Public High School Q and A Panel: Insights from Our Alumni and Local Principal
Recently our Year 6 students who will be attending public high schools had the wonderful opportunity to take part in a special Q&A session with a panel of former NPS students—now thriving in various public high schools – alongside Dr Wyatt, Principal of Mosman High School.
Our alumni panel included Eva Q. from Davidson High School, Ilse I. and Bailey D. from Willoughby Girls High School, and Olivia C. from Sydney Girls High School. Although Max T. from Cammeraygal High School was unable to attend on the day, he generously shared his great advice and reflections to be included in the discussion.
The session provided a wonderful opportunity for students heading to public high schools to ask questions and gain first-hand insights about what to expect as they prepare for this exciting next chapter.
What do you love most about high school?
“You get to study a wider range of subjects than in primary school. I love Science—we explore biology, physics and chemistry, and even do experiments! TAS (Technology and Applied Studies) is great too, with woodwork, coding, design and cooking. In PDHPE, we have both practical lessons and theory lessons on health and wellbeing.
“You make lots of new friends!”
“You get to try new sports – like ROWING!”
“Having a locker.”
“The canteen is pretty good – better than primary school.”
What has been the most challenging part?
“Being organised for each subject! You need to check the school’s online communication platform regularly—it’s easy to miss important notes from teachers. Also, since most homework is done on your computer, it’s easy to get distracted at first, but you get better at managing it over time.”
“Getting to know where everything is at the school – but over time it becomes easy and if ever unsure you just ask and people are happy to help”
“Having so many different teachers to get to know – but that is also great too. They are all specialist teachers”
What advice would you give about high school?
“Enjoy all the new opportunities that come your way, and try to stay on top of your assignments. Don’t leave things to the last minute—that’s a tip I got from an older student, and it’s made a big difference!”
“If unsure of anything, just ask for help!”
“Enjoy it – it’s pretty cool!”
The Q&A session offered reassurance, laughter, and plenty of practical advice. It was inspiring to see our past students speaking so confidently about their experiences and encouraging those about to follow in their footsteps.
