## 1. Overview
Camden Haven High School is a public, co-educational high school serving the Laurieton and surrounding Camden Haven communities. The school provides a welcoming, community-focused learning environment in a small-to-medium campus setting, designed to support students as they prepare for further study or enter the workforce.
- School type: Public
- School size: Small to medium
- Class size: Typically mid-20s
- Atmosphere/culture: Inclusive, nurturing, community-focused
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## 2. Academics & Learning
The school emphasises solid literacy and numeracy foundations while offering opportunities across STEM, English, and the arts. It supports student leadership and personal development through targeted programs and pathways for senior study and vocational training.
- Academic strengths: STEM, English, student leadership, and arts
- Special programs: Gifted and Talented Education (G&T), senior pathways, and Vocational Education & Training (VET) opportunities
- NAPLAN trends: Trends show ongoing focus on improving literacy and numeracy with data-driven targets; consistent progress is tracked over time
- Student-teacher ratios: Approximately 1:12–1:20
- Support for diverse learners: EAL (English as an Additional Language) support, SEN (Special Educational Needs) support, and inclusive education practices
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## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
Sports and activities are a strong focus, with a range of options to suit different interests and abilities. The school supports teams and individual participation, along with a variety of arts and clubs.
- Sports offered: Common high school programs such as football codes, netball, athletics, swimming, and recreation-based activities
- Strong teams or achievements: Regional and school-level teams participate in representative events where available
- Music, arts, drama programs: In-school music and performing arts opportunities
- Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other interest-based clubs
- Partnerships: Local community groups and competitions support opportunities beyond the school
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## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
Wellbeing and pastoral care are central to the student experience, with processes in place to support social-emotional growth and safety.
- Anti-bullying approach: Clear policies and proactive programs to promote respectful behaviour
- House system: Noted as part of the student wellbeing framework in many NSW public schools
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to wellbeing staff for student support
- Transition support for new students: Orientation and ongoing guidance to help new students settle in
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## 5. Facilities
Facilities are designed to support a broad educational program with spaces for study, labs, and creative pursuits.
- Sports grounds: On-site outdoor sport spaces
- Libraries: Library access for study and research
- Science labs: Dedicated science facilities
- Music/performing arts centers: Space for music and drama activities
- Tech/innovation labs: Resources for digital learning and maker-style activities
- Cafeteria: On-site canteen or food service
- Updated playgrounds: Play spaces and outdoor areas for recreation
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## 6. School Values & Community Culture
The school aims to build a respectful, responsible, and inclusive school culture with student leadership and community involvement.
- School values / mission: Focus on respect, responsibility, resilience, and inclusion
- Leadership style: Student voice and leadership opportunities alongside staff guidance
- Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct aligned with school values
- Community reputation: Built on a history of local engagement and student achievement
- Diversity & inclusion: Emphasis on welcoming students from diverse backgrounds and abilities
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## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
Practical day-to-day details are provided to help families plan around school life.
- School hours: Typically a daytime schedule aligned with NSW public school timetables
- Before/after school care: Available through school partnerships or community programs
- Uniform requirements: NSW public school uniform policy in place
- Transport (bus routes): Local bus routes serving the Laurieton Camden Haven area
- Canteen availability: On-site canteen or food service
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Public schools generally have no tuition; there are optional costs for excursions, activities, and consumables (varies by year level)
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## 8. Enrolment & Admissions
Clear steps help families understand how to join the school, with consideration of timing and requirements.
- What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Apply via NSW Department of Education enrolment processes. Check local intake timelines and documentation requirements; plan ahead for start of the school year.
- Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Depending on space and local intake, there may be a waitlist or prioritisation based on enrolment zones and available places.
- Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Generally, NSW public high schools do not require entry tests for local enrolments; some transfer processes may involve documentation or brief transitional steps.
- Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers may be possible if space allows and appropriate documentation is provided; arrangements are considered on a case-by-case basis.
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## 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A community-focused, supportive environment with a commitment to student wellbeing and steady academic progression.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who value a balanced, inclusive setting with opportunities across academics, sports, arts, and clubs.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Access to STEM and English programs, leadership opportunities, VET pathways, sports teams, music and arts programs, and clubs like robotics, coding, and debating.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Through newsletters, emails, parent portals or school apps, and regular updates from teachers and school leadership.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Student-centred and differentiated learning with a focus on literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking; inclusive practices to support diverse learners.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- In-class supports, targeted intervention, tutoring opportunities, and EAL/SEN assistance as needed.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Access to learning supports, advisor guidance, and extra help sessions as part of the school’s learning programs.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- (Same as above) Through regular updates, portals, and direct contact with teachers and leaders.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Typical class sizes are in the mid-20s, with teachers providing targeted feedback and opportunities for small-group support.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A range of sports, clubs such as robotics, chess, coding, and debating, plus music and arts programs.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, and a canteen.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of digital tools in teaching and learning, with access to devices and online resources as part of the curriculum.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Local bus routes and accessible transport options; information on routes and arrangements is available through the school's administration.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- No tuition for public schooling; expect minor costs for uniforms, excursions, and certain activities.
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## 10. Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Public, community-focused environment
- Small to medium school size fosters closer student-staff relationships
- Balanced emphasis on academics, wellbeing, and extra-curriculars
- Range of supports for diverse learners
- Local transport links and active engagement with the Laurieton Camden Haven community
- Cons
- May have limited specialised facilities compared with larger metropolitan schools
- Availability of certain high-demand programs may depend on enrollment and staffing
- Extracurricular options can vary year to year based on community partnerships
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