News

International Women's Day Breakfast

Wed, 26 Feb 2020 20:01:04 AEDT

SSC Blackwattle Bay invites all members of the school community to the annual International Women's Day Breakfast on Thursday 5 March starting at 7.30am.

Blackwattle Victorious in Knockout Basketball

Tue, 25 Feb 2020 09:59:09 AEDT

Sydney Secondary College played Rose Bay Secondary College in the Knockout basketball competition. It was a tough fought battle but a few minutes before the buzzer, Drew Witten sunk the play of the day, a huge three-pointer and Blackwattle extended the lead to win 47-37. Telmen Uranbileg fired up the team in the second half with some exciting buckets to claim the MVP award. Congratulations to the team and Coach Pascoe!

Year 11 Parent Handbook

Sat, 22 Feb 2020 20:11:33 AEDT

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 20:17:04 AEDT

The department is working with the Ministry of Health to monitor and respond to the unfolding international novel coronavirus situation.

Get up-to-date information about the department's response to novel coronavirus.

Join us for your HSC journey

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 16:06:06 AEDT

The HSC can be one of the most exciting moments of high school. Here’s how to be prepared.

We’re committed to supporting every student to do their best – especially during the HSC – and making sure every student is known, valued and cared for.

For HSC students, we’ve got advice on how to make the most of your study, set healthy habits and finish out high school in style.

Check out our HSC resources for hints, tips and checklists to make a great start to the new school year.

Video – #Ready2020: First day of Year 12

Duration – 1:00

NSW schools respond to bushfires

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 16:30:41 AEDT

Many schools are responding to the catastrophic fire rating that is affecting communities across the state this week.

We are continuously updating the School safety page with a list of government and non-government schools, as well as TAFE NSW campuses that are currently non-operational.

While some schools are temporarily non-operational due to localised fires, many others in high-risk areas are non-operational as a precautionary measure.

Schools in some areas are being used as emergency evacuation centres at the direction of the Rural Fire Service.

For schools that are currently operational, school pickups and dropoffs will continue as usual. If your school is currently non-operational, it will likely remain so tomorrow.

Large scale distressing events affect our school communities in many ways. Headspace’s mental health support resource (PDF 100.52KB) is available to help students, teachers and school staff respond to the bushfires.

Visit the School safety page for updates. The department’s Facebook and Twitter accounts will also provide updates during this period.

Year 11 Academic Statements

Fri, 25 Oct 2019 14:41:55 AEDT

Academic Statements are now available to parents and carers of Year 11 students via the Sentral Parent Portal.

Our New Mural Makes Headlines

Tue, 22 Oct 2019 14:05:20 AEDT

The Inner West Courier has published an article on the creation of our new Aboriginal mural.

Grab a ticket to Schools Spectacular 2019

Thu, 24 Oct 2019 11:00:49 AEDT

Will you be joining us at Schools Spectacular 2019? Tickets are on sale now. Experience our live show featuring a cast of thousands of public school students from across metropolitan, rural and remote regions of NSW.

Students from different ages, cultures and backgrounds will share the spotlight as they dance, play and sing for you. Choose from one of our four massive performances at Qudos Bank Arena on Friday 22 November and Saturday 23 November.

This year's events will feature:

more than 380 schools
5,500 performers
a 3000-strong choir
2,300 dancers
an 80-piece symphony orchestra
a world-class stage band.

Group bookings

Need to make a group booking for over 10 people? Complete the Schools Preview Order Form 2019 (PDF 110KB) to attend the discounted 11am Friday matinee. The Friday matinee is discounted for school students and accompanying teachers.

If you’d like to grab a spot at one of the other three remaining shows complete the Group Booking Form 2019 (PDF 110KB).

Tickets for you and your family and friends

Save you and your family a spot online or by phone on 132 849.

