Established in 1962, this school is situated in large grounds. About 85 per cent of students are from non-English-speaking backgrounds (70 nationalities are represented) and harmonious integration is a feature. Chester Hill High School is also part of the Priority Schools Program and the National Partnerhships Program.
Facilities: Good sporting facilities, assembly hall, modern library, well-equipped computer laboratories, photography darkroom, computer network throughout the school, covered shelters, a barbecue area, senior study and careers centre and a connected classroom.
Electives: In Years 7 to 10, a comprehensive curriculum includes Japanese, Commerce/Legal Studies, Graphics, Computing Studies and Sports Science. In Years 11 and 12, vocational education subjects are offered such as Information Technology, Business Services, Retail and Construction.
In addition, Exploring Early Childhood, Photography, and Computing Applications are available, as well as a variety of TAFE-delivered VET courses.
Sport: Inter-school sporting competitions, knockout competitions and a range of recreational activities, integrated sport and inter-school gala days for Year 7, annual sports assembly to recognise and reward individual and team success.
Welfare and personal development: The welfare policy pervades every aspect of school life with support, reinforcement and co-operation. Students are monitored carefully on a weekly basis by the welfare team and guided, interviewed and followed up when support is needed. There is a focus on positive behaviour for learning. A school counsellor is available four days a week. School uniform is monitored carefully to instil pride and team spirit.
Peer mediation, peer support and the SRC provide leadership opportunities as well as assistance with conflict resolution, Year 7 integration and new student initiatives. Parents, students and teachers participate in school management conferences each term as part of the collaborative planning and decision-making process for school ventures.
Special features: The annual multicultural Flag Day ceremony celebrates the school’s unity with diversity. An Intensive English Centre (IEC) within the school enables newly arrived overseas students to develop English-speaking skills before moving to high school. A learning support team and four English-as-a-second-language (ESL) teachers are available to help those with learning and language difficulties. There is a bridging course for ESL students. Vietnamese, Arabic and Pacific community speaking parent groups, as well as the P&C and school council who promote parent involvement. Enrichment is provided for talented students through a variety of numeracy, literacy and oracy programs.
A homework and study centre operates after school to extend the learning and support offered in the classroom. Students at the school have achieved outstanding HSC results.