Westbourne College Sydney
Westbourne College Singapore
An International Baccalaureate World School
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- Secondary School
- Senior School
- Independent
- Non-denominational
Co-ed
- Academic Achievement
- Community
- Numeracy / Literacy
- Science/Technology
- Tertiary Pathways
- Chinese
- Spanish
Offering highly-driven and ambitious students a senior secondary experience like no other. Based in the heart of the Powerhouse/TAFE/UTS/ ’Innovation and Technology’ Precinct and with access to a global network and support – students will be immersed in an environment that allows them to understand and explore first-hand the myriad paths that lay before them – local and international; undergrad, post-grad and beyond – and which will provide an unmatchable, tangible context for their studies, university options and career planning.
Part of Westbourne’s mission is to make STEM careers more attractive and appealing to the widest possible student base. In particular, not enough young women are pursuing STEM careers. Westbourne will provide a small-class, highly supportive, gender-balanced environment for all of our students to shine and succeed. A number of cultural, gender and socio-economic scholarships will be awarded to ensure that we have a balanced intake reflecting Sydney’s unique make-up and diversity.
The IB is unparalleled in its ability to prepare students for university studies and for truly global careers. It really is the ‘gold standard’ in secondary education and is recognised as such all around the world. Success in the IB opens door to the very best universities around the world. 90% of Westbourne UK students gain places at the UK’s top universities including Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, Kings College and UCL.
Westbourne Sydney students will have access to the same expert university guidance and support as their UK peers. We will also be developing a special collaboration with UTS, USYD and UNSW which are just on our doorstep or a short light rail ride away.
Westbourne does not aim to be all things to all people. Westbourne students will already have made their choice to pursue global careers in STEM-related sectors. Our subjects have been selected to ensure that they achieve this goal.
Part of Westbourne College Sydney’s mission is to contribute to Australia’s future success by making STEM careers more attractive and appealing to the widest possible student base.
A number of academic, cultural, gender and socio-economic partial scholarships are awarded annually to ensure a balanced and diverse intake. Scholarship candidates will be required to sit a further examination paper and interview with the principal.
Ask about our 2024 and 2025 scholarship applications. Limited scholarship awards available.
Expressions of Interest viaapply@westbournecollege.com.au
‘Two years in this school with amazing teachers and an infinite amount of support and help has enabled me to achieve a grade in the IB that I did not think was possible.’
— Thalia, Westbourne Graduate - Marine Biologist
“Our Amazing teachers taught us to be independent and think creatively… You made us the globally minded IB thinkers we all are today.”
— Daisy, Westbourne Sydney graduate (Class of 2022)
“I have learnt more in two weeks at Westbourne College, than in four years at my previous school”
— Westbourne Sydney IB1 student (February 2022)
“Westbourne College Sydney has helped me grow as a person, becoming more confident within myself as a student and an individual.”
— Scarlett, Westbourne Sydney graduate (Class of 2022)
“I have consistently placed in the Top 10% at University, this is something I can thank the IB at Westbourne for.”
— Hannah, Medical Student
"Summer @ INSEAD really improves your managerial, business and communication skills, it’s an incredible opportunity.”
— Gloria: Mathematics Student UCL
“Amazing teachers and an infinite amount of support enabled me to achieve an IB score I didn’t dream possible.”
— Thalia: Marine Biology Student
“The IB makes you a much more well rounded person. It also really impresses university admissions officers.”
— Mary-Kate: Medical Student
“With Westbourne teachers encouragement and support the hard work really paid off.”
— Hazel: Law Student, Oxford University
“I love the level of education at Westbourne, it's so much easier to be successful here.”
— Islam: Current IB Class of 2021
Dr Spence joins Westbourne Sydney at a very exciting time, as the college continues to grow its reputation for world-class academic excellence and a truly unique global learning network that supports talented young people to become the leaders of tomorrow.
A world-class STEM academic
Dr Spence brings a wealth of top-tier leadership experience and world-class academic expertise. She holds a PhD in Laser Physics from the University of Oxford, and a BSc Honours in Physics and Chemistry from Rhodes University.
She joins Westbourne Sydney from Pymble Ladies’ College, where her STEM leadership saw the founding of outstanding initiatives including the [EX]plore science conference in collaboration with Macquarie University, and a world-class Robotics programme promoting excellence in coding, mechanical design, and manufacturing.
Mr Mark Peters, Chairman of Westbourne College Sydney and the Westbourne International group of global schools, said:
“STEM excellence has defined Kristie’s career for decades. She understands first-hand the importance of elevating the classroom experience through university-level teaching and fully leveraging links with leading universities.
He continued:
“She is quite simply the perfect person to drive the next stage of development of our unique and ground-breaking college.”
Dr Spence said:
"Westbourne College Sydney offers a forward-thinking approach to excellence in education - leveraging the well-rounded curriculum provided by the IB and the focus offered through STEM. I am honoured and excited to take Westbourne College into the next phase of its journey. With my own personal passion for STEM and breadth of experience in STEM education, I look forward to working, both within and beyond the curriculum, to create a unique environment that nurtures and motivates Westbourne learners, and a suite of experiences that develop and hone the skills essential to excel in this field."
Spearheading global opportunities
Previously also Gifted and Talented lead at Queenwood School, Dr Spence has significant experience in developing extension opportunities for academically elite students in STEM.
She will ensure that students at WCS continue to gain access to the very best global learning and professional development opportunities, including growing existing Westbourne collaborations with the world leading INSEAD business school in France, as well as forging new partnerships with leading universities worldwide.
The inaugural WCS cohort has already taken part in Summer@INSEAD, a two-week MBA style programme in France, plus two global exchange programmes this year to study alongside their IB peers at sister school, Westbourne UK, called “one of the most consistently highachieving independent schools in Britain” (Sunday Times).
Promoting academic innovation
With a background in research and innovation, Dr Spence will work to shape WCS’ academic vision. Her outstanding research credentials include working in the Department of Physics at Macquarie University, where she was also Master of Education Lecturer in photonics, and in the National Medical Laser Institute at University College London, where she conducted postdoctoral research into optical treatment and the detection of cancers.
Dr Spence replaces Founding Principal Ken Underhill, who steps on to the board of Westbourne College upon his retirement after four decades at Westbourne.
Westbourne College Sydney
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