Blacktown Boys High School has been preparing boys for their future since 1959, based on a code of learning, respect and safety. It shares a common site with Blacktown Girls’ High. Blacktown Boys’ High has been designated partially selective, taking its first cohort of selective students in 2010. It will however, continue to offer mainstream classes for local and non-local boys.
The school has been awarded a Director-General’s Achievement Award for its work in student welfare, curriculum and school organisation. Three members of staff have received Minister’s Awards for Teaching Excellence. The visual arts faculty has also been recognised by the Minister for Education for its achievements with a Certificate of Excellence.
The school is recognised for its outstanding work in boys’ education and has presented at a national conference on boys’ education. It is currently involved in the federally-funded Success for Boys Program, which ensures that successful, professional development for staff is based on current research.
Facilities: The school is completely networked, with three computer rooms, and wireless internet access to every classroom. It has an auditorium, a photography darkroom, two tennis courts, three basketball courts, a cricket pitch, and rugby, soccer and hockey fields.
Curriculum: In addition to English and Mathematics, the school offers all Sciences, Economics, Business Studies, Legal Studies, Geography, Ancient and Modern History, Industrial Technology, Engineering Studies, Information Processes and Technology, Visual Arts, Photography, Visual Design, Ceramics, Music, Studies of Religion, Drama and in-school vocational courses including Metals and Engineering and Retail. All TAFE courses are available as well as extension courses.
Sport: The school enjoys outstanding success in a wide range of sports including rugby league and union, soccer, indoor soccer and athletics. All students are encouraged to develop interest and competency in sport. A wide range of recreational sporting facilities is nearby such as rock climbing, ice-skating and lawn bowls.
Extracurricular activities: A wide range of extracurricular activities is offered, in particular peer mediation, debating, Mock Trial, audio-visual productions, musical groups/bands, Model United Nations Assembly, Minister’s Young Designer Award, Premier’s Reading Challenge and Mathematics Challenge Day.
Welfare and personal development: The school has completely revised its student welfare policy to better suit the needs of boys. The approach emphasises self-discipline and quality learning/teaching programs. The school has a house system, which promotes social responsibility and school spirit. Student mediators form a key part in the development of a harmonious environment. There is a well-developed and strictly enforced uniform policy. Students participate in school governance through the student leadership team.
Famous ex-students: Dr Bob Brown (Tasmanian MP, leader of the Green movement), Michael Terry, Kerry Bartlett (MP for Macquarie), Hans Torv and George Illich (radio personalities).