Bankstown Girls High is a comprehensive public school, focused on developing independent life-long learners who can make strong contributions to the community through further education, employment and participation. The school has been selected to be ‘A Centre for Excellence for Teacher Quality’ in 2011-2012 as part of the Smarter Schools National Partnerships initiative. This initiative recognises schools which have consistently improved student learning outcomes through high quality and consistent teaching practice. The school recognises that a quality education includes not only academic success, but also achievements in the areas of performing and creative arts, sport, leadership, and technology. The school’s commitment to curriculum delivery was recognised with the awarding of the prestigious Director General’s School Achievement Award in Curriculum Provision and Delivery, Excellence in ESL and ICT Teaching and Whole School Sports Programs.
Facilities: The school is fully wireless and cable networked. The facilities includes a modern library, learning centre, four dedicated computer laboratories, three visual arts rooms with adjoining pottery kilns, ceramics and sculpture workshops, photography darkroom, multimedia studio, music studio, a specialist drama room, careers education centre, four state-of-the-art science laboratories, one food laboratory and one industrial kitchen, textiles room, and a technics facilities block catering for courses in wood and leatherwork. The school’s sporting equipment has also been recently upgraded and will include a gym. There is a new cafeteria area for students to enjoy during their breaks. By 2012 all students in Years 9 to 12 will be supplied with their own dedicated laptop.
Curriculum: Bankstown Girls High School curriculum meets a broad range of needs from gifted and talented programs and classes to learning support classes. Our focus is on provided programs that challenge every student at every level. The school offers a full range of Senior courses in Science, History, Mathematics and English, including all Extension courses.
A broad range of extracurricular opportunities are available through integrated sport in Years 7 to 11 with specialist tuition from professional coaches; TAFE- and school-delivered Vocational and Educational Training (VET) courses; leadership development fostered through an active SRC; inter-school debating and public-speaking competitions; performing arts activities, including dance groups, individual and group instrument tuition, Junior and Senior bands and choral groups; and optional scripture classes.
Special features: The school has a specialist Enrichment Officer who works with teachers and students to challenge more able students to meet their full potential, as well as extensive ESL and Learning Support programs to promote active participation in learning at all levels. Students engage in leadership programs from Year 7 to 12 through peer support, peer mediation, leadership in the Middle School and the SRC. Participation is encouraged through extension activities such as school camps and excursions, English, Science, Mathematics and Computing Studies competitions, work experience, community service and the merit award system.