Balmain Campus sits on the foreshore of Sydney Harbour overlooking Birkenhead Point. It has comprehensive enrichment and selective streams and reflects the diversity and individuality of the local area. The school is held in very high regard for its outstanding achievements in the creative and performing arts, in academic studies and in technology. Students from this campus have exclusive entry to the Senior Campus at Blackwattle Bay.
Facilities: Tiered library, two computer labs, drama and music rehearsal rooms, art rooms, darkroom, science laboratories, assembly hall with indoor basketball court, gymnasium, ovals, specialist technology rooms, kitchens. The campus is equipped for students with physical disabilities, and there is full wheelchair access.
Electives Years 7 and 8: The school offers a substantial curriculum satisfying the full range of English, Mathematics, Science, and HSIE, plus all other requirements of the NSW Board of Studies. Curriculum differentiation and extension opportunities are offered to gifted and talented students. Learning difficulties support is available, as well as programs for literacy, numeracy and ESL.
Electives Years 9 and 10: This curriculum covers the full range of English, Mathematics and Science, plus Geography and Australian History and three electives with choices made from Computer Studies, French, Italian, Japanese, Visual Arts, Drama, Music, Commerce, Work Studies, Aboriginal Studies, Photography, Marine Studies and a range of Technologies including Food, Wood, Metal, Textiles and Drawing.
Sport: Rugby league and union, soccer, cricket, tennis, swimming, water polo, basketball, netball, softball, baseball, touch football, fencing, squash, weight training, surf life-saving. Completion of a pontoon will provide greater scope for water-based activities such as kayaking and dragon boat racing. Access to Sydney Secondary College sports teams is also a feature.
Extracurricular activities: There are active clubs including chess, debating, concert band, drama, and photography. Drama and musical presentations feature throughout the year. Involvement in drama, debating, public speaking, fencing, hockey, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme and many academic competitions reflect the school’s keen interest in student achievements.
Welfare and personal development: Transition teams for Year 7 classes ensure a smooth entry into high school life and personalised attention for all new students. The special needs of gifted children are recognised and catered for, as are the needs of those from non-English-speaking backgrounds and those with learning and physical difficulties. The school emphasises greater attention to individual student needs. An active SRC encourages student participation in the life of the school.
Special features: The P&C, which is an active participant in school life, is currently sponsoring the purchase of a pontoon, a breakfast club and a bus for disabled students. The school successfully integrates students with physical disabilities into mainstream classes from the special unit within the school. The college-wide discipline policy aims to encourage students to make accountable choices about their behaviour and to accept responsibility for their actions. Business and community partners such as Lend Lease and Bendigo Bank provide further opportunities for student enrichment.