Learning

At our school, we teach the NSW curriculum and offer many different subjects to support each student’s learning. We know that development of skills in literacy and numeracy are the building blocks for learning and for everyday life. Our teachers use effective teaching strategies to help students achieve their goals.

Why choose us for your child’s learning?

Strong foundations

We focus on the skills your child needs to succeed in school and beyond. This helps them feel confident and prepared for the future.

High-quality education

We offer a range of subjects to match what students enjoy and want to learn about. Our skilled teachers support every student to find what they love, do their best and succeed.

Inclusive and personalised learning

Our teachers adjust how they teach to suit your child’s needs, interests and learning pace. We make sure every student feels confident and supported.

Extension opportunities

Some students are ready for more challenges. We offer open-ended tasks, enrichment programs and support. We help all students to reach their full potential.

What students learn

Students learn a wide range of subjects in the NSW curriculum. They build skills, think creatively and prepare for life beyond school.

Stage 4 curriculum (Years 7 and 8)

At Sydney Secondary College Balmain our Stage 4 students study the following subjects:

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • History
  • Technology
  • Music
  • Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)
  • Geography
  • Languages
  • Visual arts.
  • All students also participate in weekly sport

Explore how we teach the NSW curriculum through key learning areas

Stage 5 curriculum ( Years 9 and 10)

To earn a Record of School Achievement (RoSA) at the end of Year 10, Stage 5 students are required to study:

  • English
  • Mathematics (All Courses)
  • Science
  • History
  • Geography
  • Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)

In addition, students must actively and regularly participate in Sport and complete six electives (100-hour) over the course of two years:

Options are:

English: Philosophy and Psychology,

Mathematics: iSTEM - Brain Cognition,

iSTEM - 3D Design ,

iSTEM - 3D Innovation,

iSTEM - Artificial Intelligence,

CAPA: Drama, Music, Music Moments,

Photography and Digital Media, Visual Arts,

Visual Design,

Languages: French, Japanese, Chinese,

HSIE: Big History - Big Bang to Life on Earth,

Commerce - Business, Commerce - Law,

History Elective - History Detectives,

Work Education - Learning on the Job,

TAS: Design and Technology, Food Technology,

Industrial Technology - Engineering,

Industrial Technology - Multimedia Design, Textile Technology, Computing Technology, Industrial Technology - Timber,

Science: Marine,

PDHPE: Physical Activities and Sport Studies - PASS.

  • To find out the electives to be offered for year 9 students in 2026, download the xxxxxx
  • To find out the Year 10 students in 2026, download the xxxxxxx

Explore how we teach the NSW curriculum through key learning areas

HAP
Accelerated HSC courses are offered each year in lieu of one year 10 elective for successful applicants who demonstrate the necessary maturity, commitment and academic potential to successfully complete a year 11 course.
Religion and ethics

NSW public schools offer special religious education and special education in ethics, delivered by approved providers wherever available.

During enrolment, you can choose a special religious education option for your child from the school’s available approved providers. You can update your preference by writing to the school or through the online form available at participating schools.

For more information, visit the department’s website about religion and ethics.

At Sydney Secondary College Balmain Campus, Years 7 & 8 and 9 & 10 have fortnightly SRE on a Wednesday from 11.47-12.17.

On enrolment, parents/carers will be given an opportunity to complete and return the SRE participation letter.

The following SRE option is offered at Sydney Secondary College Balmain Campus:

Combined Christian

Non-denominational Christian SRE is education in Christian beliefs and practices for children of families from various Christian denominations and churches. Christian SRE instructors at this school are authorised and trained by the following approved SRE providers; Anglican Diocese of Sydney, Australian Christian Churches, Baptist Union of NSW, Presbyterian Church of Australia (NSW), with instructors from City Light Balmain, Cambell St Presbyterian, Darling St Anglican Church and All Souls Anglican Church, Leichhardt. The Christian SRE curriculum used in this school is produced by Christian Education Publications and is approved by each SRE provider. The curriculum explores the good news about Jesus Christ found in the Bible and the depth of God’s love for people. Each lesson has been developed to be taught in an age-appropriate manner. Lessons include activities which make the lessons fun and inclusive for all students and gives them the opportunity to critically explore and deepen their faith, to pray, and to reflect.

