Hundreds of students will walk out of their classrooms on Wednesday sending a clear message to Prime Minister John Howard: the youth of the Highlands do not want a war with Iraq.

Walking out under the weight of possible disciplinary action, striking Highlands students are responding to a call from their US counterparts to stage a global strike against any war.

Already threatened with expulsion, one of the organisers said although she is concerned over the possible consequences, she is still committed to striking.

"Teachers have been saying the strike won't be on, but it will be," one of the organising students said, who wished to remain anonymous.

"We've had contact with schools throughout the Highlands so I think there will be quite a bit of action."

Tipping at least 500 students will converge on Bowral's Corbett Gardens, anti-war speakers will share the stage with musicians and performers as they entertain the absentees.

The strong anti-war sentiment was expressed by a Year 12 student who said the rally was a way of expressing what students are feeling.

"The rally is a statement that we are speaking our minds and listening to each other in a society where our Government seems to be deaf to the people they are meant to represent," the student said.

Encouraging students who are concerned about the possible consequences of a public strike, organisers suggested they should stay at home if worried.

But for many students the strike brought the same response: "I support the strike but my parents won't let me go."

Organisers said they have five days to win over doubting parents as well as pupils if the strike is to be regarded as a success.