Established in 1978, Colo High was built by the Department of Education in association with the local community. The school is set in park-like grounds and has an award-winning architectural design featuring natural timbers. The school philosophy encourages students to possess a positive attitude and to value achievement in all aspects of school life. Parental and community involvement is strongly supported.
Facilities: Well-developed farm, gym/hall, two ovals, basketball courts, netball courts, theatrette for drama, music, dance and concerts, resource centre, audio-visual library, photographic darkrooms, science laboratories, music rooms, industrial arts workshops, home economics kitchens, textiles room, computer network linking all curriculum and administrative areas of the school as well as three specialist computer laboratories. There is wheelchair access to all teaching and learning areas.
Electives Years 7 to 10: Agriculture, Commerce, Information Processes and Technology, Dance, Textiles Technology, Drama, French, Food Technology, Geography, History, Physical Activity, Sports Science, Japanese, Legal Studies, Graphics Technology, Industrial Technology (Building and Construction, Metals and Timber), Visual Arts (Ceramics, Design, Photography).
Electives Years 11 and 12: Agriculture, Ancient History, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Community and Family Studies, Dance, Drama, Design and Technology, Economics, Food Technology, French, Geography, Industrial Technology, Information Processes and Technology, Japanese, Legal Studies, Mathematics, Modern History, Music, PD/Health/PE, Physics, Senior Science, Society and Culture, Software Design and Development, Visual Arts, Textiles and Design. Students in Years 11 and 12 also have access to a wide range of vocational education courses, which are delivered at the school, including the industry curriculum framework courses of Hospitality, Information Technology, Business Services, Retail, and Primary Industries. As well as this, the TVET courses program provides opportunities to study at any of six TAFE colleges in the Western Sydney Institute of TAFE. These dual-accredited courses include the Industry Curriculum Framework Courses in Construction, Metals and Engineering, and Tourism. Also available are many other courses covering the full range of TAFE training opportunities in areas as diverse as Child Studies, Automotive, Design, Nursing, and Real Estate.
Sport: Boys’ and girls’ teams compete in a variety of sports including basketball, tennis, cricket, soccer, rugby league and rugby union. Nearly a dozen leisure sports are offered, from indoor soccer to life saving.
Extracurricular activities: Choir, orchestra, frequent drama and music concerts, ISCF, debating, drama, dance.
Welfare and personal development: There is a well-structured welfare program, and an active Student Representative Council meets on a regular basis. A merit award system encourages excellence in all pursuits and fields.