Clare Catholic High School

## Overview Clare Hassall Grove Catholic High School is a Catholic co-educational secondary school that focuses on values-based education within a supportive, inclusive community. The school aims to nurture confident, compassionate learners who contribute positively to their families and the broader community. With a medium-sized student body, classrooms are designed to be welcoming and conducive to personal growth, collaboration, and academic achievement. The atmosphere is often described as nurturing and inclusive, with an emphasis on student wellbeing, faith formation, and a balanced approach to academics and extra-curricular life. The school places strong emphasis on forming character and leadership alongside academic growth. Students are supported to develop resilience, respect for others, and a sense of service, while engaging in a variety of educational opportunities that prepare them for success beyond school. --- ## Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: Strong English literacy and Mathematics/Science foundations, with a focus on critical thinking, communication, and applied learning. Religion education is integrated with core subjects to support faith formation and ethical understanding. There is attention to developing digital literacy and independent learning skills. - Special programs: Gifted and Talented opportunities and pathways for accelerated learning are available in collaboration with the school. Leadership development and community service programs complement academic learning. - NAPLAN trends: Positive trends and steady improvement in literacy and numeracy over recent years, reflecting a focus on foundational skills and targeted support where needed. - Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes and teacher contact are arranged to enable supportive teaching, with typical ratios in the low to mid-teens for student-teacher contact hours in many subjects; overall classroom environments aim for approachable, attentive instruction. - Support for diverse learners: Comprehensive support for diverse learners, including EAL (English as an Additional Language) programs and SEN (Special Education Needs) planning, with tailored learning supports and adjustments to help all students access the curriculum. --- ## Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: Basketball, soccer, rugby league, cricket, netball, athletics, swimming, tennis, and more, with opportunities to participate across a range of competitive and social teams. - Strong teams or achievements: Competitive school teams with participation in local and diocese-level competitions; emphasis on teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. - Music, arts, drama programs: Active music program including ensembles and choirs, school drama productions, and opportunities to engage in performing arts. - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating, maths club, and various academic and interest-based groups. - Partnerships: Collaborations with local clubs, sporting academies, and external competitions to broaden opportunities in sport, arts, and STEM activities. --- ## Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policies and ongoing wellbeing initiatives aimed at creating a respectful and safe school climate. - House system: A house-based framework fosters belonging, leadership opportunities, and healthy competition in a supportive environment. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to counselling and wellbeing staff to support academic, emotional, and social development. - Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems, and pastoral support to help new students settle in smoothly and build connections. --- ## Facilities - Sports grounds: On-site sports fields and facilities suitable for a range of disciplines. - Libraries: Dedicated library spaces supporting reading, study, and research activities. - Science labs: Modern science laboratories to support practical experiments and inquiry-based learning. - Music/performing arts centers: Spaces for music practice, rehearsals, and performances. - Tech/innovation labs: Dedicated spaces for digital technologies, coding, and STEM-related projects. - Cafeteria: On-site canteen or dining facilities offering daily meals and snacks. - Updated playgrounds: Well-maintained outdoor spaces for recreation and break times. --- ## School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: A faith-based mission emphasizing service, integrity, respect, and community responsibility within a Catholic framework. - Leadership style: Student voice and leadership opportunities are encouraged; staff foster a collaborative and supportive leadership culture. - Behaviour expectations: Clear behaviour standards grounded in respect, responsibility, and care for others; consistent pastoral support when needed. - Community reputation: Active involvement with the local Catholic community and broader school community, with emphasis on welcoming families and fostering trust. - Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity for all students, with practices aimed at ensuring every student feels valued. --- ## School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: A typical daytime schedule with start and end times arranged to suit the local calendar; daily routines focus on balanced academic and pastoral life. - Before/after school care: Access to before- and after-school care or supervised programs through approved providers or school-supported arrangements. - Uniform requirements: A school uniform is required, with guidelines for everyday wear and any seasonal adjustments. - Transport (train/bus routes): Availability of bus routes and convenient public transport options; school location supports easy access for families using public transport and car drop-off/pick-up. - Canteen availability: On-site or supervised canteen services offering meals, snacks, and beverages. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are typically set in a moderate range with additional costs for certain activities, uniforms, and excursions; families are advised to check current schedules with the enrolment office. --- ## Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Inquiries typically begin with submitting an application and gathering required documents (proof of identity, baptism/catholic parish information, immunisation records, and any relevant academic reports). The school will outline the timeline for applications, interviews, and offer of placement. Interviews or family meetings may be part of the process to understand fit with the school’s values and community. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Some year levels may have limited vacancies, resulting in a waiting list. Applications placed on the waiting list are considered as vacancies arise, with priority given to families connected to the school community and Diocese. The school will provide an estimated timeline and next steps if a place becomes available. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Generally, enrolment does not rely on a formal entrance exam. An interview or family meeting may be part of the process to assess alignment with the school’s values and community. Documentation such as baptism certificates, parish involvement, immunisation records, and prior academic reports may be requested. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are considered based on vacancy availability and readiness to meet the school’s curriculum and pastoral requirements. Families seeking mid-year placement should contact the enrolment office as early as possible to discuss options and required documentation. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A values-based Catholic education in a supportive, inclusive environment with focus on faith formation, academics, wellbeing, and community involvement. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who are motivated to grow academically, participate in pastoral programs, and engage in a range of clubs, sports, and arts within a caring community. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Opportunities across STEM, English and humanities excellence, accelerated learning or leadership pathways, competitive sports teams, music ensembles, drama productions, robotics, coding, debating, and community service. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular updates through newsletters, emails, digital platforms, and parent-teacher meetings; a focus on timely, transparent communication and accessible pastoral care. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Student-centered learning with emphasis on literacy and numeracy foundations, critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world application; integration of faith formation with everyday learning. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted support through EAL and SEN services, tailored learning plans, small group or one-on-one support, and ongoing progress monitoring. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Academic tutoring, specialist support staff, and access to guidance from teachers and counsellors to keep students engaged and progressing. - How does the school communicate with parents? - See above: regular updates, parent-teacher conversations, and digital platforms that keep families informed about student learning and wellbeing. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes are designed to be manageable and conducive to learning, with teacher-student interactions prioritized to support individual progress and targeted feedback. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A broad mix of sports, music, drama, robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other clubs, with opportunities to compete, perform, and develop skills beyond the classroom. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, a canteen, and updated outdoor areas. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Emphasis on digital literacy, integrated technology in learning, and opportunities to engage with coding, digital projects, and responsible use of technology. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Access to bus routes and public transport, with practical drop-off/pick-up arrangements to support families and accessibility options for students. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees are structured in a moderate range with additional costs for uniforms, excursions, and some activities; exact amounts vary by year level and program. --- ## Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Values-based Catholic education with emphasis on wellbeing and community - Inclusive environment with strong pastoral care and support for diverse learners - Broad range of academic, sport, arts, and STEM opportunities - Moderate class sizes and emphasis on individual attention - Active student leadership and opportunities to get involved - Cons - As a Catholic school, the environment emphasizes faith formation which may not suit all families - Like many schools, some activities and programs may have additional costs - Availability of subjects and clubs can vary by year level and enrolment demand