Independent Schools NSW

Episode 2 of our VET Success Stories series.

Former St Philip's Christian College Cessnock student Zoe grew up seeing the world of viticulture firsthand at her family's winery and cellar door, Hunter Wine Lab. So it was only natural she would follow her passion for good food and drink by studying a Cert II in hospitality at school.

She's now studying to sit her sommelier's WSET level 3 award in Wines, with dreams of one day opening her own place in the Hunter.

Watch her story on our YouTube:

VET Success Stories - St Philip's Christian College Cessnock Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

At the 2026 English Conference, educators came together to explore new syllabus directions, share practical classroom strategies and reflect on the role of language in learning.

The program featured a keynote from Emina McLean, alongside a series of workshops focused on strengthening writing, fostering creativity and supporting students to develop their voice with confidence. The conference also provided a valuable opportunity for professional connection and collaboration.

A timely reminder that the teaching of English plays a central role in helping students understand the world and articulate their place within it.

Few schools can boast an HSC completion rate of 95%, with 98% of its graduates in work or further study the following year.

Yet that is exactly what GOAL College has achieved over its first decade.

As a unique Independent school, GOAL College has changed the face of Year 11 & 12 education with its radical curriculum design and delivery.

It’s the right approach for its students, whose alumni includes Olympians, NRLW stars, a US College Basketball scholarship recipient, three Order of Australia community service recipients and a HSC First in Course recipient (Standard Mathematics).

One of those graduates is professional cricket coach Billy Barge, who is now Sydney Boys High’s Head Coach.

The school's founding principal, Kate O'Donnell, and Chairman Dr Paul Moy joined NSW Sports Minister Steve Kamper, Shadow Education Minister Mark Speakman and community partners such as the South Sydney Rabbitohs to celebrate 10 years of helping students find and complete their own educational journey, giving them a genuine pathway to a fulfilling career.

From an Independent school in Western Sydney to the world stage.

Congratulations to former Anglican College student Pat Beach on his Socceroos debut in goal at the World Cup. He put in a stellar performance, keeping a clean sheet with 8 saves (an Australian record) in our 2-0 win over Türkiye.

We’re proud to see Independent school student pursue their passions and reach the highest level.

Image courtesy of Commbank Socceroos.

Last week’s Science Conference brought together a passionate community of educators ready to lead what’s next in Science.

From practical strategies for the new Stage 6 syllabuses to rich conversations with peers, the day was all about building confidence, capability and connection. Keynotes from Dr Erin Mackenzie and Dr Samuel Cheeseman sparked fresh thinking on student engagement and emerging developments in biomedical engineering, while hands-on workshops gave teachers tools they can take straight back to the classroom.

Warakirri College has just opened its fifth campus and its first in inner Sydney. This Independent Special Assistance School has been changing lives for young people across Greater Sydney for over 15 years.

Half of its alumni have gone on to further their education at a TAFE college and 30% enter university, often becoming the first person in their family to do so.

The Redfern campus will initially provide an alternative learning environment for Year 9 students and eventually expand to 120 Year 9-12 students. As local MP Tanya Plibersek said at the official opening, schools like Warakirri College help provide the educational environment that works best for each person’s learning needs.

Rising costs like fuel highlight the role of mathematics in real-world decision making. Jennifer Woods explores how practical problem solving builds student confidence and underscores the importance of effective maths teaching and support.

Read more: https://www.isnsw.edu.au/newsroom/from-petrol-prices-to-problem-solving-why-mathematics-teachers-matter

It was a pleasure to bring educators together today at the Geography Conference, Interconnected Worlds: Sustainability and Place in Geography Education, held at Ascham School.

The conference highlighted the vital role Geography plays in helping students understand the complex relationships between places, environments and communities, and in building the knowledge and agency needed for a more sustainable future.

Our keynote speaker Professor Kurt Iveson (School of Geosciences, The University of Sydney) explored the importance of fostering informed, active citizenship through Geography education.

The program also featured a rich range of practical workshops, including:
• Chris Andrew (Tranby Aboriginal Cooperative) on embedding Aboriginal knowledges and culturally appropriate protocols
• Stephanie Vardas (St Ignatius’ College, Riverview) on building sustainability in schools
• James Forsyth (Kincoppal Rose Bay – School of the Sacred Heart) on approaches to practical fieldwork

Together, these sessions reflected the depth and diversity of practice across our sector, and the shared commitment to strengthening Geography teaching and learning in NSW schools.

Independent Schools NSW is dedicated to celebrating the incredible teachers who work in Independent schools. This term we're highlighting Anna-lea Russo, Zainab Raza and Rabiha Nasser.

Read more:

Teacher Feature: Celebrating teachers in Independent schools - Independent Schools NSW Independent Schools NSW is dedicated to celebrating the incredible teachers who work in Independent schools. This term we're highlighting Anna-lea Russo, Zainab Raza and Rabiha Nasser.

Independent Schools NSW is dedicated to celebrating the incredible teachers who work in Independent schools. This term we're highlighting Anna-lea Russo, Zainab Raza and Rabiha Nasser.

Read more: https://www.isnsw.edu.au/newsroom/teacher-feature-celebrating-teachers-in-independent-schools-12