Northmead Creative and Performing Arts was built in 1959 and was extensively refurbished in recent years to provide a first-class teaching environment. The school is committed to serving the needs of its community and has links with local charities and businesses. The school maintains a sound tradition in Creative and Performing Arts skill development, academic and sporting achievement and opportunities for gifted and talented students. Accelerated courses are available in Mathematics, Business Studies, Dance, Drama, Music and Visual Arts. Electives in Music, Dance, Drama, Photography, Visual Arts, Ceramics and Visual Design are provided for in the curriculum.
Facilities: Four computer labs, connected classroom, nine interactive whiteboards, dance studio, modern sporting facilities including a gym, human performance laboratory and a weight-training room, three sports fields, modern library, drama rooms, farm, 10 interactive whiteboards and data projectors installed in each classroom.
Electives Years 7 to 10: Aboriginal Studies, Agriculture, Ceramics, Childhood Studies, Commerce, Dance, Drama, French, Graphics Drawing, Home Science. Information and Software Technology, Japanese, Latin, Music, Physical Activity and Sport Studies, Textiles and Design, Visual Arts, Visual Design and Woodwork.
Electives Years 11 and 12: Aboriginal Studies, Ancient History, Biology, Business Services (VET), Business Studies, Chemistry, Construction (VET), Design & Technology, Drama, Engineering Studies, Economics, Entertainment, French, Geography, Hospitality (VET), Industrial Technology — Timber and Furniture, Information Processes and Technology, Information Technology (VET), Japanese, Legal Studies, Modern History, Multimedia Technology and Metal Technology, Music, PD/Health/PE, Photography, Physics, Sport Lifestyle and Recreation, Visual Arts and Visual Design. A number of NSW Board-endorsed courses are also offered.
Sport: A broad range of competitive and leisure sports are offered as a grade sport.
Extracurricular activities: Debating, mock trial, MUNA, Mitchell Leadership Program, drama, dance, concert band, musical, Rock Eisteddfod (winners of The NSW Premier Division 2005, National Television Champions 2004 and 2005), 2010 Winners Talent Storm. Schools Spectacular, choreography night, art exhibition, musical, drama, dance evenings, intercultural exchange program with Japan.
Welfare and personal development: A peer support program and SRC enable students to assist teachers in pastoral care. Work experience is arranged in Years 10 and 11. Year 7 attend an orientation camp and girls’ and boys’ education strategies are in operation. A focused study skills program maximising the potential of students to achieve their personal best through individual learning plans. A successful anti-bullying program (STOP) has been developed and implemented with a focus on student resilience.
Special features: Northmead offers specialist tuition in Creative and Performing Arts, including Music, Dance, Drama, Visual Arts, Entertainment and Gifted and Talented Education. Reflecting the school’s focus on the creative and performing arts, a performing arts expo is held annually immersing students in the world on theatre and performance and students are encouraged to perform at school, local and regional functions.
Famous ex-students: Melrose brothers, Greg Page (The Wiggles), Natalie Avellino (Australian netball team), Hayden Foxe (Australian Junior Socceroos), Mark Shipley and Stuart Bell (Sydney Blues/US baseball), Samantha May (Sydney Swifts), Brent Dunkley (Australian Institute of Sport — squash), Alyssa Vella (Pacific School Games, athletics — hammer throw), Tony Melrose (Wallabies rugby), Samantha Steedman (netball, NSW U/21), Nathan Rees (Premier of NSW).