step up into our senior college

ST ANDREW’S CATHEDRAL SCHOOL

EXPERIENCE OUR SENIOR

COLLEGE

MEET SOME STUDENT

FACES

senior collegestep up into our

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STEP UP INTO OUR SENIOR COLLEGE | CONTENTS

BE A PART OF A SCHOOL WHERE YOU MATTER 04

WHY ST ANDREW’S? 06

SYDNEY CITY 08

MEET SOME YEAR 10 STUDENTS 10

MEET SOME YEAR 12 STUDENTS 14

CAREERS 18

FLEXIBILITY TO TAILOR YOUR EDUCATION 19

A PLACE TO BELONG 21

MEET TWO OF OUR OLD ANDREANS 22

contents

“Here you get a greater perspective on the world – more prepared, more mature, more broad-minded, more independent, more accepting, more comfortable in the city.”SENIOR COLLEGE STUDENT

STEP UP INTO OUR SENIOR COLLEGE | CONTENTS

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STEP UP INTO OUR SENIOR COLLEGE | BE PART OF A SCHOOL WHERE YOU MATTER

Since 1885 we’ve been exploring new and dynamic innovations in teaching and learning that benefit our students best.

Our Senior College campus is at the heart of forward-thinking. Spanning from Year 10 – 12,

it has its own building located in the centre of Sydney’s CBD (adjacent to our K-9 campus). It’s a fully coeducational learning space that works toward preparing you for your HSC or International Baccalaureate – and more importantly, for life.

Senior College at St Andrew’s offers you the best of both worlds. With students coming from all over Sydney and beyond, you’re guaranteed to experience the diversity of life post-school, while still reaping the benefits of our small class sizes and close student-teacher relationships. You’ll have more responsibilities, but you’ll also get more independence – senior students are able to eat in the coffee shops of our precinct and explore the local CBD during recess and lunch.

While many schools look to keep their students in the classroom, we encourage ours to embrace the city through an engaging, fast-paced approach to the curriculum. We seek to deliver all students a rich education – giving them a strong network of pastoral support, a broad choice of subjects and an enviable array of co-curricular and leadership opportunities. Our aim in the Senior College is to promote a sense of responsible independence in all of our students.

be part of a school where you matter

THE SACS SENIOR COLLEGE EXPERIENCE

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STEP UP INTO OUR SENIOR COLLEGE | BE PART OF A SCHOOL WHERE YOU MATTER

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Why St Andrew’s?

There are certain things that can turn a good school into an incredible educational experience – and we are constantly fine-tuning our teaching and learning methods to keep our commitment to excellence high.

We embrace a global, modern outlook, whether it’s bringing Skype to the

history classroom, SMART board technology to the science lab or taking our students to the world, through international music, history, cultural and sporting tours (most recently, Italy, Greece, South Africa, Peru, Nepal, New Zealand and Fiji). With large numbers of students in our Senior Years, we are able to offer a wide choice of

subjects, lending to a tremendous diversity of University and TAFE Courses, careers and pathways in life.

We are fully coeducational from Kindergarten to Year 12, offering you the confidence to mix well with both genders and be prepared for life after school, university and the workforce. As an Anglican school, our values are centred on equality and compassion;

making St Andrew’s an inclusive community that welcomes students from all religions and denominations. Our community is one that continues well beyond graduation, with our ever-expanding Old Andreans’ Association running events each year for our thriving post-school community.

a global school in the heart of the city

STEP UP INTO OUR SENIOR COLLEGE | WHY ST ANDREW’S?

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STEP UP INTO OUR SENIOR COLLEGE | WHY ST ANDREW’S?

