Blackwood High School

1. Overview Blackwood High School Eden Hills (5050) is a [Public/Private/Independent] high school in Australia serving a [Small/Medium/Large] student community. The school aims to mix strong academic expectations with a supportive, inclusive culture, fostering a [nurturing, academic, diverse, inclusive, sports-focused] atmosphere where students feel encouraged to explore interests across academics and co-curricular activities. The campus and programs are designed to balance rigorous learning with opportunities to develop leadership, collaboration, and resilience. [Further context about the school’s identity and community involvement can be inserted here.] ⸻ 2. Academics & Learning • Academic strengths: [STEM, English, leadership, languages, etc.] • Special programs: [IB/accelerated learning/gifted and talented, etc.] • NAPLAN / state assessment trends: [Trends (e.g., improving literacy/numeracy, narrowing gaps), without scores] • Student-teacher ratios: [e.g., 1:X or approximate class size guidance] • Support for diverse learners: [EAL, SEN, learning support, tutoring, targeted interventions] ⸻ 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths • Sports offered: [e.g., football, soccer, basketball, netball, cricket, athletics, swimming] • Strong teams or achievements: [Highlight any notable teams or recent achievements] • Music, arts, drama programs: [Choir, band, theatre, visual arts, drama productions] • Clubs: robotics, chess, coding, debating, etc.: [List of active clubs] • Partnerships: [local academies, community clubs, competitions] Most parents skim this section for boys aged 10–14, so keep it concise and visually clear. ⸻ 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care • Anti-bullying approach: [Programs, policies, and culture] • House system: [Yes/No; number of houses and purpose] • Counsellors / wellbeing officers: [Number and roles] • Transition support for new students: [Orientation, buddy programs, induction activities] ⸻ 5. Facilities • Sports grounds: [Fields, courts, track] • Libraries: [Library services, spaces, resources] • Science labs: [Number and types] • Music/performing arts centers: [Practice rooms, theatres] • Tech/innovation labs: [Maker spaces, computer labs] • Cafeteria: [Catering options, healthy choices] • Updated playgrounds: [Play areas, outdoor learning spaces] ⸻ 6. School Values & Community Culture • School values / mission: [Core values and vision] • Leadership style: [Participative, distributed, student voice emphasis] • Behaviour expectations: [Code of conduct, restorative practices] • Community reputation: [Local perspective and community involvement] • Diversity & inclusion: [Efforts to promote equity, anti-discrimination policies] ⸻ 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations • School hours: [Start and finish times] • Before/after school care: [Availability and providers] • Uniform requirements: [Details or links to policy] • Transport: [Bus routes, train access, drop-off guidelines] • Canteen availability: [Yes/No, meal options] • Fees: [Low/Medium/High ranges or typical costs for materials, activities] ⸻ 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - [Outline the steps: inquiry, application window, required documents, interview/assessment (if any), acceptance, orientation, and key dates.] 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - [Explain whether a waiting list exists, how placement is determined (e.g., date of application, sibling policy, catchment rules), and expected wait times.] 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - [Specify any entry criteria, assessments, prerequisites, language requirements, or interview processes, if applicable.] 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - [Explain transfer policy, required documentation, approvals, and timeline for mid-year moves.] ⸻ 9. Frequently Asked Questions • Why Parents Choose This School? - [Concise rationale: community feel, balanced academics and wellbeing, location, opportunities for growth across academics, sports, and arts.] • What type of student thrives at this school? - [Describe traits such as curiosity, participation, collaboration, resilience, leadership, etc.] • What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - [Highlight advanced courses, sports pathways, arts programs, competitions, leadership opportunities, internships, etc.] • How does the school communicate with parents? - [Newsletters, emails, parent portal, SMS alerts, parent-teacher meetings, annual reports.] • What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - [Student-centred, inquiry-based learning, differentiation, evidence-based practices, use of technology.] • How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - [Learning support programs, tutoring, small-group interventions, SEN/EAL services, progress monitoring.] • What support is available for academic challenges? - [Early identification, targeted supports, remedial programs, teacher collaboration, family communication.] • How does the school communicate with parents? - [As above; ensure consistent channels and proactive updates.] • What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - [Average class size or student-teacher ratio; description of targeted support options.] • What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - [Summary of clubs, teams, and programs across academics, arts, and sports.] • What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - [Brief, high-level list of key facilities with emphasis on accessibility and usage.] • What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - [Devices, BYOD policy (if applicable), digital literacy, online learning platforms, safety measures.] • What transport and accessibility options are available? - [Public transport access, bus routes, car drop-off/pick-up, accessibility features.] • What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - [Context on government funding, materials/essential costs, optional activities, and any notable charges.] ⸻ 10. Short Pros & Cons list Pros - [Pro 1] - [Pro 2] - [Pro 3] Cons - [Con 1] - [Con 2] - [Con 3] ⸻