Masada is located on two campuses on Sydney’s leafy North Shore, at Lindfield (Preschool and Junior) and St Ives (Preschool and Senior). The school was founded in 1966 to provide an excellent and thorough, academic and cultural Jewish education. While principally intended for Jewish children, the college welcomes students of other faiths.
Facilities: Dedicated computer rooms and IT facilities, data projectors and internet access in most classrooms, libraries (with internet access), design and technology centre, auditorium (computerised lighting, sound and projection), sports oval, multi-purpose ball courts, state-of-the-art hospitality/food technology kitchen, music room, canteen, Year 12 common room.
Subjects Years 7 and 8: These subjects are compulsory: English, Mathematics, Science, Hebrew, Jewish Studies, History, Geography, Music, Technology Mandatory, PD/Health/PE, Visual Arts, Drama, Sport.
Electives Years 9 and 10: In addition to a core curriculum of English, Maths, Science, Hebrew, Jewish Studies, Australian History, Geography, Civics and Citizenship and PD/Health/PE, students can choose two electives from Drama, Food Technology, Commerce, Music, Design and Technology, Visual Arts, Photography and Sports Science.
Electives Years 11 and 12: English (all courses), Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Ancient History, Modern History, Extension History, Food Technology, Hospitality, Mathematics (at all levels), Geography, Business Studies, PD/Health/PE, Economics, Modern Hebrew, Classical Hebrew, Music, Visual Arts, Drama, Design and Technology, Studies of Religion, Society and Culture and Economics. Subjects may change from year to year according to students’ interests and the college also facilitates students studying courses externally.
Sport: Tennis coaching, athletics, swimming, soccer, netball, softball, cricket, basketball, rugby, surfing, squash, table tennis.
Extracurricular activities: Mock Trial, debating, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, extensive range of individual musical instruments and voice lessons, stage bands, guitar and string ensembles, jazz bands, orchestra, drama productions, public speaking, Tournament of Minds, Da Vinci Decathlon, Tech Crews. The curriculum is supported by a vibrant informal Jewish Studies program, community programs and charity committee.
Welfare and personal development: The college employs a number of specialist teachers to devise individual programs and support for students with special needs and those requiring remediation. A specialist careers adviser and school psychologist are available to students and parents for private consultations. Specialist ESL teachers are also available. A gifted and talented specialist works closely with the students and staff in both primary and high. Student welfare is overseen by the classroom teacher in primary and by Year Patrons in the high school. Leadership skills are developed through a Peer Support program in the primary school and Peer Support Program, Student Representative Council, House system, prefecture and sports captains in the high school, along with a variety of committees, including a Charity Committee.
Special features: Masada offers students and their families a warm, nurturing environment. Students are supported both in and out of the classroom through a very strong pastoral care program, extending to parent evenings which complement the pastoral programs students are offered in the classroom.