A set of genuine values

“The character of SACS is about its Christian values – the support and pastoral care means that lots of kids choose to come here for that reason. The way teachers look after students and students care for each other is the main quality about SACS,”

SENIOR COLLEGE STUDENT

“SACS students support and care about each other, there is a real sense that each person does want to make a new student feel at home”


“ here you’re important, you’re respected, you’re

somebody ”


STEP UP INTO OUR SENIOR COLLEGE | SYDNEY CITY

“We’re close to the real world. We’re not sheltered behind school gates. Being here gives us life experience.” SENIOR COLLEGE STUDENT

sydney city

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STEP UP INTO OUR SENIOR COLLEGE | SYDNEY CITY

Located just outside Town Hall Station, St Andrew’s central location sees students from K-12 travel across Sydney to unite at our dynamic campus.

For over 100 years we’ve been right at the core of Sydney’s vibrantly developing culture,

and as the city has grown, so have we. From the grand arches of the historic Harbour Bridge

to the cobblestone laneways of The Rocks, an excursion begins here when you walk out the front doors. The city is truly your classroom – from theatre shows and student-run concerts at night

to the lively CBD by day – at SACS you’ll perform, play, compete and explore it, as our passionate teaching staff bring the curriculum to life.

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What was it that your parents liked about St Andrew’s?

I think my grandma played a big part in it. We looked at lots of schools but they ended up liking a coeducational one most.

Do you travel far each day?

Pretty far, yes! I live in Cronulla so it’s up to an hour to get here. There are quite a few of us who travel in together though. It’s a really nice group of people.

How would you describe students at SACS?

They’re smart, outgoing and they have a lot of common sense; really good street smarts. Most people are kind and open to new things. It’s a good environment.

Will you be studying HSC or IB next year?

HSC. It’s more appealing as I can focus on the areas I’m good at and have classes with heaps of different people.

Best thing about coeducation?

It prepares you for life outside school and gives you social skills with the other gender – a lot better than having your teenage life shut off to the other gender for 6 years.

What do you do outside of the classroom?

I play a lot of sport, mainly rugby and waterpolo, plus I’m in some music ensembles (Big Band and Symphonic Winds). I also do a lot of surf lifesaving on weekends.

KNOX GLENN YEAR 10 // BEGAN AT SACS IN YEAR 6, 2009

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STEP UP INTO OUR SENIOR COLLEGE | MEET SOME YEAR 10 STUDENTS

What has it been like moving from the Junior to Middle School at SACS, and now finally Senior College?

It’s been simple to move from one stage to the next. In the Junior School you’re exposed to lots of other parts of St Andrew’s. You go on mini excursions. It’s not a massive step and you don’t feel like the new kid in Year 7.

Why did your family decide to send you to SACS?

I came in the first year that it was opened to girls in the Junior School. My older brother was here before me and my parents liked the idea of me going to a coed school.

What kind of students do you find in the Senior College?

They are open to new things, easy going and laid back. That said, they have a good work ethic. We all get along really well.

What’s great about going to a coeducational school?

I’ve grown up with a coed school. It’s just a part of life to mix in with guys. You’ll do that for the rest of your life, so you’ve got to learn to deal with it!

Tell us what Outdoor Education programme you’ve signed up to?

I’m doing two actually! I’m doing community service in Broome, helping out a rural community in daily life as well as a 20 day hike and white water rafting in Mount Kosciuszko.

HELENA SALOMON YEAR 10 // BEGAN AT SACS IN YEAR 5, 2008

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Why did you decide to change schools and start at SACS?

My other school didn’t suit my personality very well. It was an all girls school. We knew about St Andrew’s and mum really liked the idea of a coeducational school. The music and sport on offer were really appealing. Going to school in the city was also something I really wanted to do.

What are the students in your grade like?

They’re really nice with a good sense of humour. We have so much fun and I think everyone really cares for one another.

Will you be studying HSC or IB next year?

I came here for the IB but I’ve ended up picking HSC! It suits my subject combinations of Art, Textiles and Ancient History.

Best thing about going to school in the city?

It’s in the centre of everything. The freedom of being in the city is really nice.

What’s coming from another school to the Senior College like?

It’s a real community. Everyone knows each other and I’ve made friends in different years too.

