Arndell Anglican College is an independent Anglican co-educational primary and secondary day school located in the Sydney suburb of Oakville, New South Wales, Australia. The college includes students from Prep to Year 12.

History

Arndell Anglican College was named after Thomas Arndell, one of Hawkesbury's first settlers. The college was originally established on the Macquarie Retreat in 1990, with Craig Laffin as the first headmaster.

1990s

2000s

2010s

2020s

Headmasters

The following individuals have served as headmaster of Arndell Anglican College: Craig Laffin oversaw the establishment of the college at Cattai and its subsequent move to its current site at Oakville. He built the school community and educational ethos that influences the philosophy and daily life of the college. Peter Walker saw the student population grow to over 800. He also transitioned the college into the Sydney Anglican Schools Corporation. The building infrastructure and financial security of the college was established during this time. Dr Goddard built up the curriculum, especially in the faculty of music, and oversaw a significant number of building projects. The current headmaster is Dr Gareth D Leechman. Leechman previously served as the headmaster at Clarence Valley Anglican School in Grafton, and has also been the Head of History and Head of House at Sydney Church of England Grammar School (Shore). In 2018, he signed a formal petition to retain s 38(3) in the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth).

Curriculum

The college also offers a Gifted and Talented and Inclusive Learning programs.

College Ethos

Arndell Anglican College is a Christian school that advocates religion strongly. Once a week, students attend chapel sermons discussing faith, the afterlife, and Jesus. The Arndell Way of Life stresses Christian morals and themes of unity, companionship, and acceptance. Similar understandings of life are taught in Biblical Studies, a class all students attend regardless of religious denomination or faith. The college also aids many charities, such as the 40 Hour Famine for WorldVision. The college's actions reflect its political conservatism and religious traditionalism views. It has advocated for strengthening religious freedoms.

Culture

The crest builds on the legacy of the college. It is dominated by a central cross, indicating focus on Christ and his teachings. The rays signify an infusion of Christian thought, and the undulating lines represent the Hawkesbury River. The school colours of red and blue are distinctive among local schools.

Campus

The campus houses the following named buildings. Located in Oakville, New South Wales, the Junior School and Senior School are on the same campus. Most of the classrooms and/or buildings contain SMART Boards. The current facilities of the junior and senior campus include:

Governance

Arndell Anglican College is governed by a school council, which helps develop the college's facilities and growth. The current chairman of the council is Brenda King. The school is part of the Sydney Anglican Schools Corporation and is affiliated with the Anglican Church Diocese of Sydney.

HSC results

To the left is Arndell's HSC ranking according to BetterEducation.com.au, compared to all other schools sitting the HSC. The year 2016 was Arndell's best, with a ranking of 143 making it into the top 150 schools.