Research has shown that SRE contributes to students’ holistic education as it nurtures their spiritual wellbeing. For more information about the SRE curriculum used in this school visit whysre.com.au

During the time that SRE classes are held, students not attending will be in their normal classrooms with their teacher. No new material will be taught.

SEE is provided by Primary Ethics.

Ethics classes support students to develop well-reasoned decisions about ethical issues. Through the give-and-take of reasoned argument students learn to disagree respectfully, to challenge ideas and to support their arguments with considered evidence rather than according to habit or peer pressure.

For more information about SEE, including authorised curriculum scope and sequence, please visit Primary Ethics.

Other activities of a religious nature: Voluntary Student Activities

Our school has an open Christian lunchtime group every Wednesday in the library supervised by Mr Henry Lau. Contact the school to find out more information.

Our learning approach

Our school uses explicit teaching. This means we clearly tell students what they are learning, why it is important and how to do it step by step. Explicit teaching helps students understand new ideas by breaking them into smaller parts.

Learning at our school is student-centred, inclusive and practical. We are committed to equity and access. We support all learning styles and needs. Our teachers use proven teaching strategies. They take part in ongoing professional development to stay up to date with best teaching practice.

Our learning approach includes:

Helping students progress

We support every student’s academic progress by:

Learn more about additional learning support at our school.

Want to know more about our subjects?

We can connect you with the right teacher or staff member.

Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA)

In creative arts, students discover a variety of art forms through a study of dance, drama, music and visual arts.

Studying the creative arts, students learn to appreciate, compose, listen, make and perform. Each art form has its own unique knowledge and skills, elements or concepts as well as a capacity to inspire and enrich lives.

Students must study 100 hours of both music and visual arts during Years 7 to 10. They also have an opportunity to further develop their knowledge and skills in other art forms through elective subjects including drama, dance, photography and visual design. Students can then select from a range of courses in Years 11 to 12.

English

English study is mandatory in NSW from Kindergarten to Year 12.

In English, students learn about the study and use of the English language in its various textual forms. These encompass spoken, written and visual texts through which meaning is shaped, conveyed, interpreted and reflected. Complexity increases as students progress through their schooling.

Developing proficiency in English enables students to take their place as confident communicators; critical and imaginative thinkers; lifelong learners; and informed, active participants in Australian society. Their understanding of English through knowledge and skills acquisition is essential to their intellectual, social and emotional development.

The study of English should develop a love of literature and learning and be challenging and enjoyable. It develops skills to enable students to experiment with ideas and expression, to become active, independent and lifelong learners, to work with each other and to reflect on their learning.

In Year 11 and 12, the study of English is mandatory. Courses offered include:

  • English Extension 2

  • English Extension 1

  • English Advanced

  • English Standard

  • English Studies

  • English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D)

  • English Life Skills.

Human Society and it's Environment (HSIE)

In human society and its environment (HSIE), both subjects of history and geography are mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10.

Students learn specific historical and geographical concepts and skills in history and geography. They also have an opportunity to learn more about people and the societies and environments in which they live through elective subjects in Years 7 to 10 (Stages 4 to 5).

A large number of individual subjects make up the key learning area of HSIE in which students:

  • research, gather and analyse information
  • question and make judgements
  • write for a variety of purposes.

In Year 11 and 12, students can choose from a range of HSIE courses. These include:

  • Aboriginal Studies
  • Ancient History
  • Business Studies
  • Economics
  • Geography
  • History Extension
  • Legal Studies
  • Modern History
  • Society and Culture
  • Studies of Religion.
Languages

In NSW high schools, languages is a key learning area.

