Sydney High School Old Boys Union

The Old Boys Union funds the following prizes at the School’s annual speech night:

Old Boys’ Prize

The Hon J Inglis, Minister for Public Instruction, visited the School in 1887, and, whilst addressing the boys, offered to present a book, on the vote of the entire School then assembled before him, to “the boy who was not necessarily first in sport, not necessarily first in scholarship, but certainly first in the hearts of his fellows”.

Later in 1902, when the Old Boys’ Union wished to found a prize, the conditions of the award were made similar to those required by the Minister. It has been awarded annually since 1902.

John Waterhouse Prize

The prize is awarded in honour of Mr John Waterhouse, MA, Headmaster of Sydney High School 1896-1915 and was paid from a trust fund originally subscribed by 103 Old Boys.The Old Boys’ Union has awarded the prize annually since 1916 to the Prefect who is judged to have the most “character”.

John Skyring Cross Memorial Prize

To perpetuate the memory of her son John Skyring Cross an old boy who gave is life in World War I, Mrs Cross, his mother, founded the prize to be awarded to the boy who has displayed outstanding sportsmanship throughout the year, particularly in GPS sports.

JW Gibbes Junior Prize and Senior Prize

Given by a group of Old Boys, known as the “Mary Ann” group, leg by the late Arch Harvey to honour J W Gibbes, a former Classics and Sports Master at the School. The Senior Prize is awarded to a Year 12 student for proficiency in Latin, qualities of leadership and devotion to duty in relation to GPS sport. The Junior Prize is awarded to a Year 10 student for proficiency in the Humanities - Classics, English and History - soundness of character and interest in GPS sport.

Keith C Cameron Memorial Prize

Given in honour of Keith Colin Cameron, it is awarded to the dux of Year 11.

Gordon Barr Memorial Prize

Given by the Old Boys’ Union Ladies’ Auxiliary in 1955 to honour former Headmaster and Old Boy, Gordon Barr. It is awarded to the dux of Year 7.

Dr Charles Winston Prize for Geography

Given by the Old Boys’ Union to honour a distinguished Old Boy Surgeon; member of the Old Boys’ Union Council for 32 years and a Vice-President of the Old Boys’ Union for 18 years.

Brunton Gibb Prize for Public Speaking

To honour Old Boy James Brunton Gibb, noted public speaker, toastmaster at Old Boys’ Union and Lodge Sydney High School dinners for many years.

Colonel D J Duffy Sword of Honour

Presented to the School in 1963 by Arch Ferguson to be presented annually as an award to the outstanding Cadet of the Year. The Sword of Honour is a tribute to a past president of the Old Boys’ Union and the High Club, Colonel Desmond Jack Duffy, MC, a distinguished soldier and one who gave great service to the School in many spheres over a long period.

Arch Ferguson Prizes (years 8-12)

Founded in 1965 by a fund subscribed by members of the OBU, the High Club and the School as a tribute to Old Boy, Arch Ferguson, in recognition of his service to the School. The prizes are awarded to the son of an old boy in years 8-12 who is most distinguished in academic study and service to the School.

Sir Frederick Jordan Memorial Prize

Given by the Old Boys’ Union in honour of Sir Frederick Jordan, Chief Justice and Lieutenant Governor of NSW, a distinguished old boy.

Norman Save Memorial Prize

is awarded for History Performance in the HSC.

SHOBs Rugby Prize for Chemistry

is awarded to the first in Year 11 Chemistry.