Video – Schools Spectacular 2019

Duration: 0:26

Ski Trip 2019

Fri, 27 Sep 2019 09:36:06 AEST

Year 11 enjoyed their time on the slopes earlier this term in August.

Class of 2019 Graduation

Fri, 27 Sep 2019 10:01:15 AEST

A huge congratulations to the cohort of 2019 who graduated at the beautiful Town Hall on Friday 20th September.

Book yourself in for Reading Hour

Thu, 12 Sep 2019 12:11:28 AEST

This Australian Reading Hour, encourage your child to discover or rekindle their love of a good book. Take the time to learn, escape and relax on Thursday 19 September and read for one hour.

Reading has been shown to reduce stress by 68% more than listening to music, going for a walk, or having a cup of tea.

Take the Book Swap Challenge

We all have favourite books that we come back to again and again.

To help celebrate Reading Hour take our Book Swap Challenge. We want students, teachers, staff and parents to try reading something new on the day. To get involved, simply pair up with someone and swap your favourite books.

Take a photo and tag it with #ReadingHour so we can see how you got involved.

Video – Ben Law asks students about their favourite author

Duration: 1:18

Author and #ReadingHour ambassador Benjamin Law talks with some of our students about their favourite books.

How to be smart and safe on social media

Thu, 05 Sep 2019 11:25:58 AEST

Use our new Digital Citizenship toolkit to empower your child to understand how their online behaviour affects themselves and others.

You and your child can find information on:

how to ‘be positive’ by understanding online behaviour and its effect
'be smart’ by thinking critically and being digitally aware
'be safe’ by protecting your security, privacy and wellbeing.

A toolkit to empower you and your child

You can find articles and videos to equip and empower your child to minimise the risks and maximise the opportunities in our digital future.

We’ve partnered with leading researchers to produce a curated toolkit – aligned to the curriculum – which teachers and you can share with the young people in your lives.

Guide your child through important concepts such as:

managing privacy settings in social media
collaborating online
avoiding scams and hoaxes
understanding the law when it comes to online speech
Internet banking, shopping online and much more.

Keep your child safe and happy online

Visit and bookmark the Digital Citizenship website. We’ll continue to add articles and resources to ensure the best possible tools are available to help you guide your child to be positive, smart and safe online.

What’s next after high school?

Fri, 30 Aug 2019 11:24:40 AEST

Is your child in Year 9 to 12 curious about their career choices? Now they can use LifeLauncher, a free online tool to explore and simplify their career choices.

Your child can explore courses and careers in-depth, at their own pace, anytime, anywhere and on any device. The tool includes 4,000 careers and 1,500 course options, all in one place.

How does it work?

Encourage your child to jump online and complete the 5-minute personality and subject quizzes to be matched to a range of career options that suit their passions and strengths.

If they take both quizzes, they’ll get more refined suggestions. They can even create free online pinboards to shortlist the courses and jobs that interest them.

When your child creates an account, they can save their searches and build a real understanding of the opportunities and pathways open to them.

What can your child learn about their career options?

Your child can explore the weekly salary of the career options they’re interested in. They’ll also find the employment and growth rates of those careers and the number of workers currently in those fields in Australia.

Each career option shows them the education they need as well as other related careers. They can follow links to other sites to find out more about a course to help them find the best provider for them.

Launch into the future today

Use this tool to chat with your child about their post-school options in a meaningful way.

Inspire your child to find their career match today at LifeLauncher.nsw.gov.au.

Write a Book in a Day 2019

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 12:57:43 AEST

Another fantastic year of book making, raising funds for cancer research, and dressing up as our favourite literary characters.

Education Week – Every student, every voice

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 12:52:07 AEST

We are celebrating our students and their powerful voices this Education Week Monday 5 August to Friday 9 August. Every year Education Week celebrates the achievements of public schools, our students and the value of public education.

This year, the theme is Every student, every voice.

Join us for #EdWeek19 as we celebrate our students and their power to shape the world.

