde Cultural Centre, which houses dance and drama classrooms, private music rooms, a lecture theatre, changerooms, a stage, and sports offices. The Noelene Horton Centre focuses on the sciences over three levels, one of which is a rooftop learning area and the basement houses dance and music.

Houses

The houses at Lowther Hall, all named after Anglican Archbishops, are Booth (orange), Clarke (green), Hindley (red), Lees (blue), Moorhouse (yellow) and Perry (purple). Each year, the houses compete in events such as athletics, swimming and House Performing Arts, and each year, the House Cup is awarded to the House with the highest total of points from the year's events.

School structure

The student body is arranged in four sections. The Early Learning Centre is for Kindergarten. The years Preparatory to 6 are housed in the Junior School, which is also known as Raymond House.

Sampford House houses students from Years 7 to 9. It consists of two stories and has recently undergone major renovations. On ground level there is a multi-purpose area, food technology kitchen and tutor room – as well as classrooms. Sampford House was named after a Principal, Evelyn. E. Sampford. Each homegroup in years seven to nine ends with the suffix S, M, P or F – letters drawn from the word 'S a M P Ford'. Years 10, 11 and 12 form Grant House and each Year 10 homegroup ends in G N or T, from the word Grant. Year 11 and 12 homerooms are in houses: Booth, Clarke, Hindley, Lees, Moorhouse and Perry.

Sport

Lowther Hall is a member of Girls Sport Victoria (GSV). Twenty-four girl's schools participate in GSV alongside Lowther. Lowther has gained a reputation in the aerobics and hip-hop dance sport areas, with teams in state and national finals. The school has also had successful rowing seasons. Lowther Hall has won many titles in sport. Most being in soccer, hip hop, netball, basketball, swimming and athletics.

Co-Curricular

Lowther is known for its extensive range of co-curricular activities. This includes: Debating, F1 in Schools, TOM, Sport, Music, Productions, Tutoring, Choir, Drama, GVS, clubs ran by the year 6 (Junior School) and year 12 (Senior School) captains, Maths Games day and the Science and Engineering Challenge.

Music

The musical and cultural life of Lowther Hall is steeped in tradition, highly renowned and well established. Girls take an active role in Classroom Music, Co-curricular Music, Private Music, and the Instrumental and Choral Program. Students perform regularly at many events such as the Carol Service at St Paul’s Cathedral, Eisteddfods, Mt Gambier Generations in Jazz Festival,the annual ‘Evening of Song’ concert, Winter String Festival, Paris Cat Jazz Gigs, Assemblies, Chapel, Concerts and many public performances. The Music Program seeks to deliver a high quality, inclusive and engaging musical experience for all students. Classroom Music at Lowther Hall aims to provide students with opportunities to gain knowledge and appreciation of music and to develop an ongoing appreciation and love of music. The curriculum is based on Kodaly’s philosophies. Students participate in practical and classroom music activities and use musical instruments and voice to compose, improvise and acquire aural skills. Classroom Music is taught throughout the school from Kindergarten to Year 12 VCE Music, with an additional compulsory Instrumental Program from Year 2 to Year 8.

Music Concerts and Events

Music Ensembles

Charity

The school currently supports various charities, as well as a school in Bangladesh. Term Three is designated as a fundraising term where various activities are organised in order to raise money for charities.