The Balmain Campus sits on the foreshore of Sydney Harbour overlooking Birkenhead Point. It has comprehensive enrichment programs (including academic and creativity as well as a talented athlete’s program), selective streams and a support unit reflecting the diversity and individuality of the local area. The school is held in very high regard for its outstanding achievements in the creative and performing arts, academic studies and technology. Balmain focuses on a middle-schooling model, which incorporates high expectations, authentic teaching and learning outcomes, strong learning relationships, student voice and responsibility, wellbeing, pedagogy and citizenship. Students from this campus have exclusive entry to the Senior Campus at Blackwattle Bay.
Facilities: Tiered library, three computer labs, drama and music rehearsal rooms, art rooms, darkroom, science laboratories, assembly hall with indoor basketball court, gymnasium, ovals, specialist technology rooms, kitchens. The campus is equipped for students with physical and intellectual disabilities and there is full wheelchair access.
Years 7 and 8: The school offers a substantial curriculum satisfying the full range of English, Mathematics, Science and HSIE, plus all other requirements of NESA. Curriculum differentiation and extension opportunities are offered to gifted and talented students. Learning difficulties support is available, as well as programs for literacy, numeracy and EAL/D.
Sport: Rugby league and union, soccer, cricket, tennis, swimming, basketball, netball, softball, futsal, touch football, rowing and kayaking. Access to combined Sydney Secondary College sports teams is also a feature of the school.
Extra-curricular activities: There are active clubs including chess, debating, concert band, drama, photography, art, homework and breakfast club, theatre sports, dance club, girls and boys club, Bro Speak and Sista Speak. Drama and musical presentations feature throughout the year. Involvement in drama, debating, public speaking, hockey, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, Talented Athlete Program, Instrumental Music Program and many academic competitions reflect the school’s keen interest in student achievements.
Special features: The school successfully integrates students with physical disabilities into mainstream classes from the special unit within the school. The college encourages a positive behaviour towards learning to support student behaviour and achievement. All students are expected to be respectful, act responsibly and participate productively in their learning. Business and community partners enrich learning opportunities for students in a widevariety of ways including a recent partnership with UTS around STEM students.
Principal: Mr Mark Corbett.