Cumberland High School (Carlingford)
Encyclopedia
Cumberland High School is a co-educational
comprehensive secondary school (high school
) located in the north-western metropolitan Western Sydney
region of New South Wales
, Australia
.
The foundation headmaster was George Heery (1962–1965), who was responsible for the selection of the original school colours (brown, green and white), the school motto "Finis Coronat Opus", ("the end crowns the work") and the Cumberland school song.
In addition to students from Carlingford
, early students were drawn from as far afield as Pennant Hills, West Pennant Hills, and Beecroft
to the north; from Epping
and Ermington
to the east; from Dundas
, Dundas Valley
and Telopea
to the south; and North Parramatta to the south-west. Subsequently, the student catchment area contracted with the establishment of nearby high schools, particularly Castle Hill High School
(1963), Pennant Hills High School
(1966), Carlingford High School
(1968), and Muirfield High School
(1976).
In 2008, four Cumberland students took part in the Beijing Olympics, as members of the Olympic Games Orchestra.
, Carlingford
, New South Wales
.
The site was originally part of portions 100, 101 in the Parish of Field of Mars, County of Cumberland. Portion 101 was granted to William Evans by Lieutenant Governor Francis Grose
on 11 April 1794. The grant is described in the Grant Register as "laying and situated at The Ponds adjoining Carver's Farm". Portion 100 was granted to William Butts on 19 November 1794, and described in the Grant Register as "laying and situated in the district of The Ponds".
The site is separated with blocks lettered with a certain letters
A Block: (Used for Food Technology
and Art
on lower floor;Second Floor used for Textiles , History
, Computer
and Drama
)
B Block: (Used for Toilets and Canteen
)
C Block: (Used for Computing systems, metalwork and woodwork )
D Block: (Used for the office
; Second Floor used for Music
, Language
and Geography
.) E Block: (Used for English
and Science
on first floor; Maths on the second floor.)
F Block: (Used for the hall
)
and G Block: (Used for other Science Labs downstairs and Library
.
The boys toilets are currently replaced with a new gym and is in construction.
The current principal for Cumberland is Terry Wilson. (When principal S.Rolfe died of heart attack in 2006-2007)
A number of positive changes have taken place since his appointment including more than $2M spent on new playground surfaces and equipment, rain-water tanks, airconditioning of the entire school, as well as new computers, an interactive, online classroom and one of the fastest internet connections of any school in NSW.
The International Students Program has also been established at Cumberland High School with the work of Ms S Kitson being showcased by the International Student Centre as an example of excellence in the education of international students.
Through involvement of students and staff from many cultures, Cumberland High School has experienced a massive celebration of multi-culturalism at Harmony Day. Students from many backgrounds have also developed the educational achievements of all students, with 1 in 5 students achieving a UAI above 90 at the HSC 2007
This year, Cumberland has involved 4 of its students in a revolutionary Science program in partnership with Lachlan Macquarie College, Merck Sharpe & Dohme and the University of Western Sydney, with the students attending sessions at the University of Western Sydney: Hawkesbury Campus to utilise state-of-the-art equipment in a research program. In addition to this, one of the Science teachers, Mrs. K. Stead organises annual Science showcases to coincide with National Science Week and "tours" around local primary schools to try and engage younger children in Science.
Although not being placed in the top 100 schools in the HSC rankings of 2009, its neighboring school, James Ruse Agricultural High School came 1st, along with Baulkham Hills High School in the same region, coming 2nd.
. The school is populated with 35% of students coming from outside the school's designated local area. Students come from families that are very diverse, socially and economically. In recent years, there has been an increase in enrolment by non-English speaking students (56% in 2005) with 35% of all students receiving English as a second language (ESL)
program support. In 2005, 37 international student
s were enrolled, out of a total of 769.
program, and student representative council
. It also provides a comprehensive welfare program focusing on peer support/mentoring and conflict resolution
, anti-bullying and anti-racism
.
Each semester the Ensembles travel to many local primary schools to perform an hour show. The Band Tour also travels to country schools. In 2009 the Stage Band, String Ensemble and Rock Ensemble completed a tour of the Lithgow area performing to primary and central schools.
The annual art exhibition and performance evening, MAD09, includes all students from Years 7 - 8 as well as the elective music, art and drama classes from Years 9 - 12. The finale for each show comprises all students in a performance of a classical massed choral and orchestral work.
Students from The Faculty of Arts have travelled to Beijing as part of the Olympic Games Orchestra, performed in the backing choir for Australian Idol finals at the Sydney Opera House. In 2008 Seungmin Oh left Cumberland High School to take up a position at the Juilliard School in New York where he continued his piano studies.