Which Outdoor Education trip have you been on?

I went to Tasmania for the Overland Trek on Cradle Mountain. I definitely found it challenging – trekking isn’t something I’m great at! – but it was a good experience and a chance to get to know people better.

SAMMI TAYLORYEAR 10 // BEGAN AT SACS IN YEAR 10, 2013

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Why did you change schools to SACS?

I felt like it had a really good school environment and it was different to others in terms of location and the type of people who come here – they’re from all walks of life. I went to an all-boys private school before. I think coeducation helps you to understand people more… it mimics society.

How would you describe SACS students?

I’d say they’re nice, caring and accepting. Everyone is their own person, but somehow we come together as one. I don’t know how to describe it – everyone is completely unique.

What’s different about going to a school in the city?

I think it gives everyone an equal playing field. It means you have a much wider perspective of how the world works, because each day you’re interacting with the general public, not just people in your school.

How do teachers and students relate to one another in Senior College?

This is the first school I’ve been to where teachers are really engaging… When I started I was greeted and welcomed by them all.

What trip have you signed up to for Outdoor Education this year?

I’m going to Mount Kosciuszko. We’ll be skiing, climbing the mountain and camping in the snow. I haven’t been to the snow before, I’m really looking forward to it.

KEVIN CHENYEAR 10 // BEGAN AT SACS IN YEAR 10, 2013

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Why did your parents decide St Andrew’s was the right school for you?

They wanted a place where I could grow in my Christian faith and be exposed to Christian values.

What qualities characterise SACS students?

They’re open to new experiences and good at listening.

Are you studying HSC or IB this year?

HSC. I felt the subject choices were broader for what I was interested in. I study Chemistry, Biology, Modern History, Advanced and Extension English, General Maths and PDHPE.

What are your plans when you graduate?

I’d love to do something related to health – perhaps study to be a GP.

COOPER INGRAMYEAR 11 // BEGAN AT SACS IN YEAR 3, 2005 // HEREFORD HOUSE CAPTAIN FOR 2014

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What made you change schools to SACS?

I wanted to do the IB and St Andrew’s was one of the only places I could study Chinese. I felt like a change for the last years of school – the city location was also appealing.

What do you love about studying the IB?

The content is really interesting and challenging. It moves completely beyond traditional spheres of what you thought you could learn in school. I normally lean towards the humanities and the IB has pushed me towards other subject areas, enabling me to discover skills in new areas.

How would you define the Senior College atmosphere?

There are heaps of opportunities to get engaged with new things. When you arrive it feels welcoming, open and diverse. The staff are amazing and dedicated beyond the call of duty. It’s a great environment to be in.

Plans for life post-school?

I’m interested in pursuing Asian Studies or Economics.

What advice would you give to new Year 10 students?

Get involved in as many things as you can and take advantage of every opportunity! Explore what St Andrew’s has to offer you in Senior College to the fullest – it’s not something you’ll regret.

IMOGEN SMITHYEAR 11 // BEGAN AT SACS IN YEAR 11, 2013 // WINCHESTER HOUSE CAPTAIN FOR 2014

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How did you come to pick SACS as the right high school?

I already had two older brothers here and my parents liked the idea of sending us to school together.

Best thing about going to a city school?

The people you meet are from all over Sydney, not just one particular suburb! There’s a lot of variety. You also get to know the city so well – it’s not intimidating at all. You really

know your way around [the CBD] and find the good spots to eat and shop.

What is the relationship like between teachers and students at SACS?

It feels very open, without barriers. Teachers are approachable and you can ask them for help, have jokes with them – even high-five some of them! You get to know teachers at SACS well, especially if they’re your coaches for

cocurricular activities. I play soccer, softball, touch footy and athletics.

Are you studying the HSC or IB?

I’m doing the HSC, I like that it let me focus on specific areas I enjoy like English and PDHPE.

