Senior Years at Lewo
A proudly comprehensive school, CBHS always strives for academic excellence. As on the sporting field, students are called to give their personal best. Regular homework is set and an organised home study program is expected of every student.
While a broad curriculum is offered, students’ selection of subjects is dependent upon demonstrated academic achievement. Each student develops personal academic goal setting. Our curriculum structure encourages each student to meet and exceed his personal best through a wide range of courses in both the junior and senior school.
During these years, students are given opportunities to develop their interpersonal and leadership skills through clubs, sports and school leadership positions.
Secondary Curriculum
Excellence in academic results has long been established as a CBHS hallmark. From its establishment to the present day, the School has always produced high academic achievers.
In 2020 the Dux of the School received an ATAR of 99.7 with four students being named All Rounders for achieving the highest band possible in all their units of study. A further 23 students appeared on the NESA Distinguished Achievers List. CBHS Lewisham achieved a B6 or E4 in 20 different subjects across a range of Key Learning Areas including Advanced English, Extension Mathematics, Chemistry, Studies of Religion and Engineering.
92% of CBHS students who applied to university have been offered a place in courses ranging from Bio-Medicine, Business, Engineering and Law, with a number on scholarships. Those who did not apply to university have used their Vocational Education Training to undertake apprenticeships and paid work in construction, plumbing, electrical, fitness and hospitality. Additionally, two students are now training to be pilots with QANTAS and Jetstar.
Why choose Christian Brothers’ High School Lewisham for your son?
At CBHS Lewisham, we specialise in boys’ education. Our boys are free of any gender biases and limitations that may be present in the co-educational environment. They have access to a range of opportunities and experiences and are encouraged to participate based on their interest, skill and passion for the opportunities. So why choose CBHS Lewisham?
Boys learn differently from girls
There is now a recognised body of research which sustains that boys and girls do learn differently. Teachers in a boys’ school understand how a boy learns. Boys are generally not as good at engaging for lengthy periods: more ‘movers and doers’ – rather than ‘sitters and listeners’.
Boys need activity, competition, humour, a sense of ownership, time-constraints, scaffolds, longer playtimes, hands-on activities, clear boundaries and expectations. Boys need good role models and a literacy-specific focus. They require clear instructions and less teacher-talk time. They love learning using technology.
The focus is entirely on boys
When you don’t have to plan curriculum, lessons and events to include both sexes, you can focus on boys’ needs exclusively. Young men enjoy different kinds of activities. They grow at a different pace than girls do. A boys’ school allows a boy to remain a boy for as long as he wants and needs to.
Fewer stressful social pressures
Boys mature later than girls do. Learning how to cope with and relate to girls on a daily basis in a coeducational setting can cause added stress in early adolescent years. That’s exactly the time a boys’ school is able to jump in and build confidence without the social distractions inherent in a mixed setting.
Boys become comfortable with non-traditional subjects and activities
In a co-educational high school, boys often shy away from joining activities such as choir and orchestra. To do so might be considered less masculine.
In a boys’ school you can’t have a choir or an orchestra unless you and your classmates pitch in and make it happen. Breaking down the stereotypes that society has imposed on what are considered proper activities for boys is one of the many aspects boys’ schools do very well.
Boys learn that there are many routes to manhood
Again, the traditional stereotypes can be dismantled and replaced by a more thoughtful approach to maturation. Not every boy can be a star athlete or a Math whiz. Competition is fine and to be encouraged. Boys at CBHS Lewisham, however, learn that nurturing the right relationships, forming strong bonds of friendship, teamwork and social interaction are what matter most in later life.
What about interaction with girls? That is indeed a very important part of any boys’ school’s social calendar! CBHS Lewisham has established relationship with a nearby girls’ schools. A range of supervised activities such as dances and book clubs, gives both the boys and girls ample opportunity to enjoy each other’s company. This works to their mutual benefit.
Although we have a mix of characters and ethnicities, I can safely say that being in a community where we aren’t treated as students, but as unique, young men is empowered by Lewisham spirit.
Lucas Colla, School Captain 2019