Built in 1969, Engadine High is situated on a spacious hillside site with classrooms around garden courtyards. The school strives to achieve the best possible learning outcomes for all students academically, culturally and in sport. The school has a strong tradition of excellence in performing and creative arts. It has won a Director General’s Award for Performing Arts (2002) and also for Excellence in Learning (2004). In 2006, Engadine High was awarded a Director-General’s Award for our outstanding Linkages Program with its partner primary schools. In 2007 and 2008, the school won the national championships of Wakakirri Story Dance; and in 2009, it placed 2nd in NSW Rock Eisteddfod Raw.
Facilities: Modern, well-equipped library, learning centre, multi-purpose hall, sports oval, audio-visual room, extensive visual arts facilities, including photography colour darkroom, drama room. The school is equipped with five computer laboratories and is fully cabled with wireless technology in all areas of the school, allowing the use of laptops in all classrooms. We have a connected classroom allowing for video-conferencing for students and staff. Interactive whiteboards are located in many rooms throughout the school. FA sports grant allowed us to add a special purpose surface to both basketball courts allowing a variety of outdoor sports to be played under cover which will allow students and parents to access programs, assessments, homework and e-learning experiences through the school’s new web page.
In 2007, two new dedicated science laboratories were built as well as a Science Technology Learning Centre and four remaining labs will be refurbished by 2010. In addition, a new band room and dance facility was constructed to support the school’s performing arts program. In 2010, a further two science labs were completely redesigned and three labs were further upgraded with technology and acoustic provisions.
Electives Years 7 to 10: One elective is chosen for Year 8 and two electives are taken in Years 9 and 10. Electives offered include Multi-cultural Cooking, Showbiz, DIY Timber, Film making, Ceramics, Marine and Aqua Technology, Technology (Woodwork and Metalwork), Italian, French, History, Geography, Commerce, Child Studies, Technics, Technical Drawing, Computing, Visual Arts, Photography, Graphic Design, Textiles and Design, Food Technology, Visual Design, Music, Human Movement, Drama and Dance and Leaders in Life. A new study skills course is mandatory for all Year 10 students.
Electives Years 11 and 12: English (all courses), Mathematics (all courses), Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Studies, Senior Science, Drama, Music, Visual Arts, Visual Design, PD/Health/PE, Engineering Studies, Business Studies, Legal Studies, Economics, Society and Culture, Geography, Design and Technology, Modern History, Ancient History, Community and Family Studies, Food Technology, Information Processes, Italian. Two 1-Unit courses: English Fundamentals and Sports Lifestyle — are also offered. There are also VET options, including TAFE links and dual-accredited courses in Hospitality, Entertainment, Information Technology, and Construction.
Sport: Competitive sports are available and the sport afternoon has an emphasis on recreational and fitness sports. Students participate in many state knock-out competitions. Leisure sports include squash, surf survival, golf, circuit, yoga. The school’s rugby league team has enjoyed great success at state level, winning the NSW competition in the U16s in 2007 and continued success at state level in 2008 and 2009.
Extracurricular activities: Debating, ISCF, dance, drama, public speaking, vocal group, Rock Eisteddfod, musicals and student exchange program. The school also has two outstanding bands — a show band and a stage band that tour overseas every second year. In 2010, our dancers toured the Yangzhou province of China representing the Sydney region of public schools. In 2011, our band will go to Hollywood to perform.
Welfare and personal development: Pastoral care is provided by Year advisers, roll patrons, school counsellors, and a welfare committee. Students support this system with a peer support program and an active student council. Students from Years 9 to 12 undertake work experience, and careers preparation is provided for Years 10 to 12 students. We have an active anti-bullying program led by our welfare co-ordinator.
Special features: There are two selective classes in Years 7 to 10. Students are selected on the basis of a test and information from primary schools. The school has a support unit, which caters for students in three special classes for students with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities. Professional Development of staff is constantly supported to ensure that technology and quality teaching practices are integrated into learning. All Year 7 classes attend Information Computer Technology (ICT) classes as part of their curriculum.