The school is committed to providing a holistic education offering a range of opportunities for students to develop academically, socially and emotionally. The school is nestled right in the middle of its community and has a very strong community feel. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of learning within the local and global communities and provides opportunities for students to develop skills needed for the future, creative thinking, problem solving, critical thinking, collaboration and team work.
Facilities: Recreational areas including designated hard play areas for various age groups of students, an oval, soccer pitch, hockey pitch, full-size gymnasium, multi-purpose hall; Performing Arts complex, four Art and Design rooms; Resource Centre incorporating block books, audio-visual and technology based resources; an Information Technology building incorporating four teaching areas and in excess of 200 computer workstations; seven Science laboratories including specialist facilities for Marine Studies, Chemistry, Physics and Biology; Technology Studies facilities for the teaching of Photography and Digital Imaging, Electronics, Metalwork, Woodwork, Plastics and Technical Graphics, Control Technology and Pneumatics; two Food and Catering preparation areas; Fabric and Textiles room; Gymnasium with weights room annexe; School Canteen; and a Year 12 study room.
Electives Years 7 to 10: English; Mathematics; SOSE; Science; Health & PE; Design and Technology including Construction Technology, CAD design, Photography, Clothing & Textiles, Food & Nutrition; and Arts including Visual Art, Drama, Music, Theatre Arts. Students take part in a range of activities including Athletics Standards and Sports day; Anti-Harassment and Cyber Bullying Program in the Pastoral Care Program; House Sports competitions; and Aquatics. The school offers a year 9 Volleyball Focus Program. Students apply for entry to this program and are selected at trials.
Electives Years 11 and 12: The compulsory subjects are Personal Learning Plan (PLP) at Stage 1, Literacy, and a Research Project. In addition to the compulsory elements, students will choose from a wide range of subjects and courses. These remaining subjects are flexible and should be chosen based on a student’s interests, skill and career pathway. Students take part in a range of activities including a relevant, meaningful and engaging Pastoral Care program designed to support the social, emotional and wellbeing of our young people. Topics such as goal setting, study skills, career development and planning, Driver Education, and Safe Partying are covered. Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses are available.
Sport: A sub-committee of Governing Council manages sports programs for students in Years 3-7. The school also supports a range of SAPSASA sports activities. Students in Year 8-12 participate in sports in both SASSSA “Knock-Out” and Zone competitions. The school has an emerging Athletics presence. Volleyball is a key focus sport both as a curriculum option in years 8-11 and recreational sport. The school participates in the national volleyball competitions annually.
Extracurricular activities: Students throughout the school are encouraged and supported to develop skills in decision making and problem solving and to be actively involved in the life of the school. Leadership and self-development opportunities are fostered through the R-12 Student Leadership Team and its associated groups, Camps, and Conferences. Other opportunities for participation and development include Zone Sport, School Rock Bands, Year 10 Ski Trip, Drama, Dance and Music Performances, Youth development activities such as YFC, Youth Opportunities, and Youth at risk groups. Specialist lunchtime clubs such as chess, computing, volleyball and basketball are also provided and supported by the energy and commitment of school staff.
Welfare and personal development: Pastoral Care Programs
The school aims to develop in students a positive attitude to school, to develop interpersonal and communication skills, to foster self-esteem and self-confidence, to encourage students to respect the rights and views of others, to promote self-discipline and organisational skills, to encourage active citizenship, and to provide individual guidance, counselling and support. Students are supported by Pastoral Care Workers, two Student Counsellors and a Careers/Vet Coordinator also provide on-going support. The school has also appointed a psychologist on a fortnightly basis.
Special features: A boys class, Marine Biology, Volleyball program Electrotechnology, Plumbing – VET, Year 9 Laptop Program. The school has a sister school relationship with Kokubunji HS in Tokyo, Japan and has two way exchanges each year.