Cumberland also has the yearly carnivals of Athletics, Swimming and Cross-Country, where students get to represent their houses Cumbora - Red, Derringbong - Green, Brigalow - Yellow and Algona - Blue.
Every year in the early terms Cumberland High School participates in the inter-school sporting competition with rural school Wauchope High School. This event allows both the schools to mix and also compete in sports such as Basketball, Netball, Volleyball, Athletics, Soccer, Hockey, Softball, Rugby and Tennis. This event is a highlight of Cumberland's sporting calendar. For more than 30 years the two schools have made the annual visit - a tradition unparalleled by other schools in Australia.
Every year, there is a sporting competition between Cumberland High School and their neighboring school, James Ruse Agricultural High for year 7 students. This is organised by the two schools. Although Cumberland have lost to James Ruse 6 years in a row so far, the competition still goes on, in early term 4. However, in 2010, Cumberland has won for the first time in 6 years, James Ruse losing by a mere 7 points.
.
Coeducation
Mixed-sex education, also known as coeducation or co-education, is the integrated education of male and female persons in the same institution. It is the opposite of single-sex education...
comprehensive secondary school (high school
High school
High school is a term used in parts of the English speaking world to describe institutions which provide all or part of secondary education. The term is often incorporated into the name of such institutions....
) located in the north-western metropolitan Western Sydney
Western Sydney
Western Sydney is a major region of Sydney, Australia. It has a number of different definitions but one consistently used is the region composed of the 11 councils which until recently were all members of the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils:* Auburn Council* Bankstown City Council*...
region of New South Wales
New South Wales
New South Wales is a state of :Australia, located in the east of the country. It is bordered by Queensland, Victoria and South Australia to the north, south and west respectively. To the east, the state is bordered by the Tasman Sea, which forms part of the Pacific Ocean. New South Wales...
, Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
.
History
Cumberland High School opened in January 1962 with an initial intake of 270 students in First Form (now known as Year 7). This student cohort commenced high school under the Wyndham Scheme, which extended New South Wales high school from five to six years and placed a greater emphasis on science and mathematics.The foundation headmaster was George Heery (1962–1965), who was responsible for the selection of the original school colours (brown, green and white), the school motto "Finis Coronat Opus", ("the end crowns the work") and the Cumberland school song.
In addition to students from Carlingford
Carlingford, New South Wales
Carlingford is a suburb of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Carlingford is located 22 kilometres north-west of the Sydney central business district in the local government areas of the The Hills Shire, Hornsby Shire and the City of Parramatta...
, early students were drawn from as far afield as Pennant Hills, West Pennant Hills, and Beecroft
Beecroft, New South Wales
Beecroft is a suburb of northern Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Beecroft is located 22 kilometres north-west of the Sydney central business district in the local government area of Hornsby Shire. Beecroft is considered to be in the Northern Suburbs of Sydney.- History :Beecroft...
to the north; from Epping
Epping, New South Wales
Epping is a suburb of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Epping is located 18 kilometres north-west of the Sydney central business district in the local government areas of the City of Ryde, the City of Parramatta and Hornsby Shire and is located in the Northern...
and Ermington
Ermington, New South Wales
Ermington is a suburb of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Ermington is located 19 kilometres north-west of the Sydney central business district in the local government area of the City of Parramatta. Ermington lies on the northern bank of the Parramatta River.-Aboriginal culture:The area now...
to the east; from Dundas
Dundas, New South Wales
Dundas is a suburb of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Dundas is located 22 kilometres north-west of the Sydney central business district in the local government area of the City of Parramatta.-History:...
, Dundas Valley
Dundas Valley, New South Wales
Dundas Valley is a suburb of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Dundas Valley is located 21 kilometres north-west of the Sydney central business district in the local government area of the City of Parramatta....
and Telopea
Telopea, New South Wales
Telopea is a suburb of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Telopea is located 23 kilometres north-west of the Sydney central business district, in the local government area of the City of Parramatta.-Name:...
to the south; and North Parramatta to the south-west. Subsequently, the student catchment area contracted with the establishment of nearby high schools, particularly Castle Hill High School
Castle Hill High School
For schools of the same name, see Castle High SchoolCastle Hill High School, located in Castle Street, Castle Hill, New South Wales, Australia, is a comprehensive co-ed school with students ranging from year 7 to year 12...
(1963), Pennant Hills High School
Pennant Hills High School
Pennant Hills High School is a public, comprehensive, co-educational, high school situated in the northern suburb of Pennant Hills in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, about 15–20 minutes to walk from Pennant Hills railway station....
