Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts

Welcome to Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts, a renowned institution offering exceptional educational opportunities to students across the Illawarra region for almost a century. Our school is dedicated to achieving both academic excellence and excellence in the performing arts, providing a well-rounded education for our diverse student population.

Located in Fairy Meadow on Lysaght Street, our specialist co-educational, government secondary school has a long-standing commitment to nurturing our students' talents and passions. We attract students from as far as Engadine and Berry, who travel to participate in our highly regarded educational and artistic programs.

At Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts, our academic results consistently surpass state averages, and our performance standards are nothing short of excellent. We uphold core values of safety, tolerance, achievement, and respect, creating a dynamic and caring environment for our students to thrive.

Our school's rich history dates back to December 1916 when it was founded at the Smith's Hill location. After significant pressure and lobbying from the local district citizens' association and the municipal council, the government officially opened the school in January 1917. With humble beginnings, the school started with six classrooms, a science room, a manual training room, a library, and a few offices. It's incredible to see how far we've come since then.

Our motto, "Age Quod Agis," meaning "whatever you do, do well," was adopted in 1918 to inspire our students to strive for excellence in all aspects of their lives. This motto continues to guide us as we prepare our students for their future endeavors.

We understand that the period leading up to HSC exams can be stressful for students and their families. That's why we offer support and guidance to ensure that everyone is well-prepared. We believe that every day matters at WHSPA, and we are committed to providing a nurturing environment where our students can thrive academically and artistically.

As we embark on this educational journey, we also acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which our school stands, the Wadi Wadi people of the Dharawal Nation. We pay our respects to the Elders, past, present, and future, and recognize their invaluable contribution in preserving the traditions, culture, and wisdom of the oldest living culture in the world. Our school lies between the sacred site of Mt Geera and the five islands, which hold significant importance in Dharawal dreaming stories. This land reminds us of the deep connection to Aboriginal heritage and the importance of fostering harmony and respect.

We are proud to be part of the State of New South Wales' Department of Education, and we invite you to explore our website to learn more about our exceptional institution. For any further information, please visit http://www.dec.nsw.gov.au/footer/copyright.

Come and join us at Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts, where academic excellence and a passion for the arts come together to create a truly extraordinary educational experience.