Ballarat Clarendon College: Private school is accused of breaching human rights with classroom ban on water bottles

A prestigious school has been accused of ‘endangering students’ rights’ after a controversial decision to ban water bottles from classrooms sparked outrage.

Ballarat Clarendon College, a private co-educational day and boarding school in Victoria’s Central Highlands, has enforced a ‘water test’ for grades 5-9, requiring students to leave their water outside the classroom during lessons.

The state’s fifth-oldest private school has since ensured students still have access to water during recess, lunch and between classes.

Students may use the taps and bubblers on campus or their water bottles on the way to class.

“No student will go thirsty as there are plenty of options to drink water during the day,” a spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.

Students with medical conditions that require access to water at all times are exempt from the trial.

“Our high school principal spoke to students in grades 5 to 9 (11-15 years old) about the trial on Friday and encouraged students to talk to him if they felt they should have their water bottle with them,” says the school. added.

‘The trial will run through the colder months and as always we remain open to its benefits and impact.’

Not all students agreed with the new rule.

An anonymous post shared online claimed the ban had left many students at the school ‘outraged’.

One student argued that they were only given a short break between classes.

“Banning water puts the rights of students at risk and for such a prestigious school it appears the focus is not on student welfare but on the grades on their VCE exams,” they wrote.

Students must leave their water bottles outside the classroom during class and only have access to water during their breaks and between classes (stock image)

A teacher commented under the post that water bottles in the classroom were often a distraction.

“(I) got tired of bottles being knocked over, kids getting hit by flying bottles and Stanley cups spilling. “All my kids know that water bottles belong in bags and that they can take an occasional sip if they want, but bottles on the desk… absolutely not,” they said.

A spokesperson for Ballarat Clarendon College said the trial has yielded better classroom results so far.

“Initial feedback results indicate improved classroom climate, student learning and concentration due to reduced noise and fewer toilet breaks,” they said.

Ballarat Clarendon College was the top performing school in Victoria in 2023, with students achieving an average VCE score of 39.

According to the school’s website, fifth-graders pay $13,500 a year for their children to attend, rising to more than $20,000 by ninth grade.

The school insisted that students could use the school’s bubblers and water bottles between classes (stock image)