In February 2008, the September USFP students were given a valuable opportunity to experience life as a University of Sydney student, first-hand!
Over the three days, students were exposed to university-style lectures and tutorials, tours of the campus and some of the many sports and recreation activities available.
Students seemed particularly impressed with the large, modern lecture theatres where they were able to attend lectures and tutorials by university staff across a variety of disciplines. They also took in the beautiful, historic architecture during tours around the campus, and on the day three they had a choice of fun activities to choose from including rock climbing, squash, ultimate Frisbee, tennis and a tour of the Nicholson Museum.
As one student commented, “the tours of the University of Sydney’s huge library and Maclean and Nicholson Museums made me realise what a real world-class university possesses, and motivated me to read more and learn more. In general, in the three days, I experienced the real life in a university. It is busy and hard, but inspiring”.

A lecture in one of the University’s modern lecture theatres

USFP students enjoying Ultimate Frisbee
Chinese New Year is an event which seems to hold some unfamiliarity to the Australian culture. But at Taylors College, this significant event entails much excitement and fun as students and teachers alike join in the joy of the festive moments. The students were treated with an amazing lion dance show and a feast to remember.
Both staff and students were excited to see the traditional lion dance. It is believed that the loud beats of the drum and the deafening sounds of the cymbals, together with the face of the lion dancing can evict bad or evil spirits.
Taylors College High School student, Andreas Kang described his first year at Taylors as incredible! He said – “I have now seen how my Australian teachers go out of their way, putting in their best effort to create the best Chinese New Year for international students like me. The lucky draw, the dance floor, the amazing DJ, appetizing spring rolls, delicious dumplings... although this cannot be compared to the grandeur back in my hometown, it nevertheless gives me a sense of belonging in this still foreign country. “
It was truly a memorable and wonderful occasion at the Sydney campus.


Each year, Taylors College Sydney opens its doors to past students to provide an opportunity for them to catch up with old friends, meet old teachers, establish valuable networks and share their successes since leaving the College. This year again was again a popular event with as many as 250 students from previous years returning to the College.
As the alumni started arriving at the College, they were greeted with excitement by the current Year 12 leaders, Student Representative Council and teachers, who had decorated the room with beautiful red and blue balloons.
After a warm welcome by the Principal, Chris Norton, the students reacquainted themselves with their favourite teachers and friends and enjoyed pizza and drink. The students shared their experiences and successes with us, creating an atmosphere of warmth and pride.
Notable in the group of course were the Alumni from 2003. Several of these students discussed with us the progress of their postgraduate studies in the Faculty of Economics and Business at the University of Sydney.
The Taylors College students continue to impress and amaze us with their continued success.