Language study allows students to develop communication skills, learn about languages as systems and explore the relationship between language and culture. Students engage with the linguistic and cultural diversity of societies and reflect on their understanding of social interactions.

The study of a language is compulsory for 100 hours in one continuous school year from Year 7 to Year 10, but preferably in Years 7 or 8.

Students must study at least 100 hours in one language, to be completed over one continuous 12-month period. The 100-hour course must cover the Stage 4 outcomes and content of the chosen language syllabus, and must be studied between Years 7–10, but preferably in Years 7–8.

The School offers the following languages for the mandatory course:

  • French
  • Japanese
  • Italian

When students have completed the mandatory 100 hours of language study, they may continue the study of that language as an elective for the ROSA and/or choose to study another language.

Course description

A language course provides students with the opportunity to gain effective skills in communicating in the chosen language, to explore the relationships between languages and English, and to develop an understanding of the cultures associated with the chosen language.

Students learning in the study of a modern language

Students will develop the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary for effective interaction in a language.

They will explore the nature of languages as systems by making comparisons between English and the chosen language.

Students will also develop inter-cultural understanding by reflecting on similarities and differences between their own and the target culture.

Students learning to do in the study of a modern language

Students will develop the skills to communicate in another language. They will listen and respond to spoken language. They will learn to read and respond to written texts in the language they are learning. Students will establish and maintain communication in familiar situations using the language.

Students will explore the diverse ways in which meaning is conveyed by comparing and contrasting features of the language. They will develop a capacity to interact with people, their culture and their language.

ROSA

Satisfactory completion of the mandatory language study will be recorded on the student's Record of School Achievement.

Satisfactory completion of 100 or 200 hours of elective study in a language (or languages) during Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10) will also be recorded with a grade on the student's Record of School Achievement.

Mathematics

The study of mathematics is mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10.

Mathematics is a mandatory course that is studied substantially in each of Years 7–10 with at least 400 hours to be completed by the end of Year 10.

Course description

Mathematics is used to identify, describe and apply patterns and relationships. It provides a precise means of communication and is a powerful tool for solving problems both within and beyond mathematics. In addition to its practical applications, the study of mathematics is a valuable pursuit in its own right, providing opportunities for originality, challenge and leisure. The aim of Mathematics in K–10 is to develop students' mathematical thinking, understanding, competence and confidence in the application of mathematics, their creativity, enjoyment and appreciation of the subject, and their engagement in lifelong learning.

What will students learn about?

Students study Number, Patterns and Algebra, Data, Measurement, Space and Geometry.

Within each of these strands they will cover a range of topics including:

  • fractions - decimals - percentages
  • consumer arithmetic - probability - algebraic techniques
  • coordinate geometry - graphing and interpreting data - perimeter
  • area - surface area and volume - trigonometry
  • properties of solids - geometrical figures - deductive geometry.

What will students learn to do?

Students learn to ask questions in relation to mathematical situations and their mathematical experiences; to develop, select and use a range of strategies, including the use of technology, to explore and solve problems; to develop and use appropriate language and representations to communicate mathematical ideas; to develop and use processes for exploring relationships, checking solutions and giving reasons to support their conclusions; and to make connections between their existing knowledge and understanding and the use of mathematics in the real world.

Record of School Achievement

Satisfactory completion of the mandatory study of Mathematics during Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10) will be recorded with a grade on the student's Record of School Achievement Part A.

(From Information for Parents and the Community about the Mandatory Courses in Years 7–10, Board of Studies NSW).

In Year 11 and 12, the study of mathematics is optional. Courses offered include:

  • Mathematics Extension 2 (Year 12 only)
  • Mathematics Extension 1
  • Mathematics Advanced
  • Mathematics Standard 2
  • Mathematics Standard 1 (Optional HSC examination)
  • Mathematics Life Skills.
Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)

Personal development, health and physical education (PDHPE) is mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10.

