Wollemi College

Wollemi College is an independent boys' school teaching the Catholic faith, which is situated on 10 hectares in Werrington in Sydney's west.

The school grew out of Orchard Hills Preparatory School, which was founded in 1999 by a group of parents and teachers, the PARED (Parents for Education) Foundation. Orchard Hills has developed into Montgrove College for girls with boys in the infant years and Wollemi College which began operating in 2004.

Wollemi College states that its aim is "to follow the principle that parents are the primary educators of their children and that schools exist to give parents every support".^[1] To put it simply Wollemi College states that it aims to provide unity between the home and school. To achieve this aim the school has implemented a number of formal processes into the academic curriculum which include a three way tutorial system between parents, staff and students. There are also a number of activities and programs throughout the school year for parents that are designed to assist parents to be more effective in working with the school to improve their children's academic success and overall character, as they grow, as well as encouraging parents to consider and develop their relationship with their child.^[2]

There is also a more informal emphasis by staff on the development of character and virtues in its students, by encouraging staff to provide a good example and by emphasising and encouraging character development amongst the students, as well as encouraging staff and student peers to be fully positive and supportive of parents. Wollemi College aims to focus on character development and nurturing good habits in areas such as "sound judgement, self control, courage and responsibility towards others, students are better able to use their freedom to make the right choices in life".^[3]

Wollemi College aims to provide an education which is personal by providing a personal mentor, or tutor, selected from the teaching staff of the school. The aim of that tutor is to provide a constant source of support for the student through his attention, friendship, example and advice. The tutor meets regularly with the student during the term, and meets with his parents at least once each term, reviewing the progress of that student, and helping with goal setting. It is the intention of Wollemi College that the tutor takes a personal interest in the progress of the boys whom he tutors, acting on the parents’ behalf, and co-ordinating the services of the College for the family. The College also aims to reinforce parental values by providing a positive peer environment within the College.^[4]

Enrolment

In 2012, the enrolment is 200 students, Year 3 to Year 11 inclusive. Enrolling students in Year 3 intake proceed, in most cases, from feeder infant school Montgrove College.^[5]

Religious education

Religious education aims to give students a solid knowledge of the teachings of the Catholic faith as the basis for love of God and service to others. Students are encouraged to practise their faith with freedom and conviction. The chaplain of the school is a priest of Opus Dei.^[6]

Computer facilities

Computing studies are incorporated into teaching programs across the disciplines. Student use of computer labs, advanced workstations, and iPads, moves from basic keyboard skills and research through to internet, communications, word processing, data base, and music applications to programming, CAD, and web design.^[7]

Sports

Principal sports include football, basketball, swimming and athletics. The school is a member of the HZSA (Hills Zone Sports Association), AICES and IPSHAA (Independent Primary School Heads Association of Australia). Students also play club competition with the Wollemi Soccer Club and the Wollemi Wizards in basketball.^[8]

Extracurricular activities

Co-curricular activities for all students include the Human Virtues Program, fencing,bowling, polo, stream watching, preventative of AIDS debating and public speaking (in the CSSA competitions), study skills workshops, leadership education, class camps, visits by guest speakers and media workshops. Optional activities include father and son camps, chess club and choir. It is operated by the Parents for Education Foundation.^[9]

References

External links

Official website