INTERNATIONAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Principal's Message
IGS is a vibrant school with a warm and inclusive community. Our campus is located near the heart of the city, in Ultimo, just a short stroll from the University of Sydney, UTS and the creative hubs of Glebe and Chippendale. We are an independent, secular, Preschool to Year 12 co-educational school. In the Early Learning and Primary years, our students are immersed in a flagship bilingual program. They then go on to study at least one language in Years 7 to 10 and a choice of languages for the Higher School Certificate. At IGS, we offer a broad liberal education. We believe that the teacher’s role is to honour and nurture childhood while drawing out the innate gifts of the child. We take our students on an educational journey that empowers them to explore their gifts, find their voices and become their best selves as they move with growing confidence and independence towards adulthood. Unity through Diversity is our motto and our five core values — diversity, personal achievement, connectedness, vibrancy and authenticity – are at the heart of who we are and what we do. My colleagues and I are committed to providing a unique educational experience that gives our students views of the world from every classroom and learning space. We are proud of our innovative campus and curriculum, our Global Centre for the Teaching and Learning of Languages, our Imaginarium, our SAGE program, our Philosopher in Residence, Critical Thinking for the 21st Century and much more, unique to IGS. At IGS, learning happens in and beyond the classroom – on the stage, in the orchestra, on the sporting field, in the vast array of after school clubs, and while abroad on international exchange. We are a passionate learning community – a local school with a global outlook. Our students are our greatest ambassadors. They are in the moment: happy, warm, open-minded, curious, kind and respectful. Speak to them and they will tell you what makes IGS a great school! We look forward to meeting you. Shauna Colnan IGS Principal

International Grammar School is a co-educational secular school offering quality teaching for pre-school, primary and high school students. The school’s core values are Diversity, Personal Achievement, Connectedness, Authenticity and Vibrancy. Each student is treated with respect and encouraged to set academic goals and directions, together with personal goals that are supported by an extensive student care program. All students from Pre-school to Year 10 are immersed in an intensive second language program. There is a range of languages to choose from.

Facilities: The school’s main campus is located in a purpose-built warehouse conversion in Kelly Street, Ultimo, just off Broadway, close to the University of Technology and Sydney University. The campus offers nine music rooms, a drama and music performance space, visual arts rooms and outdoor terraces, three science laboratories, language rooms, two libraries,  a hall/gym, a rooftop garden and a rooftop basketball court. Every primary classroom has internet access. The school has a specialist computer facility and a tech workshop, an information lab and a Senior computer centre, all equipped with the latest facilities.

Subjects Years 7 to 10: Mathematics, English, Science, various History and Geography courses, Design and Technology, Technology and Applied Studies, Visual Arts, Music, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, French, Chinese and Drama. As part of the rich curriculum, designed to meet the specific needs of students in Years 9 and 10, additional courses available include Craft of Writing, Thinking Hyperbolically, Practical Writing Skills, Film-making and the opportunity to undertake an independent major project.

Subjects Years 11 and 12: English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Drama, Modern and Ancient History, Geography, Economics, Music, PD/Health/PE, Visual Arts, Design and Technology, French, German, Japanese, Italian. Beginner language courses and all relevant Extension 1 and 2 courses are offered.

Sport: Students can use the track and field/soccer facilities at Wentworth Park, only three minutes from the school. IGS students compete in a number of inter-school competitions, including on Tuesday afternoons. The school offers swimming, netball, basketball, soccer, softball, volleyball, cricket, athletics, gymnastics and T-ball.

Extra-curricular activities: Includes drama, chess, gym, cooking, dance, soccer, cricket, judo, basketball and art/craft as part of a club program for primary students. Activities, including debating, public speaking, mock trial, historical fencing and gaming clubs, media, music, drama and theatre sports are provided for students. The school has a rich visual and performing arts program with an annual Inter-house Performing Arts Festival. School choirs, orchestras, bands, chamber ensembles, jazz and rock groups are also available.

Welfare and personal development: Close liaison with parents is maintained and encouraged. The enrolment policy is designed to ensure the sizes of classes and year groups encourage a sense of individual worth. The school has a professional counsellor and a special needs teacher. High school welfare is oriented around small, ‘vertical’ tutor groups, which meet daily.

Special features: All students from Pre-school to Year 10 are required to study at least one language other than English. In primary, part of the regular curriculum is taught through the medium of the second language. Music is also offered from Pre-school and is taught by highly qualified Orff Schulwerk teachers. Scholarships are offered for entry into Years 7 and 11.

Check out IGGS’ Virtual School Tour today!

Principal: Shauna Colnan

School Information

  • Type: Independent
  • Coeducational or single-sex: Coeducational

  • Faith-based: None
  • Year: Pre-Kindergarten - Year 12
  • Day/Boarding: Day School
  • Enrolment: 1200 students
  • Interview Required Upon Enrolment: Yes
  • International Baccalaureate Programs offered: N/A  
  • ESL Support: N/A
  • Scholarships Available: Yes
  • Gifted and Talented Program: Yes
  • Preschool or Early Learning Centre: Own Preschool
  • After School Care/ OOSH Options: Own After School Care
  • Fees: 4k - 8k 8k - 12k 12k - 16k Over 16k $8073 (two-day preschool) to $21,100 Year 12
  • Address:4-8 Kelly Street, Ultimo 2007
  • Email:admissions@igssyd.nsw.edu.au
  • Phone:02 9219 6700
  • Fax:02 9211 2474
  • HSC Subjects offered:IGS offers more than 40 HSC courses in the arts, sciences and humanities including extension courses. Please view our HSC results at www.igssyd.nsw.edu.au for a comprehensive list.
  • Clubs and Extra-curricular programs:More than 80 clubs are on offer including many music, sports and drama groups, debating, Theatresports, robotics, science clubs, knitting, film, sewing, scuba diving and Girls' Maths Club and more.
  • Scholarships Available:Indigenous and academic
  • Special Needs Support:Physical disability, Mental disability, Learning disability, Developmental disability

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