Some of Taylors oldest Alumni, as far back as 2003

Alumni students re-acquaint themselves with old teachers
On Friday 9th November 2007 we celebrated our students’ completion of their coursework with an End of Course Ceremony. The ceremony was held in the Great Hall, a wonderful hall on campus at the University of Sydney.
This ceremony marks the beginning of our handover of our University of Sydney Foundation Program (USFP) students to the University of Sydney. To mark this event a very senior member of the academic community from the University of Sydney (USYD) give an address to the students and the Deputy Director of the International Office at USYD, Chris Riley, presented the students with their Certificates of Course Completion and their Attendance Certificates.
Our invited guests included Dr John Hughes, Pro-Dean (Development), Acting Associate Dean (Academic Programs) Faculty of Education and Social Work , USFP-USYD BoS; Dr Nick Wailes, Acting Associate Dean (UG), USYD Faculty of Economics and Business; Prof Ian Spence Science Faculty, USFP-USYD Board of Studies; Prof Nerida Newbigin, Chair, Italian Studies, USYD; Dr Josiah Poon, School of Information Technologies, USYD; Dr John O’Byrne, Director of 1st Year Physics USYD and Physics Liaison USFP; Dr Mary Ip, Government, Law and Information Liaison USFP; Dr Elizabeth May, Director First Year Biology, Liaison USFP; Dr Colin Phillips, Mathematics Learning Centre USYD and Mohammed Alkahtani , Director, Academic Affairs , Cultural Mission of Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia.
This year we had an excellent speech given by Professor Derek Armstrong who is an Acting Deputy Provost (Learning & Teaching) and Pro-Vice-Chancellor as well as being a member of the USFP/USYD Board of Studies.
We then moved to the presentation of the Certificates. Each student received their Certificates from Chris Riley with a warm handshake and smiles for the camera. Between the presentations, our music master, Chuan Wu, organised some of our very talented music students to perform some excellent pieces.
When the presentations were completed we moved on to our presentations of the Certificates of Excellence where students received awards for achieving the top marks for their coursework for their subjects.
These students were:
| Accounting | SOEU, Bunleng |
![]() |
| Australian Studies | LOW, Sock Yin Gloria | ![]() |
| Biology | LEE, Joo Hyun | ![]() |
| Economics | CHEN, Lu | |
| Foundations of Social Science (equal) | HALIM, Vinna | ![]() |
| Foundations of Visual Art and Design | HWANG, Sun Young | |
| Government, Law and Information | SONG, Si Si | ![]() |
| Mathematics for Humanities |
BAI, Zhou |
![]() |
| Physics (equal) | PHAM, Minh Viet MOHAMMADI NIKOUYPASOKHI, Ali |
![]() |
| Software Development | EKRAMI, Kamyar | ![]() |
|
English for Humanities |
TAMAYO, Micaela Nicole Fae | ![]() |
| April English for Humanities | CHU, Hiu Tung | ![]() |
| April English for Science | TOH, Shuet Qi | ![]() |
| Foundations of Social Science (equal) April English for Arts |
CHO, Anna | ![]() |
| Music English for Arts |
TANOTO, Steven | ![]() |
| Chemistry (equal) Mathematics for Science Mathematics Advanced |
CAO, Yin | ![]() |
| Chemistry(equal) Media Studies and Communication English for Science |
CHIU, Yi Hsuan | ![]() |
In February 2008, the September USFP students were given a valuable opportunity to experience life as a University of Sydney student, first-hand!
Over the three days, students were exposed to university-style lectures and tutorials, tours of the campus and some of the many sports and recreation activities available.
Students seemed particularly impressed with the large, modern lecture theatres where they were able to attend lectures and tutorials by university staff across a variety of disciplines. They also took in the beautiful, historic architecture during tours around the campus, and on the day three they had a choice of fun activities to choose from including rock climbing, squash, ultimate Frisbee, tennis and a tour of the Nicholson Museum.
As one student commented, “the tours of the University of Sydney’s huge library and Maclean and Nicholson Museums made me realise what a real world-class university possesses, and motivated me to read more and learn more. In general, in the three days, I experienced the real life in a university. It is busy and hard, but inspiring”.

A lecture in one of the University’s modern lecture theatres

USFP students enjoying Ultimate Frisbee
Taylors Tertiary Advisor, Paula Gothelf, catches up with a 2007 graduate
Each year, Taylors College Sydney opens its doors to past students to provide an opportunity for them to catch up with old friends, meet old teachers, establish valuable networks and share their successes since leaving the College. This year again was again a popular event with as many as 250 students from previous years returning to the College.
As the alumni started arriving at the College, they were greeted with excitement by the current Year 12 leaders, Student Representative Council and teachers, who had decorated the room with beautiful red and blue balloons.
After a warm welcome by the Principal, Chris Norton, the students reacquainted themselves with their favourite teachers and friends and enjoyed pizza and drink. The students shared their experiences and successes with us, creating an atmosphere of warmth and pride.
Notable in the group of course were the Alumni from 2003. Several of these students discussed with us the progress of their postgraduate studies in the Faculty of Economics and Business at the University of Sydney.
The Taylors College students continue to impress and amaze us with their continued success.