MADY WHEELERYEAR 11 // BEGAN AT SACS IN YEAR 7, 2009 // SCHOOL CAPTAIN FOR 2014

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What drew you and your family to SACS?

I played a lot of music and we heard it had a great music programme. I ended up auditioning for (and receiving) a Music Scholarship.

Do you study the HSC or IB?

I study IB. I’d like to study overseas in the future and I heard the IB was great for this. I’ve been learning German for a few years now and would love to study in Germany. Plus I knew the IB would be a good challenge.

Tell us about your cocurricular involvement…

I play viola and am in quite a few music ensembles – including Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Chamber Music and Senior Choir. I’m also doing the Duke of Edinburgh Award and play soccer and basketball.

What opportunities have you received at SACS outside of the classroom?

My favourites would have to be the Drama Productions, musicals and the Outdoor Education Camps. In Year 10 I did a 20-day hike from Mount Kosciuszko, part hiking and part canoeing. It was pretty amazing

being able to spend so much time with your school mates and get to know others better.

Best thing about going to a coeducational school?

Interacting with girls. It would be pretty boring going to school if it was only guys – having class with girls is so much more realistic. It’s what the rest of life will be like.

MONAMBI WIYAYEAR 11 // BEGAN AT SACS IN YEAR 7 2009 // SCHOOL CAPTAIN FOR 2014

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EXPERIENCE OUR SENIOR COLLEGE | CAREERS

F

“I place high importance on emphasising that each post-school path is as worthy as another – because they are.” MR DES SINOVICH, CAREERS COUNSELLOR AND ENGLISH TEACHER

inishing school comes with a wealth of decisions. Not only are students finishing major

works and studying hard for final exams, they are applying for summer jobs, internships, scholarships and further education; forging plans for life after school (or at least the first few months of it).

Mr Des Sinovich is aware of how significant his advice can be to students. As Careers Counsellor at St Andrew’s, he is well versed on the importance of students’ final transition in secondary school, to the unknown destination of life after graduating. In fact, it’s his business to help them through it, equipping them with the knowledge and know-how to make informed choices about their futures. Though the vast majority of SACS students will commence tertiary education at university, Mr Sinovich purposefully provides detailed information on a range of options – from volunteer gap years, to TAFE, private colleges and trade apprentice programmes. “I place a lot of importance on emphasising that each post-school path is as worthy as another,” he explains, “Because they are.”

Being a Careers Advisor involves far more than just giving students a handful of pamphlets to help them with these choices. Mr Sinovich, who holds a Master of Education in Career Education and Pastoral Care Leadership, believes no student should graduate “feeling their career aspirations have not been addressed in some way.” His comprehensive schedule for Year 10-12 students spans aptitude tests, interviews, resume writing courses, subject and course selection advice and guest presentations on apprenticeships, traineeships, collages and university study. Each year he organises the CBD Schools Careers Convention, a

partnership between five city schools with 70 providers involved.

Mr Sinovich gets to know more than faces. Through meetings with every student, he learns their strengths, their aptitudes and interests, following individuals up with a high level of pastoral care. “It is important for me to establish a relationship with students where they are being involved, not talked about,” he says. “Our students who go onto further study usually represent almost 30 faculty areas, from arts and science to design, engineering, environmental areas and policing and justice. There’s a sprinkling of everything.”

Post-school, the connection with St Andrew’s does not have to be broken. Mr Sinovich has noticed a trend develop over the last few years, with alumni returning to his office for advice and updates. “I get phone calls quite often, out of the blue or they just drop by.”

Alana Dell graduated in 2010 and has found the transition from the tight-knit community of SACS to city life “relatively easy”. She still keeps in contact with some of her teachers and enjoys catching up with them, as well as her group of friends – though it can be hard to coordinate schedules. “I loved going to school at St Andrew’s so it will always be important for me to maintain friendships and memories with the great people I met.”