According to the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), students are expected to participate in PDHPE for 300 hours per year in Years 7 to 10.

PDHPE provides students with opportunities to explore issues that are likely to impact on the health, safety and wellbeing of themselves and others – now and in the future. Students also participate in challenging and enjoyable physical activity, improving their capacity to move with skill and confidence.

In Year 11 and 12, courses available include:

  • Community and Family Studies
  • Exploring Early Childhood
  • Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
  • Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation Studies.

Sporting opportunities at Balmain

PD/H/PE and Sport Students can participate in many activities including:

  • School Swimming Carnival
  • Campus Athletics Carnival
  • College Athletics Carnival
  • Many of our grade sport teams are Champions of the interschool competitions. School Cross Country Carnival – zone champions.
  • CHS Sports Knock-Out Teams – Junior Hockey team placed 7th in State CHS Knock-Out Competition.
  • Fencing - Our Junior Fencing Team have won the NSW School Fencing League Championship.
  • Grade Sport selection include Rugby league, rugby union, soccer, cricket, tennis, swimming, life-saving, water polo, basketball, netball, softball, baseball, touch football, fencing, squash, and weight training.
  • The completion of a pontoon will provide greater scope for water-based activities such as kayaking and dragon boat racing.
  • Access to combined Sydney Secondary College sports teams is also a feature.

Sporting grounds and facilities

  • Multipurpose indoor court
  • Basketball and Netball courts
  • Playing Fields
  • Weights room
  • Kayaking
  • Dance Space
  • Cricket Nets

Sports facilities are used for Physical Education classes, sports competitions and student recreational use.

Sydney Secondary College sport model

Participation

Students within Sydney Secondary College will have the opportunity to participate in Grade Sport from Year 7 to Year 10 in each of Terms 1-4. The Grade Sport competition is conducted each Tuesday afternoon, with students nominating themselves to participate. Students compete in either Bligh, or Northern Zone, based on their choice of sport.

Venues

Year 7 and 8 Grade Sport will be conducted at Central venues within both Bligh and Northern Zone with the Year 9 and 10 competitions being based on a home and away system. The following schools compete in the Grade Sport competition:

Participating schools: Balmain Campus; Burwood Girls; Leichhardt Campus; Ryde Secondary College; Hunters Hill; Alexandria Park; Fort Street; Tempe; Concord; Marrickville; Dulwich Hill; Newtown.

Transport: Students will be bused to central venues with students paying a levy and subsidise the cost of bus hire each week. This is to be paid to the administration office by the student each term. Buses for the Year 9 and 10 home and away competition will be used when necessary. Grade sport will commence each week at 1pm concluding at 2.10pm enabling buses time to return students to their Campus and staff to attend Staff meetings commencing between 2.30-2.40pm.

Uniform: Students from Sydney Secondary College are to wear their PD/H/PE polo shirt for Grade sport or attire designated to be appropriate for an individual sport. Each team must be attired appropriately each week to compete in the competition.

Coaching: Staff will be offered opportunity to coach grade sport. Staff expertise and experience will be taken into account by the Sports Organiser following staff nominations to allocate appropriate staff to coach sports to best meet the learning needs of students.
Students in Year 10 will be able to nominate as coaches to assist staff in coaching. These nominations will be made through the Sports Organiser and students will be allocated to a sport to assist a teacher in coaching of that sport, providing the Year 10 student with a leadership opportunity. The staff member will maintain all duty of care and responsibility for the team.

Point score: Point score for the Grade Sport Competition is the responsibility of each coach, reporting weekly results to the Sports Organiser. The Zone is responsible for the administration of the overall competition point score and the provision to each school of results / places and allocation of final positions / Zone Award system.