Some of Taylors oldest Alumni, as far back as 2003

Alumni students re-acquaint themselves with old teachers
Chinese New Year is an event which seems to hold some unfamiliarity to the Australian culture. But at Taylors College, this significant event entails much excitement and fun as students and teachers alike join in the joy of the festive moments. The students were treated with an amazing lion dance show and a feast to remember.
Both staff and students were excited to see the traditional lion dance. It is believed that the loud beats of the drum and the deafening sounds of the cymbals, together with the face of the lion dancing can evict bad or evil spirits.
Taylors College High School student, Andreas Kang described his first year at Taylors as incredible! He said – “I have now seen how my Australian teachers go out of their way, putting in their best effort to create the best Chinese New Year for international students like me. The lucky draw, the dance floor, the amazing DJ, appetizing spring rolls, delicious dumplings... although this cannot be compared to the grandeur back in my hometown, it nevertheless gives me a sense of belonging in this still foreign country. “
It was truly a memorable and wonderful occasion at the Sydney campus.


Music student performing during the ceremony
On Friday 9th November 2007 we celebrated our students’ completion of their coursework with an End of Course Ceremony. The ceremony was held in the Great Hall, a wonderful hall on campus at the University of Sydney.
This ceremony marks the beginning of our handover of our University of Sydney Foundation Program (USFP) students to the University of Sydney. To mark this event a very senior member of the academic community from the University of Sydney (USYD) give an address to the students and the Deputy Director of the International Office at USYD, Chris Riley, presented the students with their Certificates of Course Completion and their Attendance Certificates.
Our invited guests included Dr John Hughes, Pro-Dean (Development), Acting Associate Dean (Academic Programs) Faculty of Education and Social Work , USFP-USYD BoS; Dr Nick Wailes, Acting Associate Dean (UG), USYD Faculty of Economics and Business; Prof Ian Spence Science Faculty, USFP-USYD Board of Studies; Prof Nerida Newbigin, Chair, Italian Studies, USYD; Dr Josiah Poon, School of Information Technologies, USYD; Dr John O’Byrne, Director of 1st Year Physics USYD and Physics Liaison USFP; Dr Mary Ip, Government, Law and Information Liaison USFP; Dr Elizabeth May, Director First Year Biology, Liaison USFP; Dr Colin Phillips, Mathematics Learning Centre USYD and Mohammed Alkahtani , Director, Academic Affairs , Cultural Mission of Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia.
This year we had an excellent speech given by Professor Derek Armstrong who is an Acting Deputy Provost (Learning & Teaching) and Pro-Vice-Chancellor as well as being a member of the USFP/USYD Board of Studies.
We then moved to the presentation of the Certificates. Each student received their Certificates from Chris Riley with a warm handshake and smiles for the camera. Between the presentations, our music master, Chuan Wu, organised some of our very talented music students to perform some excellent pieces.
When the presentations were completed we moved on to our presentations of the Certificates of Excellence where students received awards for achieving the top marks for their coursework for their subjects.
These students were:
| Accounting | SOEU, Bunleng |
![]() |
| Australian Studies | LOW, Sock Yin Gloria | ![]() |
| Biology | LEE, Joo Hyun | ![]() |
| Economics | CHEN, Lu | |
| Foundations of Social Science (equal) | HALIM, Vinna | ![]() |
| Foundations of Visual Art and Design | HWANG, Sun Young | |
| Government, Law and Information | SONG, Si Si | ![]() |
| Mathematics for Humanities |
BAI, Zhou |
![]() |
| Physics (equal) | PHAM, Minh Viet MOHAMMADI NIKOUYPASOKHI, Ali |
![]() |
| Software Development | EKRAMI, Kamyar | ![]() |
|
English for Humanities |
TAMAYO, Micaela Nicole Fae | ![]() |
| April English for Humanities | CHU, Hiu Tung | ![]() |
| April English for Science | TOH, Shuet Qi | ![]() |
| Foundations of Social Science (equal) April English for Arts |
CHO, Anna | ![]() |
| Music English for Arts |
TANOTO, Steven | ![]() |
| Chemistry (equal) Mathematics for Science Mathematics Advanced |
CAO, Yin | ![]() |
| Chemistry(equal) Media Studies and Communication English for Science |
CHIU, Yi Hsuan | ![]() |
The annual Taylors Art Exhibition is an important event for our talented Visual Arts and Design students. A selection of their best work is exhibited and it is a valuable opportunity to show their work to an appreciative audience. The response this year was again very positive to the works produced by our High School and Foundation students. These included delicate watercolours and pencil drawings, quirky sculptures made from found objects, installations, bold paintings on canvas as well as collages and dramatic charcoal studies.
The viewers’ choice award this year was a close race between the works of two HSC Students. First prize went to Ye, Jun Chen (Quincy) for his stunning landscape paintings ‘Life’s Journey’ and second prize was awarded to Bao, Zhi Juan (Karissa) for her paintings entitled ‘Hope’.


