“Only Effort Earns Success”. That’s the powerful motto emblazoned across Mosman High School. Today we will discover more about this comprehensive coeducational secondary school.
Mosman High School opened its doors in January 1961. It stands on a site rich in history. This was once the location of Mosman Public School. The first building here went up in 1883. Mosman Public School was upgraded to an Intermediate High School in 1921. The Department of Education announced a change in August 1961. Mosman Home Science School and the Boys’ Intermediate High School would merge. This formed the co-educational Mosman High School. Harold James Hamnett was the first principal. He served until 1964.
Fast forward to the mid-1980s and whispers of closure threatened Mosman High. The Minister for Education, Rodney Cavalier, denied these claims. However he did mention the Lower North Shore had too many high schools. Cremorne Girls High School closed in mid-1987. Remaining students transferred to Mosman High or Willoughby Girls High School.
Mosman High stands out from other schools. It wanted to distinguish itself from nearby private schools. Students and parents requested a change. The school dispensed with compulsory school uniforms. Mosman High became one of only two state high schools without a prescribed uniform at the time.
Mosman High is located in a prime spot. It is located on Sydney’s lower North Shore. You will find it in Mosman’s business and shopping district. Balmoral Beach and Taronga Park Zoo are nearby. Buses and ferries offer easy access.
Mosman High prides itself on individuality and creativity. It fosters leadership among its students. It strives for excellence in teaching and learning. The school has around 1,000 students. It has a strong reputation for academic achievement. It also has success in creative and performing arts.
Mosman High offers special programs in drama, music and visual arts. Students also have opportunities to study Chinese. Over 90% of HSC students receive first-round university offers. The school consistently achieves academic excellence. Mosman High is considered one of the top schools in New South Wales.
Technology plays a big role here. The school is fully wireless. There are iMac and PC computer laboratories. Every classroom has an interactive whiteboard. Students use Edmodo as a learning platform. Mosman High has a Bring Your Own Device program. All students use laptop computers. Students receive training in both Apple and Windows software.
The science laboratories are modern and well-resourced. The TAS faculty boasts excellent woodwork and metalwork rooms. There is also a major projects room. A recently completed commercial kitchen is available. The visual arts department is well-equipped. It has a ceramics room, darkrooms, printmaking facilities and studio spaces. The performing arts faculty benefits from a fully equipped theatre. There is also a large auditorium. It is used for concerts, music performances and social functions.
The Sirius Library is a multi-media educational resource center. It houses a large up-to-date fiction area. Students find materials for assignments here. They study for tests and catch up on homework. Students can also play chess, browse the Internet or meet friends. Senior students conduct research using books and the Internet. The library is wireless. Students can work independently.
Fitness is highly valued. Mosman High has a tennis court, two basketball courts and netball courts. There is also an exercise circuit. The school provides water sports like kayaking, surfing and sailing. It is close to first-class ovals and the harbor.
Many notable alumni have walked these halls. Actress Naomi Watts. Artist Ken Done. Musician Flume. They all began their journey here at Mosman High School.