Envision a place where academic excellence meets artistic expression. That place is Davidson High School. Davidson High School has a rich history and a commitment to student success.
Davidson High School in Frenchs Forest opened in 1972. It was meant to be called Sorlie High School. The residents wanted a change of name. The new name honored Sir Walter Davidson. He was a popular Governor of New South Wales. Davidson Park was dedicated to him. It now lies within Garigal National Park.
Davidson High School was built to accommodate the growing population. It is on Mimosa Street. The school is surrounded by heritage-listed bushland. This bushland is a remnant of the Duffys Forest Ecological Community.
The design reflected changes in the NSW education system. It emphasized a subject-based structure. The design was consciously chosen. It was described as handsome. The school was designed with classrooms around subject departments. This allowed specialist facilities for each subject.
The earliest Davidson High School students attended classes at other schools. These were Killarney Heights High School and The Forest High School. The buildings were completed in September 1973. The library wasn’t finished until 1976. Davidson High School was officially opened in January 1974.
William Lambert was the inaugural principal. He encouraged students to build the school with pride. Davidson High School has a prominent history in the performing arts. This includes dance, drama, and music. The school annually produces the Season of Performing Arts. It takes place at the Glen Street Theatre.
Davidson High School entered the Rock Eisteddfod Competition. This happened in 2004 and 2007. The performances related to the Iraq War. They sparked media scrutiny.
In 1995, Jan Jones won the NSW Award for Teaching. She was the Head Teacher of Legal Studies. She worked at Davidson High School from 1989 until her death in 2000. The school function room was dedicated as the Jan Jones Room. Helen Oberg also won the NSW Minister’s Award. She taught music from 1989 to 2014.
Davidson High School partnered with Morioka Chuo High School in Japan. This happened in 1997. In 2011, Davidson High School partnered with Collège Sainte-Anne de Lachine in Canada.
The school badge incorporates the Clan Davidson crest. The motto is Wisely Sincerely. The houses are named after stars of the Southern Cross. They are Gamma, Alpha, Delta, and Beta.
Davidson High School offers many special programs. These include gifted programs and concert bands. There are also elite dance and drama programs. Students can participate in debating and public speaking. The school focuses on leadership programs.
Many notable people attended Davidson High School. They include journalist Tara Brown and INXS members. Also attending Davidson High School were Lucinda Dunn and Andrew Humpherson.
Davidson High School has a strong academic emphasis. It provides opportunities in sports and creative arts. The school has excellent facilities. It has innovative teaching methods.
Davidson High School continues to excel. It provides a secure and stimulating environment. The school encourages students to achieve their personal best. It prepares students for future success. It has a reputation for excellence in all areas of student endeavor. It is surrounded by trees creating a beautiful environment.