Alana’s advice to HSC and IB students is to enjoy their last year and stay organised. “The last term is the most exciting. Focus on attaining achievable goals and do as much as you can in the last few months, as it can definitely make a great difference to your overall result. There are so many opportunities and alternatives for life after Year 12, so there is always a way to get what you want.”

Tony Chalmers also finished SACS in 2010. Immediately trading in his school uniform for a suit, he began a cadetship at a leading Swiss investment bank in the city, alongside full time study at the University of Sydney. On top of this, the young businessman has started his own educational business. “I am extremely passionate about financial markets and would thoroughly enjoy working in mergers and acquisitions and on to pursuing an FX trading career,” Tony shares. “Working full time post school has allowed me to develop softer skills SACS laid foundations for; communication and organisational skills in particular.”

Tony’s advice to future Senior cohorts at SACS is this: “Failure to prepare is preparing to fail; study hard and work on exceeding goals. While marks are important, passion is imperative - if you are passionate about something success will follow.”

Though the map might prove a little difficult to navigate in the first year out of school, as Mr Sinovich says, there’s nothing wrong with a process of trial and error – in fact, it’s one of life’s inevitabilities. “There are huge opportunities for our students that I can help them find, if they’re willing,” Mr Sinovich concludes. “There’s no shortage of them! It’s very much about giving confidence and building reality into their thinking. A lot of students are taking time off to travel and decide what they want to do, while others look to explore something different and leave home at a regional university. We do prepare them well for that independence. Walking between buildings at SACS is like going between faculties at university. We aren’t in a space locked away from the rest of the world here and so our seniors are a bit more ready for what is to come.”

careers

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STEP UP INTO OUR SENIOR COLLEGE | FLEXIBILITY TO TAILOR YOUR EDUCATION

flexibility to tailor your education

In Year 11 our Senior College students choose between two internationally recognised exit credentials: the HSC and IB.

Each offer different advantages in terms of subject choice, class structure and learning

style and encourage you to explore subject areas beyond the curriculum.

The large cohorts of our Senior College mean we can offer our students an enormous array of subjects beyond those offered at most schools – from Psychology in IB to Earth and Environmental Science in the HSC. Throughout

your final years you’ll have a strong network of support – an Enrichment and Learning Department, a Careers Information Centre, Student Services, Heads of Houses and Year-specific Academic Coordinators, tutors, Chaplaincy staff and counsellors, as well as access to an on-campus evening study centre. We aim to ensure that your strengths are utilised and your weaknesses developed, all within our busy city campus.

More than 85% of our Year 12 graduates persue further study and training immediately beyond Year 12.

Year 10 at SACS is a time to get prepared for the HSC or IB. It’s the perfect introduction to what Senior College means, an introduction to new independence and leadership responsibilities and the chance to work closely with Careers and Pastoral staff to work out which programme will be right for you.

STEP UP INTO OUR SENIOR COLLEGE | A PLACE TO BELONG

Senior College is about exploring possibilities, choosing your own adventure and combining sport, music, debating and drama or another cocurricular passion entirely. We don’t put students in a box, but rather encourage all students to engage with what interests them.

W ith over 22 cocurricular opportunities available – from rugby to fencing, debating to chess, community service groups and a wealth of options

across the creative arts – you’re bound to find something that suits you. Further, you’ll have the opportunity to compete at elite levels and in some cases, tour internationally. Also, our Outdoor Education programme in Year 10 sees you choose from an incredible spectrum of character-building experiences, ranging from bike riding in New Zealand and 20-day hikes in Kosciuszko, to the Kokoda Trail Trek.

a place to belong

“The great thing about SACS is that everyone is treated equally. We accept all individual achievements, whether they be drama, music, debating or sport. Not one thing is held above another.”SENIOR COLLEGE STUDENT

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STEP UP INTO OUR SENIOR COLLEGE | A PLACE TO BELONG

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Summer attended St Andrew’s as one of the very first girls in the coeducational programme and graduated in 2000. She is now an educator with a speciality in Middle School education and has been a finalist in the National Excellence in Teaching awards.

