Would you recommend it?
I would definitely recommend the school.
I was the kind of student to do all kinds of extra curricular activities and the school had provided plenty of opportunities for all kinds of students.
Their performance plus program and participation into CGEN competitions is a great creative outlet for arts students to develop their talents and gain exposure to industry and community.
The school is also a regular sporting competitor at the state level, and has a competitive spirit that cannot be ignored across all sports programs. I was part of the basketball team, and have seen students excel in athletics, swimming, rugby, touch football and many more.
The school has also welcomed a serious chess program, with mentors, a FIDE master, and chess teachers paving the way for students to get better at the game. Students have also regularly placed in district competitions and are fighting their way through higher level comps.
The school has an outstanding debating and public speaking endeavour. I have adjudicated and competed at the national level, and have placed in competitions by the english speaking union and U.N youth.
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Year 12 subject choices
Math Methods
Physics
English
English Extension
Legal Studies
Economics
Spanish
I was good at the humanities, and had prepared to study mathematics and economics which i now do at university. I would've changed instead to study specialist maths, but it wasn't a big deal. No regrets.
Getting extra help
During exam blocks, teachers in maths and science had after school tutoring available for students' pressing questions.
English and humanities teachers were always keen to look over feedback and were always welcoming for students to discuss their work.
Numeracy and literacy programs were available in year 11 to prepare us for year 12
Most importantly, teachers believed in their students. They knew when to be serious to tell us to get our head in the game, but also kind enough to be encouraging. They were all about student learning and always aimed to help out students in every aspect.
Readiness for life after school
I did not feel prepared for life, but that's not really the point of highschool, and who is really feeling prepared right after high school?
I was confident that i had what it took to achieve what i want to achieve in university. I sought feedback, maintained my routine, and persevered through work, study and social activities which was a balance i learned from highschool. The school for sure prepared me to have that balance and be able to do multiple things consistently.
Subject range and curiosity
I think I've expressed my sentiment on extra curricular activities.
The school did science showcase events, which i participated in. The school recently sent a student in a different cohort to Switzerland to explore the hadron collider and participate in a CERN program. Opportunities are there for students that want them. They also put there hand up for interschool maths competitions, events at universities, and many more.
Bullying and getting to school safely
I had migrated from the Philippines to Australia when i started in year 8. In my 5 years of education there i had not encountered any bullying issues. I also walked to school everyday, which had no issues. Every now and again there would be a big drama between students, but no pattern or theme. There are teachers at the school that are prepared to handle such situations with an ironclad discipline but also kind enough to be encouraging.
Camps and excursions
The school was about in between. Teachers were patient about students being late, and could handle overall "students being students" without resentment or drama. My cohort/year level got involved alot with athletics day, carnivals and multicultural week, so students were quite collaborative and it wasnt hard to fit in, even as a migrant student. Across year levels, students also worked together really well. Being in multiple extracurricular activities, I had been in the position to teach, learn and mentor across every aspect of school. Student leadership was also critically based on teamwork and synergy; captains worked very well with younger leaders and being friendly and supportive was centred in the centenary culture.
Something only students would know
I am sure parents would have no idea how much fun the events they have in store for graduating students. Each cohort would have their own little thing when the year would finish. My cohort had a peg to the uniform competition, where students would eliminate each other throughout the last few months by attaching a peg on the uniform with their names on it. We also had a sleepout at school, where we played friendly competitions with teachers and amongst friends, get some food and overall shenanigans. On the last formal day of school, students also tie dyed white uniforms and had our classmates sign it with a message with a sharpie. In the same week, we also had water-park like bouncy castle sort of things on the oval, which was alot of fun. I think my school was special in that aspect. Parents ofc had to sign permission forms, but thats not the same thing as actually experiencing such events.
Coaching and chances to compete
Good. Coaches woke up early mornings and took late afternoons of their time to train us. They were encouraging, helpful and supportive to students new to each sport.
Chances to take part in the arts
The performance plus programs was the avenue for students to foster their talents, and was open to students for auditions and rehearsals.
Musicians THRIVE at the school. Filmmakers and backstage crew get great creative opportunities. The dance program is gradually growing. Visual arts are also slowly getting the centenary name out to the community. There is an even split of resources to each program, and students and staff work together to build up talents and repertoire.
- Played sport: Yes
- Sports played: Basketball, Chess, Debating, Football (Soccer)
- Did an arts activity: Yes
- Arts activities done: Dance
- Emphasis on academics ◆◆◆◆◇
- Quality of academic resources ◆◆◆◇◇
- How healthy the tuckshop is ◆◆◆◇◇
- Investment in sports facilities ◆◆◆◇◇
- Quality of arts teachers ◆◆◆◆◆
- Focus on showcasing talent ◆◆◆◆◆
