Bankstown Senior College

School Population

Total number of students: 400 Average class size: 17

Students from non-English speaking background: 91 % from 45 different

General School Introduction

Bankstown Senior College is a non­uniform, coeducational, senior secondary High School for students in Years 10, 11, and 12 who want to achieve excellence in an adult learning environment. The school aims to provide a quality education for a diverse range of students in a supportive environment where students are treated as individuals and developed as independent learners, It also has, on site, an intensive English centre for newly arrived students as well as English classes for mature-age students,

The college provides a broad range of courses to meet the individual educational and creative needs of students from a non-English speaking background in the new millennium. Experienced, trained staff facilitate the achievement of academic excellence within the college, providing the tools for survival in tertiary studies, the workforce, and the community at large.

When students graduate from the college, it is anticipated that they are equipped with formal accreditations as well as enhanced skills in literacy, numeracy, and technology, which allow them to think independently and critically.

In 2003, the college was awarded a NSW Director-General of Education School Achievement Award for excellence in the provision of vocational education.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Programs

· The college has many ESL staff available to assist staff and students in their teaching and learning across the key learning areas. It also has one of the largest numbers of students for the HSC ESL course in the state.

Languages Taught

• Mandarin, Arabic, and Modern Greek

Special Programs

· The college offers a structured preparation program for students who enrol mid-year. This is unique to this college and allows students to develop the necessary skills to succeed in their selected courses at a later date

Student Support Services and Programs

· Mentor program

· Preparation for the Higher School

Certificate workshops

· After-school coaching for the HSC

· Work education program

· Learning centre

· Careers reference centre

· Clinic

· International students mentor

· Support teacher learning difficulties

· Full-time head teacher welfare and welfare team

· Counsellor

· Enrolment officer for course

counselling

· Supervisor of girls

· Sports director

· Student union

· Community liaison officer

Special Facilities

· Computer assisted learning centre

· Five computer laboratories and library all with Internet access

· Science laboratories with preparation rooms and computer facilities

· Exceptional multimedia and library facilities

· Tiered learning and performance space

· Art rooms and photography studio

with a darkroom

· Music rehearsal room

· Contemporary cafeteria

· Immaculate industrial kitchen

· Student car park

· Hall and gymnasium

HSC Results and Year 12 UniversitylTAFE Placements

· A large number of students continue with tertiary studies in a broad range of subjects.

· In 2003, the best UAI was 96.5.

· Students achieved strong academic results in mathematics, ESL, and languages.

Features of Local Area

· The college boasts beautiful garden settings in a natural environment.

· There is a regular private and government bus service to the local train station as well as buses to surrounding suburbs.

· Bankstown is located 25kms from the Sydney CBD, which is approximately 30 minutes by train.

· It has a large suburban shopping centre which is an easy 20 minute walk from the college.