Merit system: The Sports Organiser is responsible for collating all student participation in grade sport with SASS staff to enter data on the Central Data Base for Sydney Secondary College Sport Merit. At the completion of Term 3 each year the Sports Organiser in conjunction with the merit system administrator / SASS staff will coordinate the generation of Sport Merit Awards.

First aid and injuries to students: All teachers are required to take a first aid kit to their sporting venue and are required to have undertaken the mandatory emergency care training. If a student becomes sick or is injured the teacher is responsible for administering first aid. In the case of serious injury the teacher should contact the school immediately to seek advice and to call an ambulance. Following an injury the teacher is required to complete the "Injury to Student" form located in the Administration block and pass it onto the Principal with any other relevant information or statements.

Professional development: The College provides staff with professional development in areas of sports coaching and refereeing. Areas of identified need include: running a structured sports specific training session, Student Management and refereeing of sport.

Science

Science is mandatory for all students from Year 7 to Year 10.

Science is a mandatory course that to be studied substantially in each of Years 7–10 with at least 400 hours to be completed by the end of Year 10.

Course description

Science develops students' knowledge, understanding and skills in making sense of and explaining the biological, physical and technological world, enabling them to make informed choices and responsible decisions as individuals and as part of the community.

What will students learn about?

Through their study of science, students develop knowledge and understanding about the living and non-living world. Students examine the historical and continuing contributions of scientists and the implications of scientific research for scientific knowledge, society, technology and the environment.

What will students learn to do?

Students work individually and in teams in planning and conducting investigations. They evaluate issues and problems, identify questions for inquiry and draw evidenced-based conclusions from their investigations. Through this problem-solving process they develop their critical thinking skills and creativity. They gain experience in making informed decisions about the environment, the natural and technological world and in communicating their understanding and viewpoints.

Course requirements

Practical experiences which emphasise hands-on activities will occupy a substantial amount of course time. All students will be required to undertake at least one research project during each of Stage 4 and Stage 5. At least one project will involve ‘hands-on' practical investigation. At least one Stage 5 project will be an individual task.

Record of School Achievement

Satisfactory completion of the mandatory study of Science during Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10) will be recorded with a grade on the student's Record of School Achievement Part A.

(From Information for Parents and the Community about the Mandatory Courses in Years 7–10, Board of Studies NSW).

Science at Balmain

The Science Department at Sydney Secondary College Balmain Campus aims to broaden the horizons of all Science students by introducing as many new and varied experiences as possible. This year students will be involved in activities such as excursions, school visits and National Science Week Activities.

The study of Science in Years 7 - 10 is mandatory and provides the necessary foundation for the development of knowledge and understanding, skills and values and attitudes for everyday life experiences as well as the Science courses offered in years 11 and 12.

The study of Science in Stages 4 and 5 is based on the traditional subjects of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Earth Sciences.

The objectives of the Science Stages 4 – 5 syllabus is to develop students' scientific knowledge and understanding of:

  • the history of science
  • the nature and practice of science
  • implications for society and the environment
  • applications and uses of science
  • current issues, research and development.

The Junior Science Syllabus also involves the development of skills through practical experiences such as:

  • laboratory experiments
  • planning and conducting investigations
  • fieldwork
  • research
  • problem – solving techniques

In Years 11 and 12, students can choose from different science disciplines, including:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Earth and Environmental Science
  • Investigating Science
  • Physics.

In Year 12, students who are studying at least one other science subject may also choose to study Science Extension.

Support Unit

Balmain Campus has Support Unit classes for students with physical disabilities or autism. Each class has a specialist teacher and school learning support officer (SLSO).

As a faculty we aim to enhance the abilities and skills of our students so that they are best equipped for life after school. To do this each student is provided with an individual education plan or individual transition plan. These plans reflect the real life learning needs of the students within the framework of the curriculum documents provided by NESA. Within the Support Unit there is a strong focus on literacy and numeracy as well as a comprehensive social skills program.

