Context
Sydney Secondary College, with campuses at Balmain, Leichhardt and Blackwattle Bay, is an innovative multi-campus public education facility. The college caters for all learners with an academically selective stream, comprehensive stream and support classes for students with disabilities (Intellectual, Physical and Autism).
The diversity of students from a multiplicity of cultural backgrounds creates the opportunity for real life learning and authentic experiences.
Located in the inner city, with two harbour side locations, students complete Year 7 - 10 education at Balmain or Leichhardt where the focus is on middle schooling. They move to the young adult learning environment of Blackwattle Bay campus for Years 11 - 12 with its broad curriculum and links to TAFE and universities.
Our 7-10 campuses at Balmain and Leichhardt specialise in middle school education. They feature acaemically selective, enrichment and mainstream options.
Students will experience a wide curriculum at both of our junior campuses. A modern and stimulating learning environment has been created at each campus. Both campuses have a thriving creative arts and performing arts focus.
Elective subjects
Students choose from French, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, a variety of Computer Courses, Australian History, Geography, Civics and Citizenship, Photography, Ceramics, Dance, Drama, Textiles and Design, Visual Arts, Music, Food Technology, Industrial Technology: Wood and Metal, Jewellery Making, Physical Education, Aboriginal Studies, Work Education, Graphics Technology, Commerce, International studies, Big Picture/Accord and Life Skills courses.
College co-curricular
A supportive and enthusiastic student cohort involves themselves in many co-curricular activities including, Talented Athlete Program, Debating, Peer Mentoring, camps for each year, SRC,Theatresports, Art Club, Writers Club, Music Ensembles, Choir, Social Inc, Volunteering Programs, Duke of Edinburugh, Environmental Group, Photography club, visits by international students, breakfast club, Topfest film competition, Mathematics, Breakfast club, homework centre; Science, English, Maths, Computing competitions.
Instrumental music program (IMP)
The IMP is an outstanding parent and College run program that brings students together from all three campuses to make music. There is an annual camp, plus tours, competitions and performances. Over 200 students participate in this excellent program. There are eight musical ensembles.
Sports
The College offers grade competition with other schools and recreational sport in summer and winter seasons. Among sports available are Athletics, Swimming, Cross Country, Hockey, Touch Football, Rugby Union, Rugby League, and Badminton, Wheelchair sports, riding for the Disabled, Netball, Soccer, Tennis, Volleyball, Dance, Cricket, Cycling, Table Tennis, Fencing, Weight Training, Gymnastics, Kayaking, Ice Skating and Basketball. The College enjoys considerable success in State knockout competition.
Technology facilities
Sydney Secondary College has fully equipped and networked computer labs in each campus and access for students in libraries, learning centres and classrooms. All campuses are wireless networked to support the use of BYOD including laptops, iPads and mobile phones for learning.
Student wellbeing
Our welfare system recognises and rewards student achievements and contributions. It provides support structures that progressively assist students in developing responsibility for self-discipline. All campuses have introduced Positive Behaviour for Learning.
We raise student and staff esteem by developing quality teaching and professional consistency. Specialist Head Teachers ensure that supportive welfare and learning teams, mentoring programs and counselors provide specialist support for all students. Our College student wellbeing team meets fortnightly.
Our 11-12 senior campus at Blackwattle Bay offers students an exciting range of subjects. Over sixty subjects are offered, including traineeships, TAFE courses and a university extension course. A Year 10 into Year 11 transition program allows stuents to be individually interviewed regarding their subject selections. Students have their own educational pathway developed. Students are assisted in becoming independent young adult learners in a supportive learning environment including a senior study area known as "The Edge". All students meet in groups with a mentor teacher one a week to ensure they have peronal support during their senior years.