Sydney Technical High School

Sydney Technical High School is an academically selective school for boys, founded in 1911. Entry to the school in year 7 is through the NSW Selective High Schools test, and is restricted to a cohort of 150. The school takes some additional students into year 11 through an in school merit selection process. Ninety per cent of students have a language background other than English and are third phase learners. A unique feature of the school is the diversity of the student body who come from more than 30 different backgrounds. The school values the cultural richness and tolerance that our multicultural environment fosters. The school's learning purpose is to develop creative and innovative scholars who pursue excellence in their lives for the good of the community. We value respect, responsibility and integrity, and students are expected to develop leadership and citizenship qualities for our global environment. Students are required to develop excellent skills in research, communication, application and teamwork so that they are fully prepared for their post school world. The school is known for outstanding achievements in the NSW Higher School Certificate in all curriculum areas. Students are often represented in the NSW HSC Art Express exhibition; Encore, the HSC Music showcase and in the top 10 achievers in curriculum areas. The school has extensive specialist programs for gifted learners, including online enrichment courses, acceleration, and an independent research elective for year 10 students. The school is the recipient of a NSW Director General's Award for Excellence in Gifted Education. Students participate very successfully in National competitions, Challenges and Mathematics and Science Olympiads. The school offers three elective choices to Year 9 students, and operates a four-period day. Student study skills, organisation and competencies in technology and communication are assisted by the provision of a school intranet which is accessed on the web and is available to students and parents. 99% of students pursue a university education and Engineering, Science and Business are popular tertiary choices. A significant percentage of Year 12 students are the recipients of prestigious University Scholarships. The school aims to engage and motivate boys to fully participate in the many programs offered to them in addition to their academic pathways so that they develop emotional intelligence and the ability to understand the perspectives of others. Diverse leadership and wellbeing  programs for boys underpin student success in learning. Amongst these are wellbeing and curriculum camps, mentoring schemes, the Duke of Edinburgh scheme and a vibrant and productive Student Representative Council. The school also participates in extensive community service and social justice programs. The school has many extra-curricular programs, including debating, public speaking, a broad ranging music program with multiple bands, a choir and a string ensemble, languages and the visual arts and chess. These programs support the diverse talents of our gifted learners. The school has a highly successful competitive sports program, and students participate in numerous grade and knockout sports, and compete at zone, regional state and national level. The school awards blues for exceptional sporting talent and team work is rewarded. In the past ten years the school has consistently been the champion winter and summer zone sport school for the NSW St George zone. Staff at the school are highly qualified and experienced with deep curriculum knowledge and expertise in teaching gifted students. All staff engage in systematic ongoing professional learning to ensure that they are up to date with current developments in gifted education and the education of young men. The school is highly regarded in the community and has an active old boys' network which supports the school. The school celebrated its centenary in 2011 and welcomed more than two thousand ex-students and members of the community back to the school for open days. Amongst notable Old Boys are Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith; Olympic swimmer John Konrads; Actor Leo McKern, writer Clive James and inventor Saul Griffiths. There is a strong parent partnership program and seminars on educational issues are regularly shared with the community. The Parents and Citizens association meets monthly and supports the strategic directions of the school. Reflection on our achievements and ongoing evaluation for improvement characterise the school learning and teaching environment. Our major strategic focus for 2015-17 is a whole school program of development for all students in the area of feedback for learning, and for staff on feedback for enhanced professional practice. Our plan is based on expert consultancy and a close analysis of survey and results data.