Sydney Secondary College Blackwattle Bay Campus

From a timber yard to a hub of learning. That’s the story of Sydney Secondary College Blackwattle Bay Campus. We’re standing on the grounds of what was once a bustling lumber yard owned by George Hudson. In 1979, this waterfront property was purchased for a bargain price of $1.86 million. It became the site of Glebe High School. Sydney Secondary College Blackwattle Bay Campus started with just 110 students and 17 staff members, all housed in temporary classrooms. Imagine attending classes in those early days, surrounded by the remnants of a lumber business, with the scent of sawdust still lingering in the air. Permanent buildings were finally completed in the early 1980s, marking a significant milestone in the school’s growth. In 2002, another transformation occurred. Glebe High School became part of the newly formed Sydney Secondary College, taking on the name Blackwattle Bay Campus. Then in 2005, the campus shifted its focus to senior years (11-12). This change allowed Blackwattle Bay Campus to offer one of the most diverse range of Higher School Certificate courses in Sydney, drawing students from all over with its waterfront location and unique curriculum. Sydney Secondary College Blackwattle Bay Campus sits right on the water. This prime spot allows students to pursue rowing, kayaking, and even dragon boat racing. How many high schools in urban Sydney can boast such opportunities? A multi-million dollar renovation brought a state-of-the-art theatre, a modern cafeteria, and a support unit for students with disabilities. These additions enhanced the campus’s ability to provide quality education and support to all its students. Sydney Secondary College Blackwattle Bay Campus also boasts a fascinating history of student achievement. In 2005, a student made history by becoming the first to take the Higher School Certificate exam using Auslan, the Australian sign language. And in 2012, students collaborated with a local resident and his son on a remarkable science project. They launched a balloon into near space, reaching a height of 25 kilometers before it burst. Imagine the thrill of being involved in such an ambitious endeavor. The school also has a sister-school relationship with Malibaca Yamato High School in East Timor and a thriving volunteer program, reflecting its commitment to global citizenship and community engagement.