Concord High School is a comprehensive co-educational high school set in park-like surroundings in a residential area with easy access to the CBD, Sydney Harbour and Olympic facilities. Students are drawn from the full spectrum of social, economic, educational and cultural backgrounds. Core values of the school include integrity, striving for personal excellence, mutual respect and caring for others. We are committed to providing a physically safe and emotionally healthy environment. The school has a strong academic focus supported by a broad curriculum and innovative structures which enable students of all abilities and interests to achieve their potential.
A Gifted and Talented program provides competitively selected classes Yrs 7-10 and opportunities for further extension. Achievements have been exceptional in Extension Mathematics, English and languages. 60% of students who seek an ATAR proceed to further studies at university and a further 20% at TAFE or other tertiary training. Students have won scholarships to university and awards for academic achievement as International and local students as well as through linked TAFE courses. Practical talents are catered to with VET courses. Sport and the Arts are also strongly encouraged. A number of students combine their academic studies with training for national level sports competitions.Forty five International students are assisted by Youth Workers as they achieve their academic goals and participate fully in school life. Independent and cooperative learning are encouraged in classes and in the two independent learning centres.
Innovation and Quality Teaching also help to maximize learning for the diverse backgrounds and capabilities of students. Students are given individual guidance to assist them in accessing appropriate pathways for employment and further training. Some unique features of Concord High School include a strong environmental focus, a school newspaper and a wide range of extra-curricular activities and tutoring. The school has been recognized by a number of awards for the strength of its environmental program. The school has an extensive technology network. The school provides strong welfare support systems and a leadership program, including an active SRC, Peer Support, Mentoring, camps and focused leadership development programs. Large numbers of students enthusiastically contribute to the community through volunteering schemes and fundraising for charity. As the only comprehensive and coeducational school in the area, the school plays an important role in the community by providing quality teaching which leads to positive learning experiences and encouraging student involvement in sport, volunteer schemes and the environment.
Gifted and Talented
The GATS program runs from Year 7 to Year 10. Students in the Year 7 intake are in the GATS class for all subjects. In subsequent years the program is merit based. This allows stronger students to move into the GATS class for subjects in which they excel, while students experiencing difficulties can move into mainstream classes for some subjects. With differing student maturity rates, such flexibility is a real asset in a comprehensive school. Some GATS students have been successfully accelerated , especially in Maths and Science areas, from junior to HSC levels.
GATS students are expected to take part in the various challenges and academic competitions organised by subject faculties to fine tune their abilities. The school has a proud tradition in NSW Universitycompetitions; inter school debating and the Macquarie University Science and Engineering Challenge.
Student progress is monitored, especially at the end of semesters. Where possible, class changes occur at mid, or end of year for smooth transition.
The Concord High School Library is a double storey building located in the centre of the school. As a key centre for learning in the school, the Library is an important and vital provider of resources and services that support the informational, recreational and curriculum needs of staff and students at Concord High School.
Facilities provide areas for group discussions, independent learning and computers for class learning. The fiction room is equipped with an interactive whiteboard which accommodates groups of staff and students.
Access to an extensive range of print and online resources ensures that the students are able to engage in research and learning that equip them with essential information literacy skills for lifelong learning in the 21st Century. A broad range of fiction texts and graphic novels are available for the students and junior students are strongly encouraged to participate in the Premier's Reading Challenge
The Library is open before school, recess and lunch daily. During recess and lunch, the Library is an inviting place where students read, use their DER laptops and the computers to research and complete assignments.
The Library uses the OASIS Library System. Students can search the catalogue from any school computer.
Students can borrow up to 7 items. The common Loan Period for most items is two weeks. Students are encouraged to borrow books for over school holiday periods.
The Concord Library collection consists of:
Over 10000 fiction, non-fiction and reference books
Over 100 DVD or video resources for student loan
Teaching resources and professional development collection
Special collections such as:
ESL Readers
The Classics Collection
The new Graphic Novel Collection.
The Concord High School Library offers:
Instant and friendly research assistance upon request at the Circulation Counter
45 desktop computers
15 laptop computers
Resources which have been painstakingly given syllabus reflecting and current search terms
A resource reservations system – please reserve popular items.
Black/white, colour photocopying and printing are also available for students use.
