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Located on 600 hectares in bushland surroundings at the base of the Blue Mountains, St Columba’s High School has an interesting history. It first operated as a seminary for candidates of the priesthood. In 1978 the Archbishop of Sydney approved the establishment of a Catholic regional high school in the seminary buildings. After some modifications, the school opened in 1979. The school’s philosophy is equity and excellence with emphasis on Catholic principles and Christian values. There is an extensive Special Education program for those with learning difficulties, involving computer instruction, parent helpers and considerable staff involvement.
The school’s heritage buildings and more recently constructed facilities are situated in a unique and extensive bushland setting. Facilities and resources have been developed to support a full range of subjects within all Key Learning Areas. |
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Years 7 and 8: The academic program in Years 7 and 8 is determined by the Board of Studies. Subjects include: Religious Education, English, Mathematics, Science, Australian History, Australian Geography, Design & Technology (this includes components of Computer Studies, Agriculture, Food Technology, Woodwork, Metalwork), Music, Visual Arts, Japanese (Yr 8 only), Personal Development, Health, Physical Education
Elective Subjects:
Years 9 and 10: Agricultural Technology, Commerce, Drama, Food Technology, Geography, Graphics Technology, History, Information and Software Technology, Industrial Technology – Metal or Wood, Japanese, Music, Physical and Sports Studies, Textiles and Design, Visual Arts, Visual Design.
Years 11 and 12: Board Developed Courses include:
Agriculture, Ancient History, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Dance, Drama, Earth and Environmental Science, Economics, Engineering Studies, English Extension, Food Technology, Geography, Information Processes & Technology, Industrial Technology, Japanese Continuers, Japanese Beginners, Legal Studies, Different Mathematics and English levels, Modern History, Music 1 & 2, PDHPE, Physics, Senior Science, Society & Culture, Software Design & Development, Visual Arts, Studies of Religion
Board Endorsed Courses include: Exploring Early Childhood, Photography, Religion: Catholic Studies, Visual Design.
Vocational Education and Training Courses (VET) include: Construction, Hospitality Operations, Entertainment, Primary Industries.
Sports:
Rugby, Cricket, Volleyball, Soccer, Tennis, Swimming, Basketball, Netball, Handball, Softball, Hockey, Gymnastics, Athletics, Touch Football, Cross-Country, Squash, Aerobics, Golf, Karate, Rock Climbing, Table Tennis, Austag, Ice Skating, Indoor Sports, Dance, Aqua Golf, Weights.
Co-curricular activities:
Tournament of Minds, Music, Debating, Voice of Youth, School Spectacular, Choir, Band, Dancing, Duke of Edinburgh, Exchange student program, Social Justice program, work placement.
Technology:
Students have access to a wide range of technological tools to support learning, including Interactive Whiteboards, data projectors, laptops and computers. The school is wireless. |
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Students in systemic Catholic schools in the Diocese of Parramatta pay three different fees: an annual tuition fee (which is set by the Parramatta Diocesan Schools Board and varies according to the year the student is in and siblings attending Catholic schools); an annual building levy (also set by the Board); and individual school service charges. Details on diocesan tuition fees are available at: http://www.ceo.parra.catholic.edu.au/enrolment/enrol_fees.htm |
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2009 saw 30 different students achieve Band 6 across many different courses. 31% of the 2009 St Columba’s candidature scored a UAI of 80.0 and above! Most courses studied performed over State average, in particular: English (Standard), English (Extension 1), Mathematics (General), Society and Culture and Visual Arts.
A high percentage of students in the following courses achieved a Band 5 or 6:
Ancient History, English Advanced, English Extension 1, English Extension 2, Industrial Technology, Legal Studies, Mathematics Extension 1, Mathematics Extension 2, History Extension, Music 1, Senior Science, Society and Culture, Studies of Religion 2, Visual Art, Japanese Continuers, Japanese Extension, Entertainment. |
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Delma Horan has been working with the St Columba school community for the past five years. “St Columba’s High School is a wonderful school. Its students are known for their friendliness, the staff is both talented and dedicated and our parents are generous in their support of the school. The school is set in the stunning Blue Mountains National Park,” said Delma. “We want all members of the school community to stretch themselves and achieve beyond their expectations.”
The strong academic focus of the school is reflected in the results achieved in both external examinations and engaging learning programmes offered at the school. In the 2009 HSC, the results were outstanding. At St Columba’s, students are offered a rich co-curricular programme: sport, cultural pursuits, debating, public speaking, Tournament of the Minds, Lions’ Club Youth of the Year, social justice activities, Duke Of Edinburgh, drama and musical performances. The school celebrated the award of three Gold Duke of Edinburgh awards in 2009 and looks forward to further awards in 2010. The outstanding performances of the students at the school have been recognised at regional, State and National levels. From sporting teams winning state competitions to student selection for Art Express, St Columba’s offers opportunities for all gifts and talents to be recognized. The school has established a concert band, a school choir and offers music tuition during the school day. St Columba’s enjoys a Sister School relationship with Hokusetsu Senior High in Sanda, Japan. Students also have the opportunity to visit Japan on a cultural tour or through application for a six- month exchange.
St Columba’s values the parent- school partnership and this is further supported by the Parent Community Support Group (PCSG). Staff and parents enjoy social occasions like the annual Music in the Quad evening. In 2009 a highly successful school reunion was held and a strong network of former students has been established.
St Columba’s cares for its students. The student care programme is holistic and focuses on knowing the students well. Delma added, “This year, students will be encouraged to stretch themselves in all aspects of school life. We have asked them to consider how good they can be. We want our students to serve others, take pride in personal presentation, respect others, be committed to learning and to achieve personal best in all that they do. I know St Columba’s will continue to offer high quality Catholic education in the Blue Mountains.” |
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As a Catholic school, St Columba’s continues to articulate and to live the values of the Gospel and to take the life of Jesus Christ as a model. In educating young people, St Columba’s continues to challenge students to be people of peace and to help create a school community that is characterised by relationships of care, trust, respect and forgiveness. |
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