Annesley Junior School

Achievements

Annesley Junior School in Adelaide is recognized for its innovative education and focus on student growth. In 2024, it became a Science Active School, highlighting its hands-on science education and participation in the Oliphant Science Awards, where students have won prizes for five years. The 'Enterprise' program promotes entrepreneurial skills through projects like making science videos and exploring the school farm. Programs like ‘The Quest’ enhance learning through nature.  Since 2005, the school has followed the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. Its transformation to a co-educational school has led to rapid growth, from 99 students in 2018 to about 300 in 2023. Annesley has notable alumnae like Olympic athletes and continues to emphasize curiosity and community engagement.

Non-Academic Achievements

Annesley Junior School in Adelaide, Australia, has established itself as a leader in fostering holistic development through a variety of non-academic achievements that enrich students’ lives beyond the classroom. In 2024, the school was recognized as a Science Active School by the South Australian Science Teachers Association (SASTA), highlighting its commitment to hands-on scientific exploration and inquiry-based learning. Under the guidance of dedicated educators, students engage in projects like slime-making, bath bomb creation, and the cultivation of a school farm, which includes vegetable gardens and animal care. These initiatives are part of the school’s entrepreneurial program, ‘Enterprise,’ designed to nurture creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration among young learners.    Beyond science, Annesley Junior School emphasizes the importance of community and cultural engagement. The school hosts events such as Grandparents and Special People Day, where students connect with family members to share personal histories and cultural stories, enriching their understanding of diverse backgrounds. Additionally, the school celebrated its 120th anniversary with a special event at Gillingham Hall, reflecting on its rich history and the strong sense of community that has developed over the years.    Annesley Junior School also prioritizes student well-being through innovative programs like the Budding Lunch initiative. In collaboration with renowned Adelaide eatery Africola Canteen and researchers at Flinders University, the school piloted a program providing healthy, school-provided meals to students. This initiative aimed to promote nutritious eating habits, reduce food waste, and enhance social interactions among students during mealtime. The success of this program has the potential to influence future school meal systems in South Australia.    Through these diverse programs and initiatives, Annesley Junior School demonstrates a comprehensive approach to education that values creativity, community, and well-being, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Notable Alumni

Some of the alumni members are- Simone Annan – R&B singer with a degree in biomedical science. Roxy Byrne (née Sims) – actress and hockey player (Head Prefect, Dux and Captain of Hockey; Class of 1929) Mary Campbell (Mollie) Dawbarn (1902–1982) – biochemist and nutritional physiologist Sara Douglass – author Phyllis Duguid OAM (1904–1993) née Lade – English teacher and Aboriginal rights and women's activist Amy Gillett – rower and cyclist Sally Newmarch – Olympic rower Jesse Scales – dancer Jessica Trengove – Australian representative to the 2012 and 2016 Olympics in Athletics Sesca Ross Zelling, OBE, LLB (1918–2001) – lawyer, vice-president of the NCW of Australia (1954–1957)