(1966), Carlingford High School
Carlingford High School
Carlingford High School is a government high school located in Carlingford, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.-History:The decision to build a new high school at North Carlingford was made in early 1967...
(1968), and Muirfield High School
Muirfield High School
Muirfield High School is a public, co-educational, secondary day school located in North Rocks, a north-western suburb of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia....
(1976).
In 2008, four Cumberland students took part in the Beijing Olympics, as members of the Olympic Games Orchestra.
Campus
Cumberland High is located at 183 Pennant Hills RoadPennant Hills Road
Pennant Hills Road is a major highway located in Sydney, New South Wales. It runs from the suburb of Wahroonga, in the north, to the major central business district of Parramatta, Australia.-History:...
, Carlingford
Carlingford, New South Wales
Carlingford is a suburb of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Carlingford is located 22 kilometres north-west of the Sydney central business district in the local government areas of the The Hills Shire, Hornsby Shire and the City of Parramatta...
, New South Wales
New South Wales
New South Wales is a state of :Australia, located in the east of the country. It is bordered by Queensland, Victoria and South Australia to the north, south and west respectively. To the east, the state is bordered by the Tasman Sea, which forms part of the Pacific Ocean. New South Wales...
.
The site was originally part of portions 100, 101 in the Parish of Field of Mars, County of Cumberland. Portion 101 was granted to William Evans by Lieutenant Governor Francis Grose
Francis Grose
Francis Grose was an English antiquary, draughtsman, and lexicographer. He was born at his father's house in Broad Street, St-Peter-le-Poer, London, son of a Swiss immigrant and jeweller, Francis Jacob Grose , and his wife, Anne , daughter of Thomas Bennett of Greenford in Middlesex...
on 11 April 1794. The grant is described in the Grant Register as "laying and situated at The Ponds adjoining Carver's Farm". Portion 100 was granted to William Butts on 19 November 1794, and described in the Grant Register as "laying and situated in the district of The Ponds".
The site is separated with blocks lettered with a certain letters
A Block: (Used for Food Technology
Food technology
Food technology, is a branch of food science which deals with the actual production processes to make foods.-Early history of food technology:...
and Art
Art
Art is the product or process of deliberately arranging items in a way that influences and affects one or more of the senses, emotions, and intellect....
on lower floor;Second Floor used for Textiles , History
History
History is the discovery, collection, organization, and presentation of information about past events. History can also mean the period of time after writing was invented. Scholars who write about history are called historians...
, Computer
Computer
A computer is a programmable machine designed to sequentially and automatically carry out a sequence of arithmetic or logical operations. The particular sequence of operations can be changed readily, allowing the computer to solve more than one kind of problem...
and Drama
Drama
Drama is the specific mode of fiction represented in performance. The term comes from a Greek word meaning "action" , which is derived from "to do","to act" . The enactment of drama in theatre, performed by actors on a stage before an audience, presupposes collaborative modes of production and a...
)
B Block: (Used for Toilets and Canteen
Canteen
Canteen has several different meanings:*Canteen , a water container*Canteen , a cafe, restaurant, or cafeteria provided for the use of students, workers, or soldiers at a particular school, office, or military base...
)
C Block: (Used for Computing systems, metalwork and woodwork )
D Block: (Used for the office
Office
An office is generally a room or other area in which people work, but may also denote a position within an organization with specific duties attached to it ; the latter is in fact an earlier usage, office as place originally referring to the location of one's duty. When used as an adjective, the...
; Second Floor used for Music
Music
Music is an art form whose medium is sound and silence. Its common elements are pitch , rhythm , dynamics, and the sonic qualities of timbre and texture...
, Language
Language
Language may refer either to the specifically human capacity for acquiring and using complex systems of communication, or to a specific instance of such a system of complex communication...
and Geography
Geography
Geography is the science that studies the lands, features, inhabitants, and phenomena of Earth. A literal translation would be "to describe or write about the Earth". The first person to use the word "geography" was Eratosthenes...
.) E Block: (Used for English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
and Science
Science
Science is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe...
on first floor; Maths on the second floor.)
F Block: (Used for the hall
Hall
In architecture, a hall is fundamentally a relatively large space enclosed by a roof and walls. In the Iron Age, a mead hall was such a simple building and was the residence of a lord and his retainers...
)
and G Block: (Used for other Science Labs downstairs and Library
Library
In a traditional sense, a library is a large collection of books, and can refer to the place in which the collection is housed. Today, the term can refer to any collection, including digital sources, resources, and services...
