‘Everyone can do difficult things’: The surprise Sydney school offering Latin

A public high school in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire has successfully revived its Latin program, defying a decades-long trend of declining enrollment across New South Wales. Caringbah High School, located in the Shire, relaunched the classical language in 2019 under the guidance of Andrew Gollan. Six years later, the initiative has produced its first graduates, with students sitting Higher School Certificate examinations this year. The revival stands in contrast to broader educational statistics showing a sharp drop in non-English language study among Australian secondary students. Gollan, who holds an arts degree in Latin and Ancient Greek from the 1990s, previously worked as a software engineer in Silicon Valley after becoming a United States resident. Seeking a career change, he completed a master’s degree taught entirely in Latin and worked as a teacher in America before returning to Australia. He joined Caringbah High in 2019 to restart the subject. The decision followed the failure of German to retain students beyond Year 8. The principal at the time, recalling his own positive experiences with the language, proposed Latin as a viable alternative. Since the relaunch, Year 7 students sample French, Japanese, and Latin for one term each before selecting a track. Currently, the program supports two Year 8 classes and a substantial Year 9 cohort. Gollan noted that retention rates remain stable, with only minor attrition between Years 9 and 10. The first group of students who began in Year 7 in 2021 sat the HSC Latin continuers exam recently. Additionally, six students who started the subject in Year 8 completed their HSC exams last year. Gollan described maintaining consistent class sizes as a significant logistical challenge for a school of this profile, ensuring students perceive a clear pathway to graduation. Statewide data indicates a severe contraction in language education. In 1967, approximately 8 percent of first-year HSC students studied Latin, totaling 1,558 enrollments. That figure fell to 129 students this year. More broadly, over a third of students learned a language other than English in the 1960s, compared to roughly 6 percent today. A 2020 review of the NSW curriculum recommended mandatory second-language study in primary schools, but the proposal was never implemented. Teacher shortages exacerbate the issue; a French instructor at Newtown High received a $20,000 signing bonus earlier this year to accept the position. Student Sarah Napper, 18, recently completed her HSC exams at Caringbah High. She acknowledged that Latin is often associated with elite private or top-tier selective schools, whereas Caringbah is generally viewed as mid-tier. Despite this perception, she argued that the subject should not be restricted to privileged institutions. Napper stated that mastering the language has benefited her personally, noting that it requires an analytical approach where meaning is encoded through word modification rather than multiple words, unlike English. Enrollment trends show slight recovery in specific sectors. While total HSC Latin candidates dropped from 176 to 140 over the past 15 years, some selective and private schools have seen increases. Shore School, an all-boys institution, recorded eight students in the subject last year. Latin teacher Joanna Watkins identifies three main motivations for students choosing the course: those with mathematical aptitude who enjoy decoding structures, linguistically inclined learners, and individuals interested in ancient Roman culture. The success at Caringbah High highlights a shift in how classical languages are perceived within the public sector. By integrating Latin into the initial sampling phase for new entrants, the school ensures visibility and accessibility. Gollan emphasized the importance of providing a continuous pathway so students do not feel abandoned midway through their secondary education. The presence of dedicated staff and structured progression has allowed the program to sustain itself despite low statewide numbers. Reactions from educators suggest that the appeal of Latin extends beyond traditional academic circles. The combination of logical structure and cultural depth attracts diverse student profiles. At Caringbah, the integration of the subject alongside modern languages like Japanese and French provides a balanced linguistic foundation. This approach contrasts with schools where older languages have disappeared entirely due to insufficient demand. The outcome of this year’s examinations will provide further insight into the viability of the program. With the first cohort having passed the HSC, the school now has a track record to present to prospective families. Gollan continues to teach the subject, aiming to maintain the momentum gained since 2019. The experience demonstrates that targeted intervention can reverse declining enrollment patterns even in subjects facing systemic headwinds. As the NSW Department of Education monitors language provision, cases like Caringbah High offer practical examples of successful implementation. The focus on early exposure and consistent scheduling addresses common barriers to participation. Students like Napper represent a growing demographic engaging with complex linguistic systems outside of traditionally exclusive environments. The school’s strategy relies on making the subject accessible and demonstrating its tangible benefits to students and parents alike. The broader context of language decline in Australia remains a point of concern for policymakers. However, localized successes indicate that demand exists when opportunities are clearly defined and supported by qualified instructors. The story of Caringbah High serves as a case study in educational resilience, showing that niche subjects can thrive with proper institutional backing and community engagement. The results from recent exams will likely influence future planning for similar programs in the region.