The Support Unit curriculum also focuses on functional skills and outcomes through our Community Access, Travel Training and Work Experience Programs.

The Support Unit aims to provide the students with the opportunity to learn new skills in a supportive environment, as well as providing as much access to mainstream classes and curriculum as the students are capable of achieving. Students are also provided with ongoing involvement in whole school activities such as excursions, MAAD night, school plays and sporting events.

Technical and Applied Studies (TAS)

Technology and Applied Studies (TAS) is mandatory for all students in Year 7 and 8. Students can also select from a range of elective TAS subjects.

Students in classroom

Available courses include:

  • Child Studies 7-10
  • Design and Technology 7-10
  • Food Technology 7-10
  • Graphics Technology 7-10
  • Industrial Technology 7-10
  • Information and Software Technology 7-10
  • Textiles Technology 7-10
  • iSTEM 9-10
  • Agriculture Stage 6
  • Design and Technology Stage 6
  • Engineering Studies Stage 6
  • Food Technology Stage 6
  • Industrial Technology Stage 6
  • Information Processes and Technology Stage 6
  • Software Design and Development Stage 6
  • Textiles and Design Stage 6.

Through the study of technology courses, students engage in a diverse range of practical and project based learning experiences and develop knowledge and understanding of contemporary and advancing technologies. They develop solutions to identified problems and situations, and explore the impact of technologies on the individual, society and the environment.

The TAS faculty offers the following courses:

Stage 4 - 200 hours

Technology mandatory

Technology mandatory engages students in design and production activities as they develop design projects and solutions to identified needs and opportunities. Through the practical application of knowledge and understanding they learn about Agriculture and Food Technologies, Digital Technologies, Engineered Systems and Material Technologies

Technology mandatory consists of four context areas to be studied by the end of Stage 4.

  • In Agriculture and Food Technologies students learn about food and fibre production and how to make informed choices when preparing nutritious food.
  • In Digital Technologies students learn about data and computer programming. This context must be delivered for a minimum of 50 indicative hours.
  • In Engineered Systems students learn how force, motion and energy can be used in systems, machines and structures.
  • In Materials Technologies students learn about the application of specialist skills and techniques to a broad range of traditional, contemporary and advancing materials.

Stage 5 – 200 hour electives

Child studies

Child studies aims to develop in students the knowledge, understanding and skills to positively influence the wellbeing and development of children in the critical early years in a range of settings and contexts. Students will learn about a child’s development from pre-conception through to and including the early years; the growth, development and wellbeing of children and the external factors that support the growth, development and wellbeing of children.

Design and technology

Design and technology develops a student’s ability for innovative and creative thought through the planning and production of design projects related to real-life needs and situations. The design and development of quality projects gives students the opportunity to identify needs and opportunities, research and investigate existing solutions, analyse data and information, generate, justify and evaluate ideas, and experiment with tools, materials and techniques to manage and produce design projects.

Food technology

The study of food technology provides students with a broad knowledge and understanding of food properties, processing, preparation and their interrelationship, nutritional considerations and consumption patterns. It addresses the importance of hygiene and safe working practices and legislation in the production of food. Students will develop food-specific skills, which can then be applied in a range of contexts enabling students to produce quality food products. It also provides students with a context through which to explore the richness, pleasure and variety food adds to life and how it contributes to both vocational and general life experiences.

Graphics technology

The study of graphics technology develops an understanding of the significance of graphical communication as a universal language and the techniques and technologies used to convey technical and non-technical ideas and information. Graphics Technology develops in students the ability to read, interpret and produce graphical presentations that communicate information using a variety of techniques and media. All students will learn about the principles and techniques involved in producing a wide range of images, models, pictures and drawings. They will gain an understanding of graphics standards, conventions and procedures used in manual and computer-based drafting.

Industrial technology - engineering, multimedia, metals or timber

Students may elect one or more of the above focus areas to undertake as an individual course.

