Sylvania High School is a wonderful school with a publicly recognised reputation for excellence in academic achievement and in the Performing Arts. HSC results in recent years have been outstanding. Its reputation is the result of high achievement and outstanding success in State and National programs. Parent surveys indicate the main reasons for choosing SHS are academic results, performing arts programs and the fact that it are small enough to really know the students. In 2011, the school was successful in competing for in excess of $50,000 of grant money, which is being used to fund a variety of key educational initiatives within the school.
The students are caring and co-operative, and work together to promote the values of rights, respect and responsibility. They are acknowledged for their outstanding leadership and their ability to work with students in other schools, especially primary schools, to promote the values of public education. They have strong beliefs about the way they can contribute to the community and they uphold the school’s traditions of scholarship, honour and service.
Facilities: Technology is integrated into learning in many ways. The school has three networked computer rooms, computer bays in the library and careers rooms and wireless network coverage. Interactive whiteboards and ceiling mounted digital projectors complement the use of laptop technology. Music and Visual Arts have their own dedicated technology to enhance student studies in composition and graphic design. The brand new performance studios including a new $4 million multipurpose auditorium offer cutting edge resources for Dance, Music, Drama and PD/H/PE. In addition, the school will boast a Trade Training Centre facility from 2011 in Construction and Hospitality.
The Student Welfare Program focuses on the individual needs of each child in a nurturing and supportive smaller school context. A democratically elected Student Representative Council provides a forum for student concerns and ideas to be integrated into whole school planning. The P & C and School Council strongly support the school and work in partnership with teachers to collaboratively influence the future directions of Sylvania High School. Visitors to the school often remark on the ambience and welcoming tone.
Curriculum: Years 7-10: All subjects as mandated by the Board of Studies
Years 9-10: Students have a choice of three electives from: Commerce, Information and Software Technology, Physical Activity and Sports Science, Eco Rangers (a service learning course), History Mystery and Forensics, Japanese, French, Greek, Dance, Drama, Music, Visual Arts, Fashion Design, Childcare, Graphics, Multimedia Studies, Metalwork, Woodwork, Construction, and Work Education.
Years 11-12: English (Extensions, Advanced, Standard, English as a Second Language); Mathematics (all levels including Extension 1 and 2); Physics; Chemistry; Biology; Information Processes and Technology; Software Design & Development; Ancient and Modern History; Economics; Business Studies; Legal Studies; Society and Culture; French and Extension course; Japanese and Extension course; Design & Technology (Wood); Industrial Technology (Metal); Engineering Science; Food Technology; Textiles and Design; Community and Family Studies; Dance; Drama; Music 1 and 2 and Music Extension; Visual Arts; PD/H/PE.
Vocational Courses (VET): Construction, Hospitality Operations, Retail Operations and Business Services.
Sport: Sylvania High School is situated in spacious, park like grounds with excellent sporting facilities. All traditional team and individual sports are offered as well as a diverse range of leisure activities including bowling, surf lifesaving, fishing, weight training, walking, golf and roller blading. The school enjoys consistent success at Zone, Region and State levels especially in soccer, swimming and athletics.
Gifted & Talented Program: The staff are trained to differentiate the curriculum and working with our academic partner, provide a dedicated program for high achieving students specifically in Years 7 and 8. Students have the opportunity to compete in National and State-wide academic competitions and all staff challenge thinking through high order questioning skills and advanced work options.
Extracurricular activities: A vital performing arts program, centred on the school concert and stage bands, drama, dance and musical production, encourages and supports the imagination and creativity of our students. There are many opportunities for tuition and for public performance through state festivals, performance camps and workshops, Schools Spectacular and ensemble work. Other strengths include participation in debating, public speaking, student exchange programs, work experience and industry links. Our Performing Arts program produces students who are acknowledged as being highly successful at a competitive State level and the Performing Arts make regular tours to schools both intra-state and inter- state to showcase their talents and support younger students in rural communities