Ballarat Clarendon College: One of Australia’s top schools was accused of breaching students’ human rights by banning a key item. Now its teachers are fighting back
Teachers at one of Australia’s top private schools have rejected a proposal to ban water in the classroom.
Ballarat Clarendon College, a private co-educational day and boarding school in Victoria’s Central Highlands, has enforced a ‘water test’ for grades 5 to 9, requiring students to leave their water bottles outside the classroom during lessons.
The concept was introduced to improve concentration in class, but has been criticized for violating students’ human rights.
The state’s fifth-oldest private school has since ensured students still have access to water during recess, lunch and between classes.
Students may also use the taps and bubblers on campus or use their water bottles on the way to class.
Ballarat Clarendon College (pictured), a private co-educational day and boarding school in Victoria’s Central Highlands, introduced a ‘water trial’ for grades 5 to 9, requiring students to leave their water bottles outside the classroom during lessons
The concept was introduced to improve concentration in the classroom, but was widely criticized for violating students’ human rights (stock image)
But university staff have reversed the school’s trial ban, with one saying it is a “laughable knee-jerk reaction to an issue no one has ever complained about,” reported Herald Sun.
Many employees complained that they first became aware of the process through media reports.
One faculty member said staff were “outraged and uneasy about the enforcement of the ban.”
“I have never spoken to a single staff member in my many years at the university who has ever complained about this issue,” the staff member said.
‘It is a policy that is completely divorced from the reality of teaching at university. It’s a complete non-issue.’
Adding to the concerns, the classrooms are not air-conditioned, meaning temperatures can rise above 30 degrees Celsius in summer.
‘These conditions are unbearable for employees and students. Children in these times are lethargic, untethered and under duress,” the staff member said.
University staff have reversed the school’s trial ban, with one saying it is a ‘laughable knee-jerk reaction to a problem no one has ever complained about’
A spokesperson for Ballarat Clarendon College told Daily Mail Australia students will still have access to water throughout the school day.
“No student will go thirsty as there are plenty of options to drink water during the day,” a spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.
The spokesperson also 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.
‘The trial will run through the colder months and as always we remain open to its benefits and impact.’
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.
Daily Mail Australia contacted Ballarat Clarendon College for comment on classroom temperatures.