Arthur Phillip High is a multicultural school located in the centre of Parramatta and is easily accessed by all public transport. The school leadership places a heavy emphasis on quality learning opportunities, which has promoted a tradition of excellent HSC results. There is a strong focus on technology in all Years, with innovative programs available for students in each Year group.
Facilities: Arthur Phillip is centred around the Old School House (1875), the oldest continually used educational building in Sydney. The school maintains a very strong traditional emphasis on achievement, courtesy and participation. Five computer laboratories and a graphic design studio are maintained and regularly updated. All classroom computers are connected to the school intranet and have Internet access. Use of wireless laptops makes every classroom technologically ready. The specialist drama room and stage area are available to both junior and senior classes through innovative drama courses.
Electives Years 7 to 10: French, Music, Photography, Visual Arts, History, Geography, Commerce, Design and Technology, Technics (Auto and Wood), Technical Drawing, Computing Studies, IT, Drama, Food Technology, Electronics. English as a Second Language (ESL) and literacy are heavily emphasised across the curriculum.
Electives Years 11 and 12: All levels of English, Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Legal Studies, Business Studies, Geography, Design and Technology, Economics, Computing Studies, Drama, Ancient History, Modern History, Hospitality, Visual Arts, Drama, Music, PD/Health/PE, Photography. VET courses include Business Services, Information Technology, Retail and Hospitality.
Sport: A wide range of traditional sports is offered.
Extracurricular activities: Rock band, debating, peer mediation.
Welfare and personal development: The school has well-developed processes aimed at developing citizens who respect themselves and each other. They include a strong emphasis on student government and decision-making through a student council, self-esteem building through a merit process implemented across the school, and programs such as peer support, SRC and careers guidance. The school has an excellent reputation for mutual respect displayed between staff and students. Uniforms are worn by all students.
Special features: Arthur Phillip has a support unit for students with moderate intellectual disabilities and a hearing support unit for hearing-impaired students. There’s also a large number of international students enrolled.