| Principal | Mr Andrew Powell |
|---|---|
| Year levels | K to 12 |
| Enrolment numbers | 1030 |
| Boarding or day | boarding |
| Website | http://www.ascham.nsw.edu.au |
| Phone | (02) 8356 7000 |
| Fax | (02) 8356 7022 |
| Postal address | 188 New South Head Road, Edgecliff |
| Address | 188 New South Head Road |
For 125 years Ascham has provided its girls with a strongly academic, liberal education with an emphasis on intellectual rigour, personal responsibility and commitment to others. The school, which is independent of any religious affiliation, educates girls from Preschool to Year 12. An Ascham education is designed to prepare girls for tertiary studies and for life beyond school. Through its long boarding history, the school maintains strong links with rural communities. It actively promotes ties with universities and other schools overseas through exchange programs throughout Europe, America and Africa together with cultural and performance tours. It is proud of its traditions and honours the efforts and contributions of those who have provided the intellectual, educational and physical advantages the school enjoys. At the same time, it demonstrates a capacity for change and for continuing to expand the care and support it provides within the school community and beyond. In addition to a thorough grounding in core academic subjects, the school provides many extracurricular activities including some of the finest music and drama programs in the country. Foreign languages are taught from kindergarten onwards and there are active programs for extension and academic support in all sections of the school. Across the school there are more than fifteen sports available, with expert coaching. Other activities include chess, debating and public speaking where the girls consistently excel in national competitions. In senior years, to achieve its objective of developing organised, independent, self-motivated, lifelong learners, Ascham uses a modified version of the Dalton Plan. This provides a combination of classes and tutorial studies and allows students free subject choice. The student is guided to assume responsibility for her own learning with the additional help provided in study periods. The Dalton Plan requires girls to complete weekly assignments for each subject. The weekly timetable provides lesson times and study periods in which girls complete their work in individual teachers’ rooms under supervision where they may seek assistance. All teachers have their own classrooms and girls have easy access to every subject teacher. Students have considerable flexibility to decide how and when to complete assignments by a deadline. This teaches self-motivation, time-management skills and personal responsibility. A close follow-up and support system also assists the students with the completion of their work. In recent student surveys, some of the key features of the Dalton Plan most appreciated by students are the flexibility and learning advantages provided by the study periods. Dalton is training that stays with alumnae throughout their tertiary studies and careers, that lifts and sustains the academic progress of all our girls, whatever their abilities and aspirations. It is uniquely Ascham. Many Ascham girls achieve university successes, including University Medals for outstanding achievement. Alumnae include two Rhodes Scholars.The student/staff ratio across Ascham is less than 10 to 1, with classes generally varying in size from 16 to 22 girls. In Years 11 and 12 this can fall to 10-15 or less. With an active SRC, participation in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and prefect and House structures, Ascham girls make the most of the extensive opportunities offered to them in leadership and community work. Their work for environmental and charity causes is extensive and renowned. Ascham provides a nurturing community involving not just staff and students but also parents and alumnae. The prevailing climate of respectful informality makes Ascham a happy school. Located in 4.4 hectares of beautiful and historic grounds and buildings in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, Ascham is one of Australia’s leading independent, non-selective day and boarding schools.