Video – #EdWeek19 – Every student, every voice

Duration: 0:34

Creative and Active Kids vouchers now available

Fri, 14 Jun 2019 11:26:59 AEST

Creative kids can now put a $100 voucher towards extra-curricular creative activities outside of school.

Together with Active Kids, this program aims to encourage more NSW children to participate in a range of extra-curricular activities such as coding, languages, circus, performing arts and visual arts.

Parents can apply for one $100 voucher for each child enrolled in school on the Creative Kids website and use it towards the cost of registration, participation or tuition. You just redeem the voucher with a registered provider in your area when making your payment.

This is a great opportunity for your child to become involved in a range of activities that will build on their education, growth and development.

Service NSW is working with industry bodies to deliver the program.

For more information, contact Service NSW on 137 788 or creativekids@service.nsw.gov.au.

The Game Changer Challenge is back

Fri, 31 May 2019 11:41:34 AEST

It’s not too late to become a Game Changer with applications for the Education Week challenge due by 7 June.

The Game Changer Challenge brings 16 teams from public schools across NSW – eight from primary and eight from secondary – to Sydney during Education Week in August for a three-day, intensive design-thinking workshop.

The Game Changer workshops, which start on Tuesday 6 August, includes teacher training in the use of design thinking as a teaching methodology and its application for school planning.

It also includes a team competition where schools will work under the guidance of experts from industry and academia to develop a solution to this year’s critical question: How might we humanise technology?

Department of Education Secretary Mark Scott has encouraged students and teachers to get behind the event as it highlights the critical thinking students will need to develop to succeed in the future.

“The Game Changer Challenge is an exciting initiative that helps educate and inform our students and teachers on how to integrate the problem-solving methodology of design thinking into the classroom,” Mr Scott says.

“It embraces the 21^st century skills our students will need to thrive in a globalised world such as collaboration, creative thinking and communication.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our students at all levels to be involved in discussing and addressing a real-world issue that will affect their future lives. I encourage every school to get involved.”

The challenge is designed to make strong learning and teaching connections to the NSW syllabus specifically in the area of developing general capabilities such as critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, communication and problem-solving.

The challenge also provides teachers with an opportunity to gain exposure to the design thinking process and includes teacher resources to introduce this creative problem-solving methodology into the classroom.

Finalists will be selected based on a 60-second video that showcases your team’s vision around the question of humanising technology.

For more information email edweek@det.nsw.edu.au or visit the Game Changer Challenge page.

IMP End of Camp Performance

Fri, 31 May 2019 09:37:38 AEST

Come listen to our IMP students perform an End of Camp Concert at Leichhardt campus on Thursday evening.

Excursion to Shakespeare's 'The Tempest'

Sun, 26 May 2019 13:19:01 AEST

Y12 Advanced English students spent Friday afternoon watching a Carnivalesque rendition of Shakespeare's 'The Tempest' at the Giant Dwarf Theatre in Redfern.

Students enjoyed the modern, experimental performance and found it useful for their study of 'Module A: Textual Conversations'.

Splendour at the Bay 2019

Sun, 26 May 2019 13:11:01 AEST

Blackwattle's annual sports carnival, also known as 'Splendour', takes on another year with the theme 'Back to the '80s'. It was a gorgeous day to celebrate our star athletes as well as student wellbeing.

Take a look at our album that showcases our activities which include the opening kayak race, bubble soccer, 'Have a Rant', giant chess, and the new 'Crafty Hive' to name a few.

Your NAPLAN questions answered

Thu, 09 May 2019 15:55:42 AEST

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a point in time assessment for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. The tests assess the foundational skills in reading, writing, spelling and numeracy that are essential for every child to progress through school and life.

This year NAPLAN takes place between 14 and 16 May for paper tests and between 14 and 24 May for schools participating in NAPLAN Online.

NAPLAN data is used to help monitor student progress over time against a national measure and to identify areas of strength and improvement. It is used in combination with other school assessments to guide and support student learning.

