Sydney Grammar School is made up of two Preparatory Schools (at St Ives and Edgecliff) and a Senior School in the city, opposite Hyde Park. Its origins go back to the early 19th century. Grammar is committed to the values of a liberal, prevocational education and exists specifically in order to prepare boys for university. The school has consistently maintained a high level of academic achievement in mathematics, science and the humanities. Nearly all Preparatory School boys come on to College Street. Around 60 other boys are also admitted to Year 7 and applicants need to sit an entrance assessment. Up to 24 full scholarships are offered annually to boys entering Year 7 and a limited number of means-tested assisted places. Facilities: Theatres and halls, playing fields at St Ives and at Rushcutters Bay (for College Street and Edgecliff), boatshed with full rowing facilities at Gladesville, tennis and squash courts, gymnasium.
Electives Years 8 to 10: Classical Greek, Latin, Italian, French, German, Mandarin, History, Geography, Visual Arts, Design and Technology, Music.
Electives Years 11 and 12: Boys are expected to take a minimum of 12 units. All boys study English, and HSC courses are offered in Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Earth and Environmental Science, Latin, Classical Greek, French, German, Italian, Mandarin, Japanese for Beginners, Ancient History, Modern History, Geography, Economics, Visual Arts, Design and Technology, Music, Studies of Religion and PD/Health/PE.All subjects offered are at 2-unit level; 1-unit Extension courses are available in English, Mathematics, Latin, Classical Greek, History, French, German, Italian, Mandarin, and Music. A second Extension course is available in English and Mathematics, making it possible to study four units of both of these subjects.
Sport: Grammar is a member of the AAGPS and boys take part in competitions in soccer, rugby, cricket, tennis, basketball, rowing, cross-country running, athletics, rifle shooting, swimming, volleyball and fencing. The policy of the school is to offer sports at all levels to suit different interests and abilities.
Extra-curricular activities: There is an extensive music performance program involving choirs, orchestras, chamber orchestras, bands and ensembles, as well as individual tuition. Operatic works and musicals, as well as spoken drama, are performed to a high standard. Boys may be involved in GPS, ISDA and Eastside debating competitions, Army and Air Force cadets, and more than 30 clubs and societies including philosophy, fly fishing and chess. An academic extension program is offered for boys in senior years including preparation for Mathematics and Science Olympiads.
Welfare and personal development: An integrated approach to pastoral care, personal development and discipline is provided in a system of small tutorials (12 boys in each). Each tutor also regularly meets his or her boys for discussions on matters of interest beyond the curriculum. There are counsellors at each of the three branches of the school.