Principal John McConnell wrote that by 1987 it was apparent that the School’s enrolment was dropping rapidly.

This was due to the establishment of other schools in the late 70’s and this limited Jesmond’s drawing area. In addition, the area was quickly becoming a “dormitory” area for the University and there were fewer students.

The situation became quite critical as the enrolment dropped to just above 400 in the mid 1990’s and this led to an expectation that the School would close. As enrolments fell, subject offerings became limited and this produced a further decrease in enrolments.

In the late 1980s the Staff explored a number of initiatives, among them being a radical course restructure. This was introduced to provide a simpler and fairer offering of subjects to students whilst meeting the requirements of the Board of Studies.

This was effective in allowing the School to offer a wide range of subjects in the Junior Years.

A re-entry program was also established and several mature age students successfully negotiated a return to school.

However, the offering of subjects to senior students was being reduced gradually and it became clear that the School needed to reinvent itself to find a niche market to attract more students.

Jesmond High School, being close to Newcastle University, started to explore ways in which it could enhance student learning by using the resources of the University.

The School was subsequently renamed Jesmond University High School and University resources, both human and material, were used to assist learning and to provide staff development.

Along with these developmental and structural changes, and no less important, was the emphasis on student learning and student welfare.

The School began to attract families looking for the pleasant, friendly and supportive environment the School provided. Dedicated teachers set up programs to support students- Access generation, Senior Seminars, Year 7 Camps, Peer Support and Orientation Programs - all of which ensured that students were comfortable in the School environment.

School life, over this period, continued in its traditional way. Although the Springwood Visits were no longer viable due to the smaller numbers, school sport continued as an important part of the culture.

 

School Assemblies and formal occasions were dignified, the Senior Ball and Discos were very popular and of course the regular pilgrimage to Jindabyne all contributed to what was a small but very caring environment in the nineties.

In the late nineties, a School Council with representatives of parents, staff, students, community and the University, was established and this provided support, advice and direction for the School’s purpose and future.

As we moved towards the 21st Century, there was a radical change to the enterprise.

Combining with Wallsend High and Waratah Technology High, Jesmond University High School formed a collegiate - Callaghan College, whereby Wallsend and Waratah became junior campuses and Jesmond became the senior campus.

As the School was entering the new millenium, it was ready for more and wider horizons.”