What brought you to SACS?

A city experience was the main attraction. I have always been fascinated by the dynamics of a city, it was a perfect fit.

What qualities do you think characterise SACS students?

A brave, growth-driven mindset. SACS students are brilliant at connecting with people from all walks of life. They are open and courageous. SACS students have an independence about them, they are self-starters.

Can you share the top three opportunities you gained at school?

I was president of the Student Business Club, and we had a real opportunity for

project learning. Our advocacy efforts for the Sydney 2000 Paralympics have had a lasting impact – running with the Paralympic flame as a result was a huge highlight. As one of the original girls here, we consulted often with the school leadership team to shape the experiences of girls’ education… I developed my communication skills during my SACS years.

What did you study post school?

I went on to study a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education, majoring in Geography at the University of NSW. I have recently finished a Masters of Geographical Education from Macquarie University, with a focus on emerging pedagogies and contemporary learning spaces. Following my undergraduate studies, I worked in Sydney’s private schools as a Geography teacher and Middle School advocate. A position on the executive of the Middle Years of Schooling Association has led me to focus on research in Middle School pedagogy and direction... I’ve since moved to Denver, Colorado to work as part of a team at a new, forward-thinking school.

What are your plans for the future?

I plan to involve myself in further work and research around investigating learning in contemporary school spaces. This will involve action research in my current setting, and can inform practices in the USA and Australia.

I hope to continue working with educators around the world to develop clear direction for Middle Schooling. This is my life’s passion.

What advice would you give to new Senior College students?

Take advantage of everything you can at school. Use your freedoms, and take this responsibility as a great privilege. To interact on an adult level with the citizens of daily life in a CBD context is a real gift, and a skill which will be enormously important as you navigate life… You will remember the shared experiences and joy of learning in a city environment (both in and out of the classroom), a rank or mark is but a moment in time. The words of Ferris Bueller ring true here: “Life moves pretty fast, and if you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you may just miss it!”

What’s the one thing about SACS you miss the most?

The City! I loved being in the CBD every day!

SUMMER HOWARTHSACS 2000 GRADUATE, EDUCATOR

meet two of our old andreans

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EXPERIENCE OUR SENIOR COLLEGE | MEET TWO OF OUR OLD ANDREANS’

After graduating St Andrew’s in 2006, Jackson Milas has been keeping busy. The music aficionado (who was heavily involved in SACS’ music ensembles) is one-half of Sydney-born, New York-based music duo High Highs. Signed to Elton John’s

management company, the pair have been making waves since back in 2011, with their own brand of lush, lilting indie pop. They’ve played every festival imaginable and recently embarked on a national tour of the US following the release of their debut

album Open Season. Few are able to call themselves full-time musicians with success – Jackson proves that with hard work, self-empowerment and complete dedication to your craft, it can be possible.

JACKSON MILASSACS 2006 GRADUATE, LEAD SINGER OF NYC BASED BAND ‘HIGH HIGHS’.

PHOTO: JACK TOOHEY COURTESY OF BROADSHEET

MEET SOME STUDENT

FACES

www.sacs.nsw.edu.au

St Andrew’s Cathedral School

Sydney Square, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia phone +61 2 9286 9500 fax +61 2 9286 9550

ABN 34 429 367 893 CRICOS Registration: The Council of St Andrew’s Cathedral School 02276M

St Andrew’s Cathedral School is a

coeducational K-12 Anglican school, located in

the heart of Sydney’s CBD.

Book a school tour:

Visit www.sacs.nsw.edu.au or contact Alex Culas on 02 9286 9579 or [email protected].

Get connected on our social media:

Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/StAndrewsCathedralSchool

Follow our Twitter https://twitter.com/SACS_Official

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/user/StAndrewsOfficial

Our Senior students pride themselves on their warmth, diversity and forward-thinking, global perspectives.

If that’s the kind of community you’d like to be a part of – we would love for you to consider attending our school.

step up into our senior college

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