Blackwood High School

Blackwood High School is a co-educational secondary school located in Eden Hills, a south-eastern suburb of Adelaide, South Australia, teaching to the Australian Curriculum and the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE). It is also a special-interest high school that specialises in netball and Australian rules Football.[1]

Blackwood High School
Location
Eden Hills
,
South Australia

Australia
Coordinates35.0259°S 138.6063°E / -35.0259; 138.6063
Information
TypeSecondary school
MottoInspiring Achievement and Respect
Established1961
School boardBlackwood High School Governing Council
PrincipalChris Brandwood
Years offered7–12
Enrolment1200
Classrooms75
HousesAshby, Madigan, Mills, Russel
Colour(s)Green, white and red
     
Websitewww.bhs.sa.edu.au

The school developed a resource with Sturt Police on "Teenage Parties" that has been adapted by Victorian private schools Scotch College[2] and Toorak College.[3] The Adelaide-based hip hop group Hilltop Hoods formed at Blackwood High School. The school also has a canteen (which services other local schools) and is the site of the Blackwood Community Recreation Centre.

In 2022, the school has adopted a rule which bans students from using their mobile phone during school hours. This has been met with criticism from both students and parents, claiming that the move makes it much more difficult for students to communicate with their parents. From July 2023, the Department for Education introduced a state-wide ban on mobile phones during school hours in all government secondary schools.

Curriculum and learning

Blackwood High School previously offered the IB Middle Years Programme at Year 8–10 (until 2021). Following the introduction of Year 7 to High School in South Australia, the school's Governing Council voted to discontinue the IB program. From 2022, only the Australian Curriculum at Year 7–10, with the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) are offered at Year 11–12.

Facilities

Performing Arts Centre (PAC)

The Performing Arts Centre (PAC), the Auditorium, or the Blackwood Community Recreation Centre, was constructed in 2001 with funds raised in several schools and community-based fund-raisers.[4] It features several sound-proofed rooms, computing equipment, musical instruments, and a large theatre and stage, with a booth for controlling the lighting and sound effects. The PAC is also used by the community as a church on Sunday mornings.

The main auditorium seats about 350, with the capability to have an extended stage because of retractable seating. In addition to the main performing areas, the PAC boasts a recording studio, four practise rooms, three classrooms, an office, and a storeroom.

Recreation centre and gym

Constructed in 2004, the Blackwood Recreation Centre is co-located on the Blackwood High site, with facilities shared between the school and Community Recreation Centre. The school has a permanent arrangement to operate one of the two courts, and half of the changing/bathroom facilities. Additionally, the school also operates a staff office in the space. The facility is also used to host whole-school assemblies and events.

Canteen

In 2020/2021, the canteen and conference were demolished, replaced by new facilities. Students are able to walk into the canteen, select items, and pay upon exiting. The canteen also services other local schools.

Student opportunities

Students have the opportunity to take part in several leadership opportunities, including:

  • Prefects
  • Middle School Leadership
  • Peer Support
  • Learning Cultures
  • Student Wellbeing
  • House Captains

Notable alumni

School publications
  • Each year, the school's year 11 students compile a yearbook, which has, since its beginnings, been entitled Cambium. Students contribute articles, photographs, artworks, and written works, which give a snapshot of the school year.

References
  1. "Specialist Interest Programs | Blackwood High School". Retrieved 26 July 2023.
  2. "Successful Teenage Gatherings" prepared by the Scotch Family Association with illustrations by Julian Collins. Adapted from "Teenage Parties" by Blackwood High School, SA and Sturt Police, SA
  3. "Special Events and Notices". Archived from the original on 20 October 2006. Retrieved 9 February 2007.
  4. "City of Mitcham, Media Release Blackwood Community Recreation Centre is Open for Business: Official Opening 13 February 2004". Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 9 February 2007.
  5. Ewen, Tia (27 January 2023). "Something in the water: Allday, Hilltop Hoods, Beccy Cole – Why our Hills produce so many superstars". Retrieved 7 October 2023.
  6. Whiting, Jessica (30 September 2008). "PHOTO GALLERY: Cooney - a long way from Flagstaff Hill". Hills and Valley Messenger. Retrieved 11 November 2008.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.