.
The boys toilets are currently replaced with a new gym and is in construction.
The current principal for Cumberland is Terry Wilson. (When principal S.Rolfe died of heart attack in 2006-2007)
A number of positive changes have taken place since his appointment including more than $2M spent on new playground surfaces and equipment, rain-water tanks, airconditioning of the entire school, as well as new computers, an interactive, online classroom and one of the fastest internet connections of any school in NSW.
The International Students Program has also been established at Cumberland High School with the work of Ms S Kitson being showcased by the International Student Centre as an example of excellence in the education of international students.
Through involvement of students and staff from many cultures, Cumberland High School has experienced a massive celebration of multi-culturalism at Harmony Day. Students from many backgrounds have also developed the educational achievements of all students, with 1 in 5 students achieving a UAI above 90 at the HSC 2007
This year, Cumberland has involved 4 of its students in a revolutionary Science program in partnership with Lachlan Macquarie College, Merck Sharpe & Dohme and the University of Western Sydney, with the students attending sessions at the University of Western Sydney: Hawkesbury Campus to utilise state-of-the-art equipment in a research program. In addition to this, one of the Science teachers, Mrs. K. Stead organises annual Science showcases to coincide with National Science Week and "tours" around local primary schools to try and engage younger children in Science.
Although not being placed in the top 100 schools in the HSC rankings of 2009, its neighboring school, James Ruse Agricultural High School came 1st, along with Baulkham Hills High School in the same region, coming 2nd.
Student profile
The school has a traditional format and organization. Its administration places emphasis on discipline and requires students to wear a school uniformSchool uniform
A school uniform is an outfit—a set of standardized clothes—worn primarily for an educational institution. They are common in primary and secondary schools in various countries . When used, they form the basis of a school's dress code.Traditionally school uniforms have been largely subdued and...
. The school is populated with 35% of students coming from outside the school's designated local area. Students come from families that are very diverse, socially and economically. In recent years, there has been an increase in enrolment by non-English speaking students (56% in 2005) with 35% of all students receiving English as a second language (ESL)
English language learning and teaching
English as a second language , English for speakers of other languages and English as a foreign language all refer to the use or study of English by speakers with different native languages. The precise usage, including the different use of the terms ESL and ESOL in different countries, is...
program support. In 2005, 37 international student
International student
According to Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development , international students are those who travel to a country different from their own for the purpose of tertiary study. Despite that, the definition of international students varies in each country in accordance to their own national...
s were enrolled, out of a total of 769.
Student government
Cumberland students participate in a prefect system, peer supportPeer support
Peer support occurs when people provide knowledge, experience, emotional, social or practical help to each other. It commonly refers to an initiative consisting of trained supporters, and can take a number of forms such as peer mentoring, listening, or counseling...
program, and student representative council
Students' Representative Council
A Students' Representative Council represents student interests in the government of a university, school or other educational institution. Generally the SRC forms part of a broader Students' Association which may include other functions such as societies, entertainments and sports Universities...
. It also provides a comprehensive welfare program focusing on peer support/mentoring and conflict resolution
Conflict resolution
Conflict resolution is conceptualized as the methods and processes involved in facilitating the peaceful ending of some social conflict. Often, committed group members attempt to resolve group conflicts by actively communicating information about their conflicting motives or ideologies to the rest...
, anti-bullying and anti-racism
Anti-racism
Anti-racism includes beliefs, actions, movements, and policies adopted or developed to oppose racism. In general, anti-racism is intended to promote an egalitarian society in which people do not face discrimination on the basis of their race, however defined...
.
Arts
The Faculty of Arts provides a broad range of high level opportunities for all students at Cumberland High School. Students can participate in one of the many ensembles such as Concert Band, Stage Band, String Ensemble, Drumline, Rock Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble while private music tutors provide individual music tuition for Piano, Flute, Clarinet, Alto and Tenor Saxophone, Bass Clarinet, Trombone, Trumpet, Classical and Rock Guitar, Composition and Bass Guitar.Each semester the Ensembles travel to many local primary schools to perform an hour show. The Band Tour also travels to country schools. In 2009 the Stage Band, String Ensemble and Rock Ensemble completed a tour of the Lithgow area performing to primary and central schools.
The annual art exhibition and performance evening, MAD09, includes all students from Years 7 - 8 as well as the elective music, art and drama classes from Years 9 - 12. The finale for each show comprises all students in a performance of a classical massed choral and orchestral work.
