Dulwich High is a specialist school for the study of Visual Arts and Design. The school pursues this specialisation through its own curriculum organisation and its links with the National Art School, the Sydney Institute of TAFE Enmore Design Centre and the Art Gallery of NSW. In addition, Dulwich High School of Visual Arts and Design provides a comprehensive education for its local community.
Facilities: To support its specialisation, Dulwich High School of Visual Arts and Design boasts an art gallery, a 2-D and 3-D studio, a design centre and individual studios for Senior students. These facilities are complemented by an excellent library with 20 internet work stations, three computer rooms featuring both iMACS and PCs, and an after-hours homework and study centre.
A skills centre for the study of Vocational Education and Training (VET) communications competencies, and the study of the VET dual-accredited Retail course, opened in 2005 and a commercial kitchen for Hospitality was opened in 2008.
Electives Years 7 to 10: Visual Arts, Design and Technology, Computing Studies, Photography and Digital Media, Food Technology, Music, Japanese, Exercise and Sports Science, Commerce. In addition, all students from Years 8 to 10 have an opportunity to participate in the two-hour-a-week NEO program, which allows further study in Food Design, Web Design, Cartooning and Animation, Funky Jewellery and Ceramics, Drama, Sports and Games, Digital Art (Photography and Video Production) and Hip Hop Dance.
Electives Years 11 and 12: As well as offering the ATAR pathway for students wishing to proceed to university, the school is also a leader in the field of vocational education. The VET courses of Retail, Information Technology, Construction, and Hospitality are offered in the Senior curriculum. These courses offer industry accreditation, contribute to the award of an HSC and, in some cases, the ATAR. Students are offered support through the school’s learning centre, a mentoring program and a school-to-work plan.
Sport: The school plays against other schools in Years 7 and 8 in the Bligh Zone. Years 9 and 10 students participate in a range of recreational and school-based sports including basketball, tennis, volleyball, ice-skating, rugby league, soccer and cricket.
Extracurricular activities: The school participates in regional debating competitions and many art and design exhibitions, such as “Beyond the Frame” at Vaucluse House and the Robyn Anderson film competition. In addition, the school organises a program of visiting artists who work with classes over an extended period. The school also delivers extra-curricular art and design programs such as the Street Art Club and the Design and Make Club. Students may also participate in the school band and choir.
Special features: There is a well-developed hospitality program for overseas visitors, exchange programs with Japan, and a sister-school relationship with Okayama High School in Japan. The school received 17 mentions in the Board of Studies Distinguished Achievers list for the HSC 2008.