Three Year 11 Indonesian students and Esther Dharmanto represented the Taylors' Indonesian Community by attending the Flag Ceremony and Function held at the residence of Indonesia Consul General at Rosebay on 17th August 2007 to commemorate the 62nd Indonesia Independence Day.
Taylors College have always been represented at the event by Year 11 Indonesian students and Esther Dharmanto (Year 12 and USFP Indonesian students cannot attend as they are having their Trial Examinations).

Term 2 was a busy term for Science students at Taylors College, Sydney. Firstly, our Year 10 and 11 Science students participated in the ICAS Science Competition. This competition tested the students’ abilities in areas such as interpreting scientific information and reasoning and problem solving skills. Our students performed well with Jia Xin (Karen) LI of Year 11 achieving a Credit award, scoring in the top 17 percent of Year 11 participants in NSW and ACT. This is an exceptional result. Well done Karen!
Our Year 10 students also participated in the Rio Tinto Big Science competition. In the school’s first year of competition we had one student achieve a Credit certificate. Congratulations to Choon Yi (Nicholas) ONG on his fine performance.
The College was also represented at the RACI Titration Competition. Fifteen of our Year 11 and 12 Chemistry students attended the University of New South Wales to engage in an exciting round of a chemical analysis. Working in teams of three, the students were required to determine the concentration of an unknown solution using a technique called Titration. Our students performed exceptionally well, with three of our teams placing 2nd, 7th and 9th out of 26 teams at the venue.
Congratulations to the following team members:
2nd place: Ruo Long (Rita) HUANG, Jie (Jay) ZHENG and Zhi Zhao (Victor) GUAN
7th place: Mohammad Vahid (Vahid) NOBAKHTI, Elisa KANG and Peng (Forrest) YU
9th place: Thi My Thuan DO, Joana GUERREIRO and Jia Xin (Karen) LI
Special congratulations must go to Year 12 student Vahid NOBAKHTI, who achieved a perfect score. This is an outstanding result. We now eagerly await the state results to see if the students qualify for the National Competition.


The photos below show Year 12 HSC Physics students observing the magnetic levitation of a small magnet above a superconducting disc.
The disc has been cooled to minus 196 degrees centigrade using liquid nitrogen. The electric currents in its surface, caused by the magnet, make the magnet to 'float' above the superconductor.
Research into superconductors has led to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in hospitals, to help detect diseases, and will lead to faster computers, high speed rail transport and cheaper electricity.
- written by Larry Mounser, Science Teacher; photos by SU Lin Xin (Don)