Watch students ask an expert the tough questions about NAPLAN.

Apply now for My Community Project funding

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 15:11:13 AEST

Do you have a great idea to improve your area?

My Community Project is a new NSW Government funding program that is all about local ideas, local projects and local decisions.

You can apply now for grants from $20,000 - $200,000 for projects that will make a difference to your community. Projects could include new playground equipment, sports facilities, paths or ramps to improve access, public art or a community service.

The local community can vote for their favourite projects in July and successful projects will be announced in September.

Project applications close 15 May 2019.

Apply for My Community Project funding

Sentral Student & Parent Portal

Mon, 22 Jul 2019 09:55:08 AEST

Sentral Student & Parent Portal

Careers Market

Thu, 11 Apr 2019 09:04:32 AEST

Bring back memories, not measles

Thu, 11 Apr 2019 14:16:18 AEST

With school holidays just around the corner, it’s time to visit your doctor to check that you and your family are fully protected against measles, before you travel overseas.

Measles is a serious, highly contagious, viral illness that is easily spread through the air when an infectious person coughs, sneezes or breathes. If you and your family are not fully vaccinated, or have never been vaccinated, you are at risk of contracting measles.

Not sure if you’re fully protected?

In Australia, the measles vaccine (MMR) consists of 2 doses. If you’re not sure whether you’ve had 2 doses of the measles vaccine, visit your doctor. It’s safe to receive another dose.

Children born in Australia

If your children were born in Australia, they may have received the measles vaccine at 12 months old and the second dose at 18 months, in accordance with the National Immunisation Program.
If you have a baby under 12 months old, consult your doctor about getting their measles vaccination.

Adults born in Australia

Born before 1966 – you were most likely exposed to measles as a child and are generally considered to be immune. If in doubt, ask your GP.
Born between 1966 and 1994 – you may not have received 2 doses. Talk to your doctor about the free vaccine if you’re unsure.
Born after 1994 – the National Immunisation Program offers 2 doses, and you can check your vaccination status using the Australian Immunisation Register.

For more information about the measles vaccination, visit NSW Health or consult your local doctor.

Term Two Assessment Calendars

Wed, 03 Apr 2019 21:39:13 AEDT

Diversity Day 2019

Fri, 22 Mar 2019 11:42:28 AEDT

Diversity Day

Diversity Day 2019

Tue, 12 Mar 2019 20:21:58 AEDT

Mark your calendars!

Considering Careers...

Fri, 08 Mar 2019 21:23:25 AEDT

Have you organised a meeting with our Careers Advisor about your post-school options?

Blackwattle Bligh Zone & Futsal Victory!

Fri, 08 Mar 2019 21:41:56 AEDT

Congratulations to our football and Futsal teams for conquering multiple matches this week to emerge in a dual victory!

Sit Down and Write!

Fri, 08 Mar 2019 20:55:43 AEDT

"I was surprisingly productive!"

Our new Senior Enrichment Program has officially launched.

Instrumental Music Program (IMP) Concert

Fri, 08 Mar 2019 21:03:34 AEDT

Come hear our 11 ensembles and over 250 students at their inaugural concert for the year at Sydney Secondary College Balmain campus hall!

CHS Rowing Regatta 2019

Thu, 28 Feb 2019 19:30:23 AEDT

Congratulations to all competitors of the regatta who sweeped many an award!

Follow your heart, not the herd

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 13:31:54 AEDT

We spoke with a group of Kindergarten students to find out what they had to say about going against the herd. They had some wise words for us on how we can care, respect and support each other in our schools.

Let’s start the year off right and prevent student bullying happening in our playgrounds, classrooms and online. If a group of 5-year-olds know the difference between right and wrong, shouldn’t everyone?

Video – Wise at 5

Duration – 1:08

Love is in the Air!

