Fort Street High School
Fort Street High School
Fort Street High School (FSHS) is a prestigious government-funded co-educational academically selective secondary day school situated in Petersham, a vibrant inner-western suburb of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. With its rich history dating back to 1849, Fort Street High School holds the distinction of being the oldest government high school in the country and a trailblazer as the first non-religious institution of its kind. Today, it continues to thrive as a leading public school under the stewardship of the New South Wales Department of Education, attracting talented students from diverse areas across the greater metropolitan Sydney region.
In recognition of its outstanding academic achievements, Fort Street High School has garnered significant accolades. In a 2010 report by The Age, Fort Street High School was ranked among the top Australian schools, securing an equal fourth position based on the remarkable number of its alumni who have been honored as Companions of the Order of Australia (AC), a prestigious national recognition.
Programs in Fort Street High School
Year 7 and 8 students at Fort Street High School follow the curriculum that is proposed by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). During this stage, they undertake a diverse range of subjects aimed at building a solid foundation for their academic journey. These subjects include English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Technology, Music, Visual Arts, Drama, Personal Development, Health and Physical Education, Languages (Chinese, French, German, Japanese), Fortitude (Year 7 only), and Fortunae (Wellbeing Lessons). Assessment guidelines are provided to students and parents/carers, outlining task dates, deadlines, and the nature of assessments in each subject.
Moving into Years 9 and 10, Fort Street High School students follow a curriculum that combines mandatory and elective subjects. They have the opportunity to exercise greater autonomy in their learning by selecting elective subjects aligned with their interests and aspirations. Alongside English, Mathematics, Science, Geography, History, Personal Development, Health and Physical Education, and Fortunae (Wellbeing lessons), students can choose three elective subjects from a diverse range of options including Drama, Elective Geography, Commerce, Chinese, Design and Technology, Food Technology, French, German, Elective History, Music, Photographic and Digital Media, Electronics, Engineering, Graphics Technology, Japanese, and Visual Arts.
In Years 11 and 12, students at Fort Street High School embark on their journey towards the NSW Higher School Certificate, preparing for future academic pursuits and university entrance. The curriculum offers a wide array of courses, allowing students to tailor their education based on their individual interests and goals. According to the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), students are required to study a minimum of 12 units in Year 11 and 10 units in Year 12. English is a compulsory subject, with Advanced or Extension courses available. The curriculum choices are designed to meet the needs of students, and some may have the opportunity to negotiate acceleration in certain subjects, such as Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, French, Music, and Mathematics.
Throughout Years 11 and 12, Fort Street High School students continue to engage in Fortunae (wellbeing lessons) to support their overall well-being. Additionally, physical activity remains an integral part of the school experience, with participation in timetabled PDHPE lessons and mandatory weekly sport for students in Years 7-11. Engaging in sports offers numerous benefits, including physical fitness, cognitive development, personal well-being, and social integration, further enriching the holistic educational experience at Fort Street High School.
Sport at Fort Street High School is an integral part of the school experience, promoting physical fitness, fun, and social involvement. While COVID restrictions have temporarily impacted sport arrangements in Term 1, 2022, all inter-school sport offerings will resume in Term 2.
In Year 7, students have two periods of sport timetabled each week in addition to their PDHPE classes. These sessions focus on building general fitness and skills across a range of sports, providing a solid foundation for their sporting journey.
Year 8 students have the opportunity to participate in grade sport, where they compete against other schools on Tuesday afternoons. This allows them to showcase their skills and sportsmanship in a competitive setting.
For students in Years 9-11, Tuesday afternoons also involve sport participation, but with a wider range of options. They can choose from a variety of grade sports, recreational sports, and house sports, catering to diverse interests and preferences. Fort Street High School proudly competes in the Northern Suburbs Sports Zone, fostering healthy competition and camaraderie among students.
Summer grade sports at Fort Street High School include ultimate frisbee, volleyball, basketball, softball, cricket, touch football, and European handball. These sports emphasize participation and offer opportunities for improved physical fitness, enjoyment, and social engagement.