The 'International Merit Scholarship' ceremony was held in June at the University of Sydney.
The scheme was introduced in 1998. All international students who are not already supported by a scholarship are eligible for consideration. The scholarship recipients are selected by their faculty according to meritorious academic performance in undergraduate and post graduate programs. In 2007 102 scholarships were awarded.
Fifteen former Taylors College Sydney students were listed to receive scholarships! Our students continue to perform well throughout their University careers.
It is also worthy of note that as the award of the scholarships had been decided upon at Faculty level, the Heads of Faculties were called upon to read out the names of successful students and present them to the Chancellor (NSW Governor, Marie Bashir), the Principal of Taylors College, Sydney (Paul McLoughlin) was called upon in the same way as all of the other 'worthies'.
| Name | Year | Stream | Country | Merit Award Faculty |
| Mr Kut CHAN | Jan 2005 | Music | Hong Kong | Conservatorium |
| Ms Ya Ting Ardis HUANG | Jan 2004 | Music | Hong Kong | Conservatorium |
| Ms Kah Yan Grace LEONG | Jan 2005 | Music | Malaysia | Conservatorium |
| Ms Syn Nee LIM | Jan 2004 | Music | Brunei | Conservatorium |
| Mr Agus SANDJAYA | Jan 2006 | Music | Indonesia | Conservatorium |
| Ms Xin Yin TEO | Jan 2006 | Science | Singapore | Conservatorium |
| Mr Man Kong Adrian SUNG | Jan 2003 | Science | Hong Kong | Pharmacy |
| Mr Kai Man LAM | Sep 2003 | Science | Hong Kong | Science |
| Miss Wing Yee CHENG | Jan 2003 | Science | Hong Kong | Medicine/Science |
| Mr Qian QIAN | Apr 2004 | Science | China | Economics |
| Mr Maxim SOYREF | Jan 2005 | Economics | Russia | Economics |
| Ms Clairine SUTANAWI | Jan 2005 | Economics | Indonesia | Economics |
| Mr Seng Keat GAN | Jan 2003 | Science | Malaysia | Engineering |
| Mr Chin Yau PANG | Apr 2003 | Science | Malaysia | Engineering |
| Mr Danny WINATA | Sep 2005 | Science | Indonesia | Engineering |
| Ms Shu Yi HAN | Y5 12 2004 | Science (UAI 99.25) | China | Science |
Gresya CAHYONO speaks on behalf of the students
On Friday 25th May 2007 we celebrated our students’ completion of their coursework with an End of Course Ceremony. The ceremony was held at the Refectory, a wonderful hall on campus at the University of Sydney.
This ceremony marks the beginning of our handover of our University of Sydney Foundation Program (USFP) students to the University of Sydney. To mark this a very senior member of the academic community from the University of Sydney (USYD) gave an address to the students and the Deputy Director of the International Office at USYD, Chris Riley, presented the students with their Certificates of Course Completion and their Attendance Certificates.
This year we had an excellent speech given by Associate Professor Peter McCallum who is an Academic Advisor to the Office of the Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor as well as being a member of the USFP/USYD Board of Studies and past Associate Dean of the Conservatorium.
We then moved to the presentation of the Certificates. Each student received their Certificates from Chris Riley with a warm handshake and smiles for the camera. Between the presentations, our music master, Chuan Wu, organised some of our very talented music students to preform some excellent pieces.
When the presentations were completed we moved on to our presentations of the Certificates of Excellence where students received awards for achieving the top marks for their coursework for their subjects.
These students were:
| Biology (joint) | CHOW, Sin Lui Fion |
![]() |
| Chemistry | WONG, Wae Ting | ![]() |
| Mathematics for Humanities | JIN, Jin | ![]() |
| Mathematics for Science | YAO, Yao Yue | ![]() |
| Music | ZHAI, Jia Wen | |
| English for Science | LEE, Kam Man Joyce |
![]() |
| English (Most Improved) | LO, Ka Po | |
| Australian Studies Foundations of Visual Art |
YAN, Wing Chi | ![]() |
| Biology (joint) Physics |
KAWASAKI, Minae | ![]() |
| Mathematics Advanced Software Development |
HALIM, Sarto | ![]() |
| Foundations of Social Science Government Law and Information English for Arts |
LI, Zi Xi | ![]() |
|
Accounting |
CAHYONO, Gresya | ![]() |
The ceremony then finished with refreshments, many smiles and photos.


Visit to Tobruk Sheep Farm
Students from Taylors House got a taste of Aussie life during a visit to Tobruk Sheep Farm.
One of the students writes:
"The trip was a good experience as most of us have never been to a real farm or the countryside before.
We got to throw boomerangs and also learnt how to crack whips, which was much harder than is looked. We had billy tea and a cake called “damper” for morning tea.
Some of us had a go at sheep shearing.
We had never been to a farm of that size. The farmers were welcoming and friendly and also very warm We saw how they lead their lives without the technology that we use daily.
Most of all the group that went made the trip even more enjoyable."


