Founded in 1934, Willoughby Girls High School is recognised as a leader in girls’ education in one of the most competitive schooling areas in Australia. The school enjoys a strong reputation for high standards in scholarship, evident in the vast majority of HSC graduates who progress to university studies. As the only omprehensive public girls’ school situated on the lower north shore of Sydney, Willoughby GHS provides unique educational opportunities for girls without the expensive fees of private schooling. The school focuses on achieving individual excellence, enhancing an established culture of learning, encouraging independent, life-long learners and developing good citizens and leaders.
Facilities: Specialist learning spaces include a modern library with a large senior study, up-to-date networked computer learning spaces, drama and music studios, an art block with a graphic arts studio, two photography laboratories, technology and applied studies workrooms, new food laboratories, a textiles room, and refurbished science laboratories. Sporting facilities include a multi-purpose hall/gymnasium, two tennis courts, a netball court and a playing field.
Electives Years 7 to 10: In addition to core subjects (English, Mathematics, Science, Geography, History, Personal Development/Health/Physical Education in Years 7 to 10 and Design and Technology, Visual Arts, Music and Languages in Years 7 to 8), students may study Chinese, Commerce, Computing Studies, Design and Technology, Drama, Food Technology, French, Japanese, Music, Photographic and Digital Media, Textiles Technology and Visual Arts.
Electives Years 11 and 12: Ancient History, Biology, Business Services — Office Administration, Business Studies, Chemistry, Chinese, Design and Technology, Drama, Economics, English (Advanced, Standard, ESL, Fundamentals), Food Technology, French, Geography, Hospitality, Information Processes and Technology, Information Technology, JSST (TAFE) courses, Legal Studies, Mathematics, Mathematics General, Modern History, Music, Photography, Physics, PD/Health/PE, Science, Society and Culture, Software Design and Development, Textiles and Design, Visual Arts. Extension courses are offered in English, Mathematics, History, Music and Languages Other Than English.
Sport: Badminton, basketball, cricket, hockey, netball, soccer, squash, tennis, touch football, volleyball. Recreational sports include aerobics, athletics, bushwalking, indoor rock climbing, self-defence, swimming, beach fitness, and surfing. Zone grade sport is available for Years 9, 10 and 11. Some sports cost extra.
Extracurricular activities: Concert and stage bands, choir, string and other ensembles, dance, debating, public speaking, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, Festival of Creative Arts and Design, Drama, Tournament of Minds, Streamwatch. The school produces a major performing arts event each year.
Welfare and personal development: Strong values and an effective support system, responsive to student needs, along with clear discipline policies and a defined uniform code, create a safe, caring and fair school environment. The school has a peer support program, a merit award system and a network of student advisers. There is a head teacher welfare, a school counsellor, a full-time careers adviser, and specialist staff to assist with ESL and learning difficulties. A well-developed program of personal development, health and study skills is offered, as well as camps for Years 7 and 11, and study days for Years 11 and 12. An active SRC and prefect body provide leadership and citizenship experience.
Famous ex-students: Evonne Cawley, Yvonne Kenny, Professor Judy Raper, Ruth McColl, June Dally-Watkins, Rebecca Gilling, Amanda Thane and Tanya Verstak.