Cultural diversity and tolerance is an enduring feature of the Australian way of life. This is reflected in the community in the promotion of a 'multicultural Australia' and the wide acceptance of all peoples to this country from the world over. Pittwater House promotes acceptance and tolerance of all cultures, races and religions and encourages conformity with 'Australian-ness' in freedom of speech (generally in English), the rule of law and giving everyone a 'fair go'.
All members of the Pittwater House Family are encouraged to adopt an international outlook, communicate well with other cultures and develop an understanding of those who are on a short visit or staying to study with us. The School believes in a culturally rich curriculum, full involvement by all pupils in extra-curricular activities and in strong pastoral care. A special effort is made by all to make non-Australians welcome and to develop links with schools and communities abroad.
Pittwater House not only welcomes fee paying overseas students it also participates in a regular programme of overseas trips and cultural exchanges.
To preserve the fundamental Australian culture of Pittwater House in its Northern Beaches situation the number of overseas students in the School does not exceed 20% of the student population. Pittwater House offers the UNSW Foundation Year course primarily to overseas students and there is no cap on overseas enrolments in these programmes.
Pittwater House is well known around the world for the excellent educational philosophy of its Founder, Mr Rex Morgan, who is a regular contributor to international conferences on education and related topics. Mr Morgan is much sought after as a visiting educator to advise and officiate in schools throughout South East Asia.
Click here to view the FFPOS 2010 Hand Book.
Click here to download the International Student Application Form.
For information on ESOS and the ESOS Framework please visit http://aei.gov.au/AEI/ESOS/ESOSLegislation/Default.htm
Tuition Fees are set on an annual basis and cover the educational program including pastoral care, extension work, remedial and gifted programs. For full details please see our International Fee’s for 2010.
View our International Fee's for 2010
View the 2010 International Student Term Dates.
Homestay accommodation is available in family homes in the local area. This is provided through an agency which has 200 quality, insured and inspected family homes.
Prospective international students are advised that living conditions in Australia are generally very good. Living standards in Sydney are very high and basic things, such as drinking water from the tap and power supplies, are safe and continuous and air quality is good to excellent on most days. Medical support is readily available, telecommunications systems are expensive compared to most countries but there is easy access to a variety of hardware, plans and unfettered internet. Australia has a stable political system with great traditions and a modern approach to law and order. Government offices and officials are generally helpful and courteous, there is little corruption, an open and uncontrolled media, Police are firm but fair and with the Australian Defence Force provide strong national security and a very safe place to live.
There are excellent banking and postal facilities (not on weekends!) and wonderful shopping all week long and some supermarkets are open 24 hrs a day all within easy reach of Pittwater House.
Australia is home to great sports opportunities for everyone and this is reflected in schools and communities across the continent. There are excellent cultural and entertainment activities, many free. Sydney boasts many library, gallery, concert and theatre venues and regular music, drama and arts activities daily.
The many educational options provide prospective students with ambition a myriad of choices. The School provides career and tertiary education advice to all senior pupils.
Cost of living – expect to spend $20,000 pa on a combination of accommodation, travel, food and entertainment.
All students attending Pittwater House are of school-age and would not have school-age dependents. However if parents are accompanying their young child to provide parental care during their schooling in Sydney they are advised to seek consular assistance in obtaining a Supporting Parent Visa.
Pastoral care is the cornerstone of the Pittwater House Schools philosophy. A hierarchy of care is provided commencing with the Form Teachers and working through to the Deputies and Headmasters. There are staff on hand, including the Dean of Welfare (School Chaplain), who are available to assist pupils and parents at any time.
The School believes young people respond best when provided with a clear definition of their responsibilities, privileges and limitations and when they are aware of the consequences of their actions. A system of positive incentives operates to recognise achievement in the areas of academia, extra curricular, sports, community service and general citizenship. These accrue as 'credits' towards certificates acknowledging increasing levels of achievement. There is a clearly defined system of sanctions for pupils whose performance does not meet expectations. Pittwater House has a policy of zero tolerance to drugs and unacceptable behaviour.
Appropriate religious observance and moral training at the School is broadly based on the principles of the Anglican Church. Every pupil is expected to attend all ceremonies and services which include an act of corporate worship.
The Pittwater House Schools Ltd delivers the Foundation Year Certificate (PTW) programme under licence agreement from the University of New South Wales.