Scholarship winners - DENG Jia Hua and NGUYEN Quang Ngoc
Two Taylors College students received scholarships with the University of Sydney at a Scholarships Presentation Ceremony held in the University's Great Hall.
NGUYEN Quang Ngoc was awarded a University of Sydney Scholarship with Merit. His scholarship will allow him to studying towards a Bachelor of Engineering (4 year degree)
DENG Jia Hua was awarded a University of Sydney Scholarship. She is studying Bachelor of Engineering/Bachelor of Commerce. Her scholarship is $2000 for the first year of study.
Kevin Lui and sister Carol Deng, both Taylors ex students attended the ceremony. Kevin is now studying Honours in Finance and tutors at the University of Sydney.

The Meade 8-inch LX90 telescope
On a balmy autumn's night 7 Foundation Astronomy students and their teachers drove out to the Blue Mountains to spend the evening observing our southern skies.
As part of the course, each student is required to perform a research project using the school's Meade 8-inch LX90 telescope. Students use a computer to control the telescope and digitally record images taken with three cameras: a Canon EOS 350D 8 Megapixel digital SLR camera for deep space imaging; a Phillips ToUcam Webcam - a digital video camera to take high resolution images of the planets; and a Meade LPI (Lunar Planetary Imager) most suitable for taking images of the Sun and Moon.
In addition to the school telescope students also have access to a 12-inch Meade LX200 Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope at Charles Sturt University located at Bathurst three hours west of Sydney. This telescope is computer controlled via the internet and has several advantages including larger light collecting area and reduced air and light pollution compared to Sydney.



Having fun on the Flying Fox
In early March a small group of high school students from Taylors College Sydney enjoyed a weekend away at a Sport and Recreation Camp at Milson Island on the Hawkesbury River.
A great time was had by all and students participated in fun and adventurous activities such as a difficult ropes course, flying fox, kayaking and archery.
The bivouac (camping in tents) was a new experience for many and camp cooking taught students some valuable survival lessons in the Aussie bush. The fun continued into the evening with a games night. A great weekend was had by all teachers and students who attended.





Students from Middle East celebrate Harmony Day
Taylors College Sydney students joined in the Taylors spirit to celebrate Harmony Day on the 21st March.
Harmony Day, which began in 1999 celebrates Australia's success as a diverse society united by a common set of values. This day provides an opportunity for the students to celebrate our successes as a culturally diverse society and re-commit ourselves to harmony and mutual respect.
Students wore orange clothing, the colour of the day and were able to write a "Wall of home" message for friends in the same country. There was also tea making and students were able to try food from many countries including; Chinese egg tarts, baklava, nut parcels and Easter eggs. All proceeds raised from the day will go to Medicins Sans frontieres.



SUN Yin Lu and Elisa KANG
On Thursday March 1st, SUN Yin Lu and Elisa KANG represented Taylors College Sydney in the 2007 Leadership program organised by the Association of Independent Schools of NSW.
They joined other school leaders in a tour of the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council Chambers in Parliament House and were addressed by Members of Parliament.
At the historic Government House, they were addressed by Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AO, Governor of NSW.
Lunch in Parliament House and afternoon tea in Government House made the experience for Sunny and Elisa unforgettable.
SUN Yin Lu and Elisa KANG with Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AO, Governor of NSW
USFP students try out the University’s indoor rock-climbing wall
In February 2008, the September USFP students were given a valuable opportunity to experience life as a University of Sydney student, first-hand!
Over 350 high school students and 25 teachers from Taylors College Sydney enjoyed an Aussie experience.....a day at Bronte Beach.
Students enjoyed picnic lunches on the grass down by the waters edge. There were a number of activities that students and staff participated in, including a sand castle competition and winners received movie vouchers.
There was also much fun and muscle flexing during the tug-o-war competition. A few teachers were even "helped" into the water by some fo the year 12 students.
- Photography by Adrian O’Shea.



