Merrylands High School

Principal Ms Lila Mularczyk International Student Coordinator Mr Jason Ribbans

Address

Bristol Street Merrylands NSW 2160

Website Address

School Motto Verite Sans Peur - Truth Without Fear

Established 1 959

School Population

Total number of students: 840 Average junior student class size: 25 Average senior student class size: 18 Students from non-English speaking background: 60%

General School Introduction

Merrylands High School is a coeducational high school delivering over 100 traditional and innovative courses and subjects. The school believes in empowering its students to pursue their goals. Self-direction and motivation are encouraged and supported in a challenging, caring, and supportive environment.

Students from a wide variety of backgrounds choose to study at Merrylands High School, valuing the programs offered and the community spirit of the school.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Programs

· Merrylands High School provides integrated ESL support across all years. Specific ESL classes are provided in Years 7,10,11, and 12.

Languages Taught

· French, Modern Greek, and Italian

· Students are also offered the opportunity to study other languages by correspondence.

· The KAPA HAKA cultural and language program is offered. All community languages are fostered through our cultural communication groups.

Special Programs

· Sports

· The arts (visual arts, drama, and music)

· Performances, dance, debating, public speaking, and exhibitions

· Life skills, careers, study skills, and university bridging courses

· Multicultural and international peace programs

· Student Representative Council and student leadership

· Gifted, talented, and enrichment programs

· Web design and technology

· Overseas study trips

Student Support Services and Programs

· A team of year advisors

· Student welfare coordinator and school counsellors

· Peer tutoring, peer mentoring, and peer

mediation

· Young mothers' program

· Student-centred cultural groups

· Intervention and learning support teams

· Conflict resolution

· extension programs

Special Facilities

· Four computer laboratories

· Mobile computer classrooms

· Industry-level hospitality kitchens

· Fully-equipped woodwork and metal

workshops

· Photography darkroom

· Two music studios

· Six science laboratories

· Four visual arts studios

· School hall for athletic and theatrical performances

· Drama studio

· Multipurpose library with conference

and computer facilities

HSC Results and Year 12 UniversitylTAFE Placements

In 2003:

· The school's HSC students gained places in each of the city universities as a result of exceptional UAI's - many in the top 10% of the state.

· Students are currently studying engineering, medicine, sciences, and the arts.

· The senior package provides for a flexible pattern of study in which students have the opportunity to consider part-time work, further study at

TAFE, or pre-university courses, whilst at school.

· Students undertaking preliminary university courses in 2003 received distinctions and high distinctions.

Features of Local Area

· The school is situated 40 minutes from Sydney's CBD in a rich and culturally diverse community.

· Merrylands is serviced by a well­established transport system with a network of bus routes connecting with the nearby railway stations of Merrylands and Guildford.

· A small shopping community exists close to the school, whilst a large shopping complex is within a short distance of the railway.

Other Information

· The school's comprehensive and valued parent participation is supported by our P&C, ASSPA, Afghan, Arabic, Pacific and Maori communication groups, theme days, information evenings, committees, and an open-door policy.

· The school's student leadership program is highly respected and acclaimed at a school-to-state level.

· Sporting achievements rival academic results including student representation at district, zone, CHS, and national level in trampoline skills, diving, basketball, baseball, lawn bowls, soccer, rugby union, and cricket.

Student Testimonial

When I started Merrylands High School, everyone was really friendly. The teachers are very kind and helpful. I love the fact that there are so many students from so many parts of the world. I have made some great friends and I feel at home here.

Shan Liu, Year 11, 2004, China