Thu, 14 Feb 2019 23:09:46 AEDT

A special thank you to the SRC, musicians, backstage crew and staff involved in the making of this assembly.

College Swimming Carnival

Mon, 11 Feb 2019 21:34:32 AEDT

Congratulations to all competitors and thanks to our fantastic seniors who assisted with administration at the event!

College Presentation Day 2019

Mon, 11 Feb 2019 21:51:39 AEDT

Congratulations to all award winners from Years 7 through to our now graduated Year 12s from the 2018 cohort.

Back to school

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 15:20:49 AEDT

The first day of high school and the return to school in the new year are busy times for your child – and for the entire family. To help you and your child get organised and enjoy the experience we've compiled some useful tips for each year group.

We want every student to be known, valued and cared for in our schools.

New Year, New Bell Times

Sun, 20 Jan 2019 18:38:17 AEDT

Our Bell Times have been updated for the new academic year.

2018 HSC Achievers

Tue, 18 Dec 2018 14:49:05 AEDT

Congratulations to the Class of 2018 who have received their HSC examination results. In particular, Sydney Secondary College is proud to announce Jonathan Skelton as dux as well as Elliot Malyon who achieved First place in Design & Technology. We look forward to honouring them and many other students on College Presentation Day at Sydney Town Hall in 2019.

From Timber to Toolbox

Tue, 18 Dec 2018 15:06:23 AEDT

Here is our Construction cohort by the Bay with their toolbox which they have built entirely from scratch - a successful completion of their third Major Work. Thank you to Mr. Sunderland for all his guidance of these students.

All Aboard the South Passage Tall Ship Expedition!

Tue, 11 Dec 2018 21:10:46 AEDT

Students had a wonderful oppportunity experiencing the world of sailing

Australia-Japan Relations Essay Contest 2018

Thu, 06 Dec 2018 18:11:07 AEDT

BBC student awarded Highly Commended in the 2018 Australia-Japan Relations Essay Contest for NSW and NT Secondary School Students

Year 12 Formal 2018

Thu, 15 Nov 2018 12:51:52 AEDT

On Monday 12 November our Year 12 cohort of 2018 celebrated the end of their HSC exams and the completion of 13 years of schooling with their formal at Doltone House on Darling Island. A wonderful evening was had by all students and staff in attendance. Many thanks go to Jacinta Fletcher for her wonderful organisation of the evening!

Remembrance Day 2018

Thu, 15 Nov 2018 12:50:36 AEDT

Sunday 11 November marked 100 years since the guns of WWI fell silent and the Armistice was declared. In honour of this anniversary, Blackwattle Bay Campus held a Remembrance Day assembly on Monday 12 November, produced by Mr Peter Morris and the Y12 Modern History class. The assembly was led by our school leaders and included a moving musical performance by Martha Chess Phelps. At the conclusion of the ceremony, student leaders laid handmade poppies in our Remembrance garden.

2019 school budget allocations

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 11:59:30 AEDT

Like all NSW public schools, this week we will receive a School Budget Allocation Report with our funding for 2019. The report will help us manage our total budget delivered through the Resource Allocation Model (RAM).

The RAM supports schools through needs-based funding to ensure a fair, efficient and transparent allocation of funds. Our school has the flexibility to make local decisions based on the specific needs of our students.

We will use our 2019 funding to support students and improve educational outcomes. The school executive will continue to work with the school community as we implement the school plan using this needs-based funding.

Learn more about the 2019 RAM funding.

Winner of Glebe Youth Art Prize

Thu, 18 Oct 2018 19:12:50 AEDT

Stella Bennett's stunning visual artwork.

Blackwattle Bligh Zone Basketball Champions!

Thu, 20 Sep 2018 15:11:37 AEST

An intense gameplay and amazing victory!

School Leaders 2018/19

Tue, 18 Sep 2018 20:41:30 AEST

We are very pleased to announce that our new school leaders for 2018/19 are (L-R) Maddie Fox, Dylan Godwin, Simon Peyrachon and Lia Perkins. Congratulations to all four of our new student leaders.

