Associated Public Schools of Victoria
The Associated Public Schools of Victoria (APS) refers to a prestigious network of eleven independent schools located in Victoria, Australia. Established to provide a cohesive structure for inter-school competitions and collaborations, the APS is comparable to similar associations across Australia, such as the Athletic Association of the Great Public Schools of New South Wales, the Great Public Schools Association of Queensland, and the Public Schools Association in Western Australia.
Member Schools
The APS is composed of several elite educational institutions, including:
- Scotch College, Melbourne
- Wesley College, Melbourne
- Haileybury, Melbourne
- Geelong College
- St Kevin's College, Melbourne
These schools are renowned for their academic excellence, sporting achievements, and cultural contributions. They are also members of broader educational networks, such as the International Boys' Schools Coalition and the Independent Schools Victoria.
Sports and Activities
A key feature of the APS is its robust program of sports and activities. The association organizes various Combined Sports Championship Carnivals, which include competitions in swimming, diving, rowing, and athletics. These events encourage a spirit of healthy competition and camaraderie among students from different schools.
Governance and Policies
The administration of the APS is centralized in APS House, located on Church Street in Hawthorn, Victoria. In 2005, the APS established guidelines to regulate the awarding of sporting scholarships, addressing concerns over recruitment practices. This move was part of a broader effort to ensure fairness and integrity within the association.
Gender and Inclusion
In response to gender inclusivity, the APS extended invitations to several girls' schools in the year 2000 to join their ranks. Although this initial overture was declined, it led to the formation of Girls Sport Victoria, fostering a similar spirit of competition and excellence among female students.