Here stands International Grammar School. What began as a bold dream is now a vibrant reality. The school’s story starts with Professor Reg St Leon. He was a linguist with a vision. He wanted to establish Australia’s first bilingual school. His ambition was to unite a multicultural society. This ambition would revolutionise language teaching.
International Grammar School opened on February 3, 1984. It was located in Randwick. The premises belonged to the Little Sisters of the Poor. The school began with 44 students. They ranged from Kindergarten to Year 11. By the end of the year, enrolment grew to 123. By the first term of 1985, there were 231 students.
Several years later, the school lost its lease. It moved to Surry Hills. The location was a former Elizabeth Arden cosmetics factory on Riley Street. The old buildings were converted in six weeks.
Additional space became necessary. From 1990 to 1994, Balmain housed the Senior High School. In 1995, the High School moved to Ultimo. It was a temporary site on Mountain Street.
In 1997, the whole school moved to Kelly Street, Ultimo. This is the current location of International Grammar School. The site has historical significance. It was once the Dalgety Wool Store. The architects created a spectacular design. It reflects the inner-city location. The design incorporates the historic facade with modern aesthetics.
More sites have since been added. They enable new learning opportunities. The Wright Building opened in 2000. It features new primary classrooms. In 2005, the Senior Annexe opened. It was a converted warehouse building on Mountain Street.
The Kerrie Murphy Building opened in 2011. It provides a Primary School Library. It also has offices for languages staff. It offers multi-purpose areas too. In 2015, International Grammar School acquired a property on Bay Street. It serves as a senior art studio. It also provides administration and meeting spaces.
In 2023, IGS procured The Retreat. The Retreat is located in Kangaroo Valley. The Retreat sits on 40 acres on the land of the Wodi Wodi people. It includes a house, a pavilion, a classroom, a yurt, three dams, paddocks, and gardens.
Also in 2023, the Renaissance Centre was completed. It includes a lecture theatre and seminar rooms. It provides collaboration spaces and meeting rooms. The Manuela Bachmann Dance Studio facilitates dance and performing arts.
International Grammar School now has 1,300 students. They range from Preschool to Year 12. The school is located on the land of the Gadigal people. IGS has a tradition of educating young Indigenous Australians.
The school focuses on languages. It offers courses from Preschool to the HSC. Students learn a second language from the start. In Years 7 and 8, they learn a third language. Exchange programs are available. They connect students with sister schools.
The Kelly St Campus includes the Reg St Leon Building. It also includes the Wright Building and the Kerrie Murphy Building. The roofs are opened for playing. One is a basketball court. The other has primary school equipment.
International Grammar School stands as a testament to a visionary’s dream. It embraces diversity and academic excellence. It fosters a connected and vibrant community.