Imagine a classroom where children converse fluently in multiple languages. This was the vision that sparked the creation of our School: immersive language learning from the earliest stages of education.
In the 1970s, Reg St Leon conducted a groundbreaking pilot study at Paddington Public School under these very conditions. The results were nothing short of inspiring. He then created a school where the Australian curriculum was taught in a language other than English.
International Grammar School was born. It offered Greek, German, Italian and Spanish. French and Japanese were soon added. After testing public interest, forty families eager about Reg’s “educational experiment” signed up.
In January 1984, Reg St Leon entered into a lease agreement with the Little Sisters of the Poor on Stanley Street, Randwick. Empowered with energetic, dedicated teachers and a shared dream, International Grammar School was ready to educate and inspire.
On 3 February 1984, the doors of IGS opened to welcome 44 avid students. The official opening ceremony, held the following Saturday, was a momentous occasion. It attracted a media presence and featured a ballet performance by Manuela and Till Bachmann. In their excitement, Manuela and Till stumbled during their performance, but they picked each other up and continued, embodying the resilience that would define IGS throughout its history.
Foundation Day is celebrated at the beginning of Term 1 every year, a cherished tradition where student leadership expresses their gratitude by giving apples at the front gates. Other students chalk the footpath outside the School gates, creating a vibrant and dynamic welcome back to school.
References
Bachmann, M. 2020, Retirement speech.
International Grammar School 1983, The Sydney International Grammar School [Advert], Wentworth Courier, 13 July
International Grammar School 2014, Learning Journeys: 30 Years of International Grammar School (1984-2014).
