Killara High is one of NSW’s leading comprehensive high schools for girls and boys, with a record of outstanding HSC results and student achievement across the curriculum. Killara has strong pastoral care programs and effective student management systems underpinned by values of self-discipline, responsibility and care for others.
Facilities: Full complement of specialist rooms, multi-purpose outdoor playing courts, fully-equipped gym, performing arts theatre, more than 500 networked computers for student use with 12 IT learning facilities, modern library.
Electives Years 9 and 10: Aboriginal Studies, Chinese, Commerce, Design and Technology (Architecture and Graphics), Drama, Food Technology, French, German, Hebrew, Industrial Technology (Automotive, Electronics, Multimedia, Timber), Information and Software Technology, Japanese, Music, Photographic and Digital Media, Physical and Sport Studies, Textile Technology, Visual Arts.
Electives Years 11 and 12: Aboriginal Studies, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Chinese, Community and Family Studies, Design and Technology (Architecture and Graphics), Drama, Earth and Environmental Science, Economics, Engineering Studies, Food Technology, French, Geography, German, Hebrew, History (Ancient and Modern), Hospitality, Industrial Technology (Automotive, Multimedia, Timber Products and Furniture), Information Processes and Technology, Information Technology, Japanese, Legal Studies, Mathematics (all courses), Music, PD/Health/PE, Senior Science, Society and Culture, Software Design and Development, Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation Studies, Studies of Religion (1 Unit), Textiles and Design, Visual Arts.
Sport: A comprehensive sports program includes an extensive life-saving program as well as rugby, soccer, Australian Rules, touch football, volleyball, cricket, tennis, softball, baseball, volleyball and many recreational sports including yoga, indoor rock climbing and surfing.
Curriculum enrichment activities: String ensemble and orchestra, bands, choral and dance groups, full-scale musical and drama productions, debating, public speaking, Mock Trial, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, magazine editorial team, technology group, light and sound team.
Welfare and personal development: There is an emphasis on pastoral care. A peer support program, multicultural activities, study skills seminars, Years 7 and 11 orientation programs, work experience and service learning (volunteering), and peer tutoring all play their part in enhancing the development of each student within the school’s highly supportive welfare structure.
Special features: Parental support and involvement is very strong.
Famous ex-students: Elle Macpherson, Andrew Blades (Australian rugby union representative), Dr Wendy Erber (first female Rhodes scholar in NSW), Professor Ian Ramsay (Melbourne University — youngest law professor in Australia), Bernard Cohen (writer).