J.J. Cahill Memorial High School was founded in 1961 to provide a comprehensive secondary education to the students of the local community.
Our school was named after John Joseph Cahill, a former Premier of NSW, who was our local State Member of Parliament. He believed that the students of our community deserved a high school nearby. Our school is called JJ Cahill Memorial High because John Joseph Cahill died before he was able to see his dream fulfilled...a secondary school in the local community so that students did not have to travel long distances to get an education. The Cahill Expressway also bears his name.
Our school motto is "Virtutis Gratia Virtus". This is in latin and you may not understand what it says. However, when we translate it into english we all understand what it means; it says "Do what is right, because it is right".
The students strive to live our school motto by doing what is right through their responsibilities that they have towards their teachers and course work. We take pride in their achievements and are proud not just of those who have achieved academic success at school and in their careers, but all of those who have achieved personal success that has made them valued members of our school community.
J.J. Cahill Memorial High School is a caring and friendly comprehensive school, with strong and vibrant links with parents and the wider community. The safe and nurturing atmosphere of the school fosters a high standard of self discipline and respect for others.
Our highly qualified teaching and support staff provide flexible programs tailored to the individual needs of students. Our personalised approach to education ensures that each student is valued and has the opportunity to be a successful learner.
Students at J.J. Cahill Memorial High School achieve academic excellence. Their learning is enriched by a diverse range of subjects including vocational pathways as well as extra-curricular activities such as sport, music, chess, public speaking and dance.
Our school is well resourced and provides students with access to the most innovative technologies to enhance their learning. A modern computer lab as well as interactive classrooms ensure that each student is equipped with the skills necessary for further education and employment in the 21st century.
HSC courses
There are two types of courses students can study:
Board developed courses
These courses are set and externally examined by the Board of Studies, and may contribute to the calculation of a Universities Admission Index (UAI).
These include courses in English, mathematics, science, technology, creative arts, personal development, health and physical education, human society and its environment, languages and Vocational Education and Training (VET) curriculum frameworks.
Read a list of the subjects available and a description of each course on the Board of Studies website.
Board endorsed courses
These courses are developed by schools, TAFE institutes or universities. They count towards the HSC but do not count towards the calculation of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR).
Vocational education and training courses
Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses are either Board developed courses, which may contribute to the calculation of an ATAR, or Board endorsed courses.
VET courses give students work-related skills in a variety of industry areas. Students will receive a nationally recognised qualification when they complete their course.
Some VET courses are studied at school while others can be studied at TAFE institutes and other training providers. Many VET courses involve work placement.
Board developed VET courses are available in a number of industry curriculum frameworks, such as hospitality and information technology.
