Why We Run the Wykeham Award and Merit Scheme
The Wykeham Award and Merit Scheme is a whole-school recognition program designed to celebrate sustained or exceptional conduct, effort, and achievement across six key domains of school life:
Academic, Co-curricular, Extra-curricular, Leadership, Sport, and Tech Pride.
For our high potential and gifted (HPG) learners, especially those in a selective school setting, this program serves an important developmental purpose:
Balanced Growth: It reinforces that academic excellence is not the sole measure of success. HPG students benefit from being recognised for leadership, initiative, service, creativity, and collaboration fostering a more balanced and healthy sense of self.
Socio-emotional Development: Many HPG students experience challenges such as perfectionism, heightened sensitivity, and a fear of failure. By offering a broad framework for recognition and participation, the Wykeham Scheme builds confidence, resilience, and motivation across multiple dimensions of achievement.
Identity and Belonging: Through involvement in school life whether in SRC, Interact Club, peer support, or assisting with TechFest students build connections, feel valued, and develop a sense of purpose beyond academic results.
University Pathways: Leading universities and scholarship programs, including the UNSW Co-op Program and the Sydney Scholars Awards, actively seek students with demonstrated leadership, service, initiative, and broad participation. The Wykeham Award provides a structured way for students to showcase these qualities across their school years.
Over time, students can progress through multiple award levels, culminating in the prestigious Sydney Technical High School Medallion for Outstanding Achievement and the Charles Kingsford Smith Award for Outstanding All-Rounder.
These accolades are powerful evidence of personal growth, character, and contribution attributes that stand out in competitive university applications and scholarship interviews.