Year 12 Hospitality Dinner

Sun, 09 Sep 2018 19:13:37 AEST

Thank you to our Year 12 Hospitality students for a wonderful dinner! On Thursday 6th September, guests consisting of parents and staff enjoyed a full three-course meal prepared, cooked and presented by our students in Blackwattle's glasshouse café.

Thank you to all staff and students involved in the evening.

Wear it Purple Day 2018

Thu, 06 Sep 2018 12:50:44 AEST

Wear it Purple Day 2018

Splendour at the Bay 2018

Thu, 28 Jun 2018 13:14:33 AEST

Splendour@ the Bay was again another opportunity for our students to relax, unwind and have a fantastic day with their teachers and friends. It is important for our well-being to enjoy a day involved in fun activities and some good physical activity.

Instrumental Music Program Camp 2018

Sun, 02 Sep 2018 20:35:46 AEST

A record number of Instrumental Music Program students from across the College attended this year's IMP Camp at Collaroy.

Secondhand uniform shop is open

Thu, 28 Jun 2018 12:37:13 AEST

Secondhand uniform shop is now open.

Transition dates for Year 11 2019

Mon, 25 Jun 2018 14:26:11 AEST

Students at our Balmain and Leichhardt Campus will begin the transition process to Blackwattle Bay Campus from Term 2 2018. Details of the transition process can be found at Transition to the senior campus.

Detail for applications for SSC Blackwattle Bay Campus for students not currently enrolled in SSC can be found at Year 11 2019 external applicants.

Diversity Day 2018

Mon, 25 Jun 2018 14:24:33 AEST

On 21st March 2018, Blackwattle Bay Campus celebrated another year of Diversity Day. We are proud to be a College that has students representing a wide variety of cultural backgrounds and demonstrating on a daily basis the respect and inclusivity of our differences.

A big thank you to our international students who presented as well as to Simon Shahin and Sarah Boyle from the Refugee Council of Australia; the stories shared were rich with personal experiences and cultural insight. Another thank you to the participants of the Talent Quest who showed the campus their diversity in skill, passion and creativity. And, of course, a final thank you to all staff and students who continue to make big school events such as this one memorable and relevant.

Rowing Regatta

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 16:57:16 AEDT

The championship men's four on the podium after coming third at the recent CHS Rowing Championships.

CHS Rowing Championships

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 16:57:04 AEDT

Congratulations to our 2018 Rowing Team who competed in the 2018 CHS Regatta at Penrith Lakes . They came home with two silver and three bronze medals.

Welcome to Year 11 Parents

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 16:57:25 AEDT

Year 11 parents are invited to join the P & C and staff at the Welcome to Year 11 Parents Evening. Thursday 22 February 6-8pm.

SSC Blackwattle Bay Dux

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 16:57:20 AEDT

Sydney Secondary College is proud to announce the 2017 Dux. Imogen Biggins achieved an ATAR of 99.9. This is the highest ATAR achieved by a student in the history of the College. We look forward to honouring Imogen and many other students on College Presentation Day at Sydney Town Hall on Friday 9 February 2018.

2018 School Year

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 16:56:57 AEDT

Year 11 students return on Tuesday 30 January. Students are expected to be at school by 8.30am to collect their timetables and ID cards. Students who did not complete the enrolment process in 2017 will need to have their photo taken on Wednesday 7 February and their ID card will be available within a fortnight. Parents and students are reminded to change the school location to Blackwattle Bay Campus to ensure opal cards are valid. Visit the opal website. If you ordered uniforms they can be collected from the Marrickville warehouse.

Year 11 students will attend a welcome assembly before following Tuesday's timetable.

Year 12 students return on Wednesday 31 January. Students are expected to be at school by 8.30am to collect new timetables and attend a brief assembly.