Strathfield South High School punching above its weight

About 60 different nationalities and all of the world’s major religions are represented at Strathfield South High School. Find out how this amazing school jumped 89 places in the HSC rankings.

Strathfield South High school students Lara Libdy, Ali Noon, Baran Sogut, Kelly Ye and Ethan Rebolledo with principal Simon Paterson. Picture: John Appleyard

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ABOUT 60 different nationalities and all of the world’s major religions are represented at Strathfield South High School.

The incredible mix of students ranges from those with refugee and low socio economic backgrounds to students with hearing impairments and autism.

A whopping 93 per cent come from non English speaking backgrounds.

Yet this inspiring and unique school has defied the odds to jump 89 places in the HSC rankings from 502 in 2017 to 413 in 2018.

When asked how it achieved such a feat, all eyes turn to principal Simon Paterson and the dedicated, talented team of teachers who follow his lead.

“I like to tell people that everything that is beautiful about modern multicultural Australia is right here in this school,” Mr Paterson said.

He has overseen pioneering programs which are all about creating equal opportunities for every student.

A compressed curriculum allows year 11 and 12 students to study three subjects at a time over one year instead of six subjects over two years.

“They still get the HSC in the same amount of time as they do anywhere else, but it makes it much more accessible,” Mr Paterson said.

Their middle schools allows a much easier transition into high school where each class has a home room.

“They have a teacher for their literacy subjects and a teacher for their numeracy subjects which halves the number of teachers they’re having to engage with, creating a more nurturing environment for them.”

Strathfield South High school students with Mr Paterson.

There are also “enrichment classes” which don’t just cater to students who excel in science in maths but also for those who are more creative or sporty.

Classes range from music and history to debating and chess.

“We have future focused learning which is looking at integrated technology,” Mr Paterson said.

“But we also use collaborative learning and much more student-focused learning under the guidance of a teacher to tap into and develop skills students already have”

Many of their students have excelled in tertiary education.

“A lot of people in education get focused on getting kids into university and yes we punch above our weight where that’s concerned but I’m just as proud of the students we help to get an apprenticeship as a plumber or an electrician.

“Because society needs those people so I think we’re here to serve the whole breadth of society, not just the top achieving academic students.”