Industrial technology develops students’ knowledge and understanding of materials and processes in a range of technologies. They develop knowledge and skills relating to the selection, use and application of materials, tools, machines and processes through the planning and production of quality practical projects.

All students will learn about the properties and applications of materials associated with their chosen area of study. They will study the range of tools, machines and processes available in both industrial and domestic settings for working with selected materials. Students will learn about safe practices for practical work environments, including risk identification and minimisation strategies. They will also learn about design and designing including the communication of ideas and processes.

Information software technology

People will require highly developed levels of computing and technology literacy for their future lives. Students therefore need to be aware of the scope, limitations and implications of information and software technologies.

Individual and group tasks, performed over a range of projects, will enable this practical-based course to deliver the relevant knowledge and skills needed by students. Development of technology skills and information about career opportunities within this area are important aspects of the course.

Textiles technology

The study of textiles technology provides students with a broad knowledge of the properties, performance and uses of textiles in which fabrics, colouration, yarns and fibres are explored. Students examine the historical, cultural and contemporary perspectives on textile design and develop an appreciation of the factors affecting them as textile consumers. Students investigate the work of textile designers and make judgements about the appropriateness of design ideas, the selection of materials and tools and the quality of textile items. Textile projects will give students the opportunity to be creative, independent learners and to explore functional and aesthetic aspects of textiles

iSTEM

The iSTEM course promotes the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics through the study of technology, engineering, skills and mechanics. Through enquiry and project based learning, students will learn to use a range of tools, techniques and processes, including relevant technologies in order to develop solutions to a wide variety of problems and challenges relating to their present and future needs and aspirations.

Extracurricular Activities and Clubs

Involvement in extracurricular activities at school, not only allow students to explore interests outside their formal education, but also allow students to build relationships and raise their self esteem.

Some of the extra curricular activities at SSC Balmain Campus include:

  • Student Representative Council
  • Football Program*
  • Talented Athlete Program
  • Instrumental Music Program*
  • Social Inc.
  • Debating
  • Homework Club
  • Boys' Club
  • Prayer Group
  • Duke of Edinburgh*
  • Linked in Mentoring
  • Library Warriors
  • Breakfast Club
  • Arts Unit Ensembles*
  • Art Klub
  • Girls' Club
  • Globe Trotters
  • Computational and Linguistics Club (first term for competition)
  • Creative Writing Club
  • Dance Club
  • Sista Speak
  • Bro Speak
  • Latin Jazz Quartet
Duke of Edinburgh

Duke of Edinburgh Award has grown into a 'must do' extra-curriculur activity in Balmain Campus. Every year, there are 2 levels running, Bronze and Silver, consisting of Year 10 and Year 9 students.

Award assessor

What is an assessor?

Assessors are adult volunteers (must be 18 years of age and over) who assist the participant with their activities for an Award Section i.e. Skill. Assessors help the participant plan their activities and set goals.

Upon completion of the activity, assessors write a brief final report and "sign off" the activity.

For more information on award, assessors please refer to the following page on the DoE website: http://www.dukeofed.com.au/Assessors-.html

Teachers acting as assessors

A number of teachers have volunteered to act as an assessor for students. The teacher must hold substantial qualifications and/or experience in their field. For example, Ms Tricase (PDHPE) could not assess a student's progress or skills in photography, but is able to be an assessor for physical activity. A number of current silver and bronze award students have utilised the experience and availability of teachers at school in completing their skill or physical activity section of their award.

Teachers as Assessors document provides an overview of the current teachers at Balmain who are also active assessors for the Duke of Edinburgh Award this year.

Contact information

Duke of Edinburgh Co-Ordinator:

Mr McDermott (Mathematics Department)

P: 9810 0471 ext 115
E: david.r.mcdermott@det.nsw.edu.au

Student opportunities and activities

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Our principal and staff

Get to know our principal and staff, who work together to create a positive school culture.