During the winter season, students have a selection of grade sports to choose from, including basketball, Oztag, netball, volleyball, soccer, futsal, and European handball. These sports provide avenues for students to further develop their skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship. In addition to grade sports, Fort Street High School offers a range of recreational sports.
School Life in Fort Street High School
Fort Street High School offers a diverse range of creative and performing arts programs that not only support student learning but also foster social and personal development. These programs are integrated into the extended before and after school timetable, serving as valuable complements to the core curriculum and enhancing students' overall learning experiences.
The Drama Club provides an engaging platform for Year 7 and 8 students to explore their imaginative abilities. Through working with short scripts and script excerpts, students are challenged to bring new worlds, characters, and moods to life without relying on elaborate sets, props, or costumes. They learn the art of transforming themselves and their surroundings into the vibrant characters and captivating settings of the play.
For drama students in Years 8 to 12, Theatresports offers an exciting opportunity to develop improvisation skills. This program focuses on problem-solving and spontaneity through a variety of Theatresports games. Students not only compete in a supportive environment but also have the chance to be selected for representative teams that participate in external Theatresports competitions, showcasing their talent and teamwork.
Fort Street High School Makers Society & Robotics is a student-led co-curricular activity that fosters engineering education and hands-on experience. With a holistic approach to engineering, students are equipped with skills ranging from conception to production, preparing them for various competitions. This robotics club has achieved remarkable success and is recognized as one of the leading Robotics clubs in Australia's public education system.
The Makers Society & Robotics club allows teams to delve into the world of robotics and gain expertise in building them using a range of technologies. The teams engage in friendly competitions within the school community before progressing to the esteemed Robocup Junior competition. Every Thursday afternoon from 3:15 to 4:30pm, students gather to explore the exciting possibilities of robotics and collaborate on innovative projects.
Accommodation
Fort Street High School is located in Petersham, an inner western suburb of Sydney, New South Wales. Being situated in a vibrant and well-connected area, there are several accommodation options available for students and families near the school.
One popular accommodation choice near Fort Street High School is renting apartments or houses in the Petersham and surrounding suburbs. Petersham offers a mix of residential properties, including apartments, townhouses, and family homes. Living in close proximity to the school allows for convenient access to daily activities and reduces commuting time, giving students more time to focus on their studies and extracurricular pursuits.
Additionally, neighboring suburbs such as Stanmore, Leichhardt, and Newtown also provide a range of accommodation options. These areas are known for their diverse and lively atmosphere, with an abundance of shops, cafes, and cultural attractions. Students living in these suburbs can enjoy a vibrant community while still being within a reasonable distance from Fort Street High School.
For those seeking a more independent living arrangement, there are also student accommodation facilities and share houses available in the vicinity. These provide a supportive community environment where students can interact with peers from various educational institutions. Living in student accommodation offers opportunities for social connections, shared experiences, and a sense of belonging within a diverse student population.
Future Prospects after study in Fort Street High School
Fort Street High School is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, which is evident in the consistently high achievements of its students in the Higher School Certificate (HSC). With an impressive track record, 95% of our students seamlessly transition from school to university studies, highlighting their preparedness for higher education. Notably, 65% of the Year 12 cohort achieved an ATAR in the 90's, reflecting their dedication and scholarly pursuits. These exceptional accomplishments are recognized and celebrated at our annual Speech Day, where our highest achievers are honored.
The Fort Street High School students, both individually and collectively, continue to excel academically. In the 2022 HSC examinations, an impressive sixteen Fortians earned a place on the prestigious HSC Top All-rounders List, demonstrating their outstanding performance across multiple subjects. This achievement is a testament to their intellectual abilities, commitment, and diligence.
In 2022, a total of 179 Fort Street students undertook the HSC examinations. As a school, we achieved a commendable 24th rank overall in the state, highlighting the consistently strong academic standards and collective effort of our students and educators.
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