“Always hardworking.” That’s the Pittwater House motto. Here at Pittwater House, we’re standing before a school with a unique approach to education. Pittwater House is located in Collaroy, on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. It offers education for students from Pre-Kindy to Year 12.
Pittwater House was founded in 1961. Rex Henry Morgan established it as a preparatory school for boys. In 1975, a girls’ college opened. Morgan’s contribution to education was recognized. He was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1969. In 2002, he became a Member of the Order of Australia.
Pittwater House provides single-sex education on a co-educational campus. This model is known as twin-schooling. It offers the benefits of both single-sex and co-educational environments. The school is divided into three sections. There is the Junior School. It includes Pre-Kindy, the Junior Girls’ College, and the Boys’ Preparatory School. Then there are the Girls College and the Boys Grammar School for Years 7 to 12.
Students are organized into three houses. They are Butterworth, Morgan, and Orrock. These houses create a sense of community. This enhances learning and strengthens bonds among students.
Pittwater House maintains an Australian Army Cadet Unit. Enrollment is optional. In 1970, the Country Life Scheme began. Class groups made annual visits to Abercrombie House in Bathurst. This led to the founding of the school’s Cadet Unit in 1972. The Cadet Unit became co-ed after the Girls College opened in 1975.
The Junior Girls College opened in 1977. Sectional headmasters were appointed to administer the four schools. The Great Hall, with a 1000-seat capacity, was completed in 1984. In 1994, construction began on the school’s swimming pool. A purpose-built Early Childhood Centre opened in 2005. In 2010, an indoor sports stadium was built. This was made possible by an Australian Government Stimulus Funding grant.
Pittwater House has more green space than other private schools on the Northern Beaches. The campus has playgrounds for all ages. It includes an 8-lane swimming pool and a large oval. There are tennis and basketball courts. You will also find an indoor sports complex, a Performing Arts Centre and an amphitheatre.
The school prides itself on knowing each student. Teachers understand their abilities, talents and needs. Pittwater House aims to develop high-achieving students. The school wants students to be connected to each other. It also wants them to be connected to their communities. Pittwater House strives for excellence. It values honesty, integrity, respect, and care. Remember the motto: “Semper diligens” or “always hardworking”. It reflects the spirit of this unique educational institution, Pittwater House.