Wellbeing

A demanding academic environment should also be one in which students feel supported, respected and able to seek help when they need it.

At Sydney Technical High School, student wellbeing is integral to learning, personal growth and achievement. We recognise that students thrive when they feel safe, connected, respected and equipped to navigate challenges. Our approach brings together academic support, positive relationships and opportunities to develop confidence, resilience and a strong sense of belonging.

Throughout their time at Sydney Tech, students are supported to grow not only as learners, but as individuals who demonstrate integrity, responsibility and respect for others.

How we support student wellbeing

At Sydney Technical High School, we take a proactive, whole-school approach that recognises the importance of positive relationships, personal responsibility and a strong sense of belonging.

Our approach includes:

Dedicated wellbeing support: Access to year advisers, school counsellors, the Student Support Officer, Learning and Support Team and other staff who work collaboratively to support students’ individual needs.
Building connection and belonging: Wellbeing assemblies, peer support and transition programs that help students establish positive relationships, develop confidence and feel connected to the school community.
Developing resilience and life skills: Wellbeing camps and Life Ready learning that equip students with skills and strategies for navigating important stages of adolescence.
Recognising positive contributions: Initiatives such as A1 Status, the Wykeham Award and Merit Scheme, and Techie of the Term celebrate effort, achievement, respectful conduct, leadership and service.
Working in partnership with families: Communication and collaborative planning help identify concerns, respond to individual circumstances and support students’ ongoing engagement with learning.
Supporting individual learning needs: Learning adjustments and targeted strategies help students access appropriate support and develop the confidence to progress.

Through these connected initiatives, we aim to create an environment where students are encouraged to strive for excellence, support one another and grow into capable, resilient and responsible young men, guided by our enduring motto, Manners Makyth Man.

Visit Our principal and staff to learn about our wellbeing and specialist support staff.

Our wellbeing programs and initiatives

Wellbeing assemblies

Dedicated wellbeing assemblies provide students with opportunities to explore issues relevant to their development, strengthen their understanding of wellbeing and learn practical strategies for navigating school and life. Sessions may include guest presenters, year group meetings, wellbeing resources and peer support activities.

Peer support programs

Peer Support helps younger students build connections, develop confidence and feel part of the Sydney Tech community. Student leaders guide group activities that encourage collaboration, positive relationships and personal growth. The program also gives peer leaders opportunities to develop their own leadership and mentoring skills.

Wellbeing and transition camps

Wellbeing camps for Years 7 and 11 support students at important stages of their secondary education. Through shared experiences, transition activities and Life Ready learning, students can strengthen relationships, develop practical life skills and prepare for the opportunities and responsibilities ahead.

A1 status initiative

A1 Status recognises students in Years 7 to 10 who demonstrate positive behaviour, consistent effort and pride in representing their school. Criteria include attendance and punctuality, respectful conduct, uniform compliance, academic effort and appropriate technology use. The initiative encourages positive habits and provides an opportunity to celebrate students’ contributions to school life.

Wykeham award scheme

The Wykeham Award Scheme is 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 as a reinforcement that excellence includes initiative, responsibility and contribution, as well as results.

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.

Student wellbeing and counselling support

Students can access support through the school’s wellbeing team, including year advisers, school counsellors, the Student Support Officer, the Learning and Support Team and relevant executive staff. These staff work collaboratively to help address individual concerns, support students’ engagement with learning and identify appropriate next steps.

Individualised learning and family partnerships

Where a student requires additional support or adjustments, staff work with families to consider their individual circumstances and learning needs. Individualised learning adjustments and review meetings help support a coordinated approach, while parent conferences provide opportunities to discuss wellbeing, attendance and strategies for moving forward.

Visit our Additional learning support page to learn more.

Techie of the Term

Techie of the Term recognises students nominated by their peers for making a positive contribution to their year group or school community. Nominations may celebrate kindness, helping another student, positive role modelling and actions that strengthen school spirit and wellbeing.

Counselling for families

The school counsellor can assist when families undergo a trauma or big change. Contact us to make an appointment. For information in community languages, see school counselling service.

Outside of the education system, free telephone counselling services are available to support families who may be going through a difficult time.

Lifeline 24-hour telephone counselling service. Ph: 13 11 14

Mensline Australia 24-hour telephone counselling service for men. Ph: 1300 789 978

Parent line an advice and information service. Ph: 1300 1300 52