Colyton High was established in 1967 on 10 hectares of expansive grounds. In 2007-2008 capital works provided a multi-million dollar Trade facility for the delivery of Certificate II-III in Construction in the school curriculum. It is a school that has established strong links with its local community as it strives to build pathways to success for its students. In 2009 the school became a member of the Priority Schools Program. The school is also a Positive Behaviour for Learning school.
Facilities: Multi-purpose centre, computer labs, several sports fields, basketball courts, performance spaces for dance and drama, modern library. After extensive refurbishment, modern facilities for practical subjects have also been added.
Electives Years 7 to 10: Industrial Technology (Wood, Metal, Construction, and Electronics), VET Industry Manufacturing, Commerce, Drama, Dance, Information Processing and Software, Design and Technology (Multimedia), Graphic Arts, Ceramics, Visual Arts, Photography, Work Education (Hospitality), Food Technology, Textiles and Design, Design and Technology (Childcare), Music, Physical Activity and Sports Studies, French or Italian.
Electives Years 11 and 12: Mathematics (General, Extension 1, Extension 2 and 2 Unit), Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Senior Science, Business Studies, Legal Studies, Ancient History, Visual Arts, Textiles and Design, Dance, Music, PD/Health/PE, Drama, Industrial Technology (Electronics, Graphics, Timber or Multimedia), Software Design and Development, Information Processing Technology and Community and Family Studies. Content-endorsed courses include Visual Design, Photography, Exploring Early Childhood and Sport, Recreation and Lifestyle and Computer Applications. VET courses include Business Services, Retail, Construction, Hospitality and Information Technology.
The school also offers students the opportunity to study courses at nearby TAFE colleges in courses such as Hairdressing, Animal Science and Motor Mechanics. Students are able to undertake School Based Apprenticeships as part of the Trade School Options available to students in conjunction with TAFE NSW and local businesses and industries.
Sport: Students can participate in a wide variety of sports at either grade, recreational or house level. The school regularly participates in state knockouts in a number of sports, especially soccer, rugby league, tennis and volleyball.
Extracurricular activities: Debating, Colyton Showcase, Community Day.
Welfare and personal development: The well-developed welfare system provides a variety of support for the students. This includes peer support, peer reading, work experience, School to Work programs, careers guidance, Mind Matters, Circle Time and Core of Life. There is also a strong emphasis on providing students with the opportunity to develop leadership skills through membership of the SRC. Tolerance of and for each other is encouraged within the diverse school community.
Special features: Strong parental involvement, innovative curriculum, concentration on vocational education, emphasis on school leadership, strong links with partnership primary schools through middle school initiatives, and integration of technology into the curriculum. Success and skills development for boys and girls in sport are targeted priorities.
Famous ex-students: Mark Garner (Olympian), Terrence Culver (sculptor), Jason Arnberger (cricket), Peter Leek (Paralympian).