Independent Schools NSW

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

Teena Goodman from Bishop Druitt College in Coffs Harbour shares her reflections of the 2025 East Arnhem Land Cultural Immersion experience.

Read more:

The impact of the East Arnhem Land Cultural Immersion: a personal reflection - Independent Schools NSW Teena Goodman from Bishop Druitt College in Coffs Harbour shares her reflections of the 2025 East Arnhem Land Cultural Immersion experience.

VET is opening doors for young people, equipping them with the skills and confidence to shape their own pathways.

Over the coming week's we're sharing some of the inspiring stories of VET success from Independent schools in NSW.

Meg from MLC School found a love for all things behind-the-scenes production while studying Entertainment at school, and she is following that passion now by studying at AFTRS and beginning her career in the film industry.

Head to our YouTube channel for more of her story:

www.youtube.com

Exciting news for EAL/D educators in NSW Independent schools.

The Independent Schools NSW EAL/D Teachers Network is back, led by new school-based convenors who bring deep expertise across research, curriculum and multilingual learner support.

Our Term 2 network meeting is coming up on Tuesday 9 June and we’re looking forward to connecting, sharing and shaping the network together.

Head to our website for more information about the network and to get in touch:

English as an additional language - Independent Schools NSW Independent Schools NSW offers dedicated support for students who from diverse backgrounds whose first language or dialect is not English to ensure they receive equitable access to learning opportunities.

Across two dynamic days, our 2026 VET Conference brought together educators, leaders, students and industry to explore the future of vocational education.

From keynote insights and panel conversations to powerful student stories, day one set the scene before delegates stepped into industry, experiencing real workplaces and career pathways in action across tourism, sport, agriculture, technology and the creative industries.

Day two built on this momentum with workshops and future-focused sessions exploring apprenticeships, AI and emerging opportunities, alongside inspiring reflections from Young Australian of the Year Nedd Brockmann.

VET is opening more doors than ever, equipping young people with the skills and confidence to shape their own pathways.

Thanks to everyone who came aboard.