Students from The Faculty of Arts have travelled to Beijing as part of the Olympic Games Orchestra, performed in the backing choir for Australian Idol finals at the Sydney Opera House. In 2008 Seungmin Oh left Cumberland High School to take up a position at the Juilliard School in New York where he continued his piano studies.
Sports
Cumberland High School has a long tradition of achievement in inter-school sports competition. Cumberland was one of eight schools that comprised Cumberland Zone as part of the New South Wales Combined High Schools Athletic Association. Using the same name for both the school and the zone caused confusion, however.Cumberland also has the yearly carnivals of Athletics, Swimming and Cross-Country, where students get to represent their houses Cumbora - Red, Derringbong - Green, Brigalow - Yellow and Algona - Blue.
Every year in the early terms Cumberland High School participates in the inter-school sporting competition with rural school Wauchope High School. This event allows both the schools to mix and also compete in sports such as Basketball, Netball, Volleyball, Athletics, Soccer, Hockey, Softball, Rugby and Tennis. This event is a highlight of Cumberland's sporting calendar. For more than 30 years the two schools have made the annual visit - a tradition unparalleled by other schools in Australia.
Every year, there is a sporting competition between Cumberland High School and their neighboring school, James Ruse Agricultural High for year 7 students. This is organised by the two schools. Although Cumberland have lost to James Ruse 6 years in a row so far, the competition still goes on, in early term 4. However, in 2010, Cumberland has won for the first time in 6 years, James Ruse losing by a mere 7 points.
.
Social Events
Cumberland celebrates a range of social events including:- Discos
- Talent Quests
- Harmony Day Celebration
- Multicultural Day
- High Achievers Assembly
- Multicultural Soccer Competition
- MAD (Music Art Drama)- MAD08 was a successful celebration of the arts with over 150 students participating in either singing, dancing, creating artworks or drama performances.
- Bandana Day
- Science Week and Roadshow
- Writers' Festival
- Open Night
- Gala Day (where they compete against James Ruse Agricultural High SchoolJames Ruse Agricultural High SchoolJames Ruse Agricultural High School is one of four New South Wales Government agricultural high schools. It is a selective, co-educational public high school located at Carlingford, New South Wales, Australia...
for a Sports Meet) - Wauchope Vs Cumberland Interschool Sports Carnival (more than 30 year tradition)
- Band Tour (includes tours to country NSW)
Notable teachers
- Sándor RozsnyóiSándor RozsnyóiSándor Rozsnyói was a Hungarian athlete, who mainly competed in the 3000 metre steeple chase.He competed for Hungary at the 1956 Summer Olympics held in Melbourne, Australia, where he won the silver medal in the men's 3.000m steeplechase.Rozsnyoi remained in Australia after the Olympics rather...
, (Alex Rozsnyoi) World record holder, 3000 metre steeplechase (athletics). Silver medal, 3000 metre steeplechase, 1956 Summer Olympics1956 Summer OlympicsThe 1956 Melbourne Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XVI Olympiad, were an international multi-sport event which was held in Melbourne, Australia, in 1956, with the exception of the equestrian events, which could not be held in Australia due to quarantine regulations...
. Gold medal, 3000 metre steeplechase, 1954 European Championships. - Mrs Barbara Arnison, wife of Major-General Peter ArnisonPeter ArnisonMajor General Peter Maurice Arnison AC CVO, , was Governor of Queensland from July 1997 until July 2003. He graduated from the Royal Military College, Duntroon in 1962, and retired from the Australian Army in 1996...
, Governor of Queensland, (1997–2003).
Notable alumni
- Miranda (Mandy) Downes, (1949–1985), film scriptwriter. "Fields of Fire" (1987) TV mini-series (writer); "Undercover" (1983) (writer).
- Dr Bruce Walker, CEO of the Centre for Appropriate Technology Inc, the national Indigenous science and technology organisation. He was awarded the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering Clunies Ross National Science and Technology Medal in 1999 and in 2003 a Centenary Medal for service to remote area education and health.
- Ray Price, Parramatta, NSW and Australian representative in Rugby Union and Rugby League.
- Alex HawkeAlex HawkeAlexander George "Alex" Hawke MP , an Australian politician, is a member of the Australian House of Representatives representing Mitchell, in north-western metropolitan Sydney, for the Liberal Party of Australia since 2007...
, LiberalLiberal Party of AustraliaThe Liberal Party of Australia is an Australian political party.Founded a year after the 1943 federal election to replace the United Australia Party, the centre-right Liberal Party typically competes with the centre-left Australian Labor Party for political office...
politician. - Hollie Favre A rugby union rep
- Emily Gordon A Touch Football Representative for Sydney West and Parramatta