Caringbah High School

# Overview Caringbah High School is a public, co-educational high school serving years 7–12 in Sydney’s southern metropolitan area. The school combines a solid academic focus with a broad program of sport, arts and community involvement, creating a balanced environment for students to grow. - School type: Public - School size: Medium - Class size: Typically around 20–25 students per class - Atmosphere/culture: Inclusive, academically focused with active participation in sport and arts; supportive and community-driven # Academics & Learning Caringbah High School emphasizes strong foundations in core subjects while providing opportunities to expand skills across STEM, English and leadership pathways. The school supports diverse learning needs and encourages student initiative through a range of programs and activities. - Academic strengths: English, Mathematics and Science with strong STEM opportunities; emphasis on digital literacy and problem-solving - Special programs: Gifted and Talented opportunities, leadership development, and elective pathways within a broad curriculum - NAPLAN trends: Generally stable or improving trends in reading and numeracy over recent years, with ongoing focus on literacy and numeracy support - Student-teacher ratios: Approximately 1:20 to 1:25, depending on year level and subject - Support for diverse learners: EAL support and a dedicated learning support team for students requiring adjustments or extra assistance # Sports & Extracurricular Strengths Caringbah High School offers a strong mix of sports and extracurricular activities to complement academics and build teamwork, resilience, and school spirit. - Sports offered: Soccer, rugby league, netball, basketball, cricket, athletics, swimming, tennis, and other district-relevant activities - Strong teams or achievements: Competitive presence in inter-school and district competitions across multiple sports - Music, arts, drama programs: Active music and drama programs with performances, ensembles and theatre opportunities - Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other academic/interest clubs - Partnerships: Local clubs and regional competitions to provide additional pathways in sport, STEM and the arts # Wellbeing & Pastoral Care A priority at Caringbah High School is the safety and wellbeing of every student, supported by a proactive pastoral care framework. - Anti-bullying approach: Whole-school policy with preventative programs, restorative practices, and clear reporting channels - House system: Yes, with houses supporting mentoring, competition, and community events - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Accessible counsellors and wellbeing staff to assist with mental health, stress management and transition support - Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems and targeted supports for students starting mid-year or new to the area # Facilities The school provides a range of modern facilities designed to support learning, sport, and the arts. - Sports grounds - Libraries - Science labs - Music/performing arts centers - Tech/innovation labs - Cafeteria - Updated playgrounds and outdoor spaces # School Values & Community Culture Caringbah High School fosters a values-driven culture focused on personal growth, responsibility and respect. - School values / mission: Emphasis on respect, responsibility, excellence and integrity - Leadership style: Collaborative and student-centered, with opportunities for student voice in committees and activities - Behaviour expectations: Positive behaviour framework with clear norms and restorative approaches - Community reputation: Known for a supportive, engaged school community with strong parental and local involvement - Diversity & inclusion: Committed to a diverse and inclusive environment where all students can thrive # School Logistics & Daily Operations Important practical details to help families plan around school life. - School hours: Typical start around 8:45–9:00 am and finish around 3:15–3:30 pm - Before/after school care: OSHC or similar programs available via external providers - Uniform requirements: Full school uniform with summer and winter options; sports uniform on designated days - Transport (train/bus routes): Accessible via nearby public transport options including train and bus services; convenient access for many families - Canteen availability: On-site canteen offering a range of healthy options - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Public schools do not charge tuition fees; there are voluntary school contributions and elective/extra activity expenses which vary by year and subject choices # Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Check catchment and eligibility with NSW Department of Education; gather required documents (proof of identity, residency, previous school records); submit the enrolment application through the school or DoE portal; timelines vary by year and year level (Year 7 enrollments typically processed in the preceding year; out-of-area applications may have different windows) 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Waiting lists can occur for non-local or in-demand intakes. Applications are assessed based on policy (catchment rules, availability). If a place isn’t immediately available, you may be placed on a waiting list and updated as spaces open. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - For a standard enrolment, there are usually no entrance tests or interviews. There may be information sessions or placement considerations for specific programs; selective or special-entry programs would have separate criteria, but Caringbah High School’s routine enrolments do not typically require testing. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers may be possible subject to space and alignment with DoE processes. Parents should contact the school early to confirm availability and complete any required documentation. # Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A balanced, inclusive environment with strong academics, broad extracurriculars, good pastoral care, and supportive community involvement. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who are motivated to learn across core subjects, who value teamwork, participation in clubs and sports, and who benefit from a structured but supportive school culture. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Enrichment in STEM and English, leadership opportunities, gifted/talented pathways, a range of sports, music, drama and clubs such as robotics, coding, debating and chess. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular updates through newsletters, school website (official DoE channels), email, and parent-teacher conferences; proactive communication around student progress and events. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - A focus on core skills, critical thinking, and practical application; a mix of classroom-based instruction, collaborative learning, and targeted support where needed. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Learning Support programs, EAL services, targeted interventions, and access to school counsellors and wellbeing staff. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Additional tutoring, accommodation of learning needs, and ongoing assessment to tailor support plans. - How does the school communicate with parents? (repeated) - See above: newsletters, emails, parent-teacher meetings, and the school’s information platforms. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes typically around 20–25 students; students receive a level of teacher attention appropriate to the subject and year, with additional support available through the Learning Support team. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A broad range of sports (e.g., soccer, basketball, netball, cricket), music and drama programs, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, libraries, science labs, performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, a canteen, and updated outdoor spaces. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Emphasis on digital literacy and STEM; integration of technology across subjects; access to computer labs and online learning resources. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Access via public transport including nearby train/bus routes; consideration of accessibility in facilities and campuses. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - No tuition fees for public schooling; voluntary contributions and extracurricular/subject-specific costs vary by year and course selections. # Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Public, accessible education with broad curriculum and strong pastoral care - Balanced focus on academics, sports, arts and clubs - Supportive community and inclusive culture - Moderate class sizes and available student support services - Good facilities for science, technology, arts and athletics - Cons / Considerations - Large school environment can mean busy periods and busy hallways - Some elective activities may require additional costs beyond standard contributions - Transport options depend on local routes; some families may rely on public transport or school-arranged arrangements If you’d like, I can tailor the language further to align with specific details you have from the school’s latest communications or brochures.