Tangara was founded by a group of parents and teachers, the PARED (Parents for Education) Foundation, on the principle that parents are the primary educators and that the school exists to give parents support. Parental involvement is expected in key aspects of the child’s development. Christian values are fostered. These include respect for self and others and a willingness to serve one another.
Curriculum: A strong program in both the humanities and sciences is offered, with an emphasis on solid core subjects for the HSC. Computer technology is integrated throughout the curriculum. Core subjects — History, (Years 7 to 10), French (Kindergarten to Year 8) and Classical Studies (Latin) (Years 7 and 8), after which it may be studied as an elective. There is a commitment to very high standards of literacy and numeracy throughout the school.
Electives Years 9 and 10: Latin, French, Geography, Visual Arts, Music, History.
Electives Years 11 and 12: Mathematics, General Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Business Studies, Commerce, Modern History, Ancient History, Geography, French, Latin, Visual Arts, Music, PD/Health/PE, Food Technology, Drama. Extension courses are offered in subjects where applicable.
Sport: PE classes involve netball, basketball and soccer, among others. There are JIPSHA, IGSSA and Hills Zone competitions in athletics, swimming, gymnastics, netball, basketball, cross-country, soccer, volleyball, hockey, tennis, and equestrian.
Co-curricular activities: Musical instruments, voice training, chimes ensemble, orchestra, rock band, choir, speech and drama, debating, musical festivals, the AHIGS festival of speech, ISDA and Archdale debating competitions and Mock Trial. The Maths Olympiad, the Australian Schools Competitions and the Da Vinci Decathlon are also offered. Students can participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme and service projects. There is also a variety of clubs.
Special features: Tangara’s tutorial system establishes a close and constant link between the school and the parents. Every student is allocated a personal tutor from the teaching staff of the school. They meet with the parents every term and every two weeks with the student. Character development is the ultimate focus. The success of the tutorial system depends on the effective teamwork between the parents, the tutor, the teachers, and the students themselves. It is the key to the school’s personalised education. There are two co-educational infant feeder schools: Retaval Wahroonga (located at 100 Fox Valley Road, Wahroonga, 2076), and Retaval Belfield (located at 3 Elliott Street, Belfield, 2191).