## 1. Overview
Denison College of Secondary Education – Kelso is a public, co-educational high school serving students in the Kelso area as part of the Denison College network. The school is focused on providing a supportive, engaging environment with a broad curriculum that supports students’ academic and personal growth.
With a medium-sized student body and class sizes typically in the low-to-mid 20s, the school maintains a nurturing, inclusive atmosphere. The culture emphasises wellbeing, community involvement, and access to a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities to suit diverse student interests and goals.
⸻
## 2. Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: Strong emphasis on English and STEM, with a broad core curriculum supported by pathways that encourage student leadership and inquiry across subjects. Languages and humanities options are available where offered.
- Special programs: Gifted and Talented programs, opportunities for accelerated learning where appropriate, HSC preparation support, and Vocational Education & Training (VET) courses delivered through partnerships with local providers.
- NAPLAN trends: Recent years show stable to improving trends across key NAPLAN areas, indicating solid growth in reading, writing and numeracy across the junior and middle years.
- Student-teacher ratios: Approximately 1:20 to 1:24, allowing for meaningful student-teacher interaction and classroom support.
- Support for diverse learners: EAL/D support for students who speak languages other than English, plus targeted SEN and learning support services to assist students needing additional help.
⸻
## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: A range of team and individual sports typical for NSW public high schools, including football (soccer), basketball, netball, rugby league, cricket, athletics, tennis and swimming.
- Strong teams or achievements: Regular participation in regional competitions with opportunities for representative teams and school-based championships.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Active music ensembles, choirs, and drama productions alongside a range of arts activities to build performance skills and creativity.
- Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating and other subject-based or interest-based clubs that foster teamwork and problem-solving.
- Partnerships: Connections with local clubs, regional competitions and events to broaden opportunities in sport, music and STEM activities.
⸻
## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Whole-school anti-bullying policy with restorative practices, clear reporting channels, and proactive wellbeing programs.
- House system: A house framework used to support pastoral care, mentorship, community events and school spirit.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school counsellors and wellbeing staff to support students’ mental health, resilience and personal development.
- Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy/mentoring schemes and targeted transition activities to help new students settle in.
⸻
## 5. Facilities
- Sports grounds: Multiple outdoor fields and spaces for physical education and team sports.
- Libraries: Well-stocked library with study spaces and information resources.
- Science labs: Modern science laboratories for practical experiments and STEM learning.
- Music/performing arts centers: Dedicated spaces for music, drama and performance activities.
- Tech/innovation labs: Tech and ICT facilities to support coding, digital projects and innovation learning.
- Cafeteria: On-site canteen offering daily meals and healthy options.
- Updated playgrounds: Modern play and outdoor recreation spaces for break and extracurricular activities.
⸻
## 6. School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: A values-driven environment centered on respect, responsibility, resilience and inclusion.
- Leadership style: Student voice is encouraged through councils and leadership opportunities; staff foster collaborative and supportive leadership.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear code of conduct emphasizing respect, safety and responsibility, with consistent enforcement.
- Community reputation: Known for a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere where students feel supported by staff and peers.
- Diversity & inclusion: Emphasis on creating an inclusive community that respects diverse backgrounds, abilities and interests.
⸻
## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typically a school day from around 9:00 am to 3:15 pm, with variations on specific days for assemblies or excursions.
- Before/after school care: Often facilitated through external providers on-site or near-site; families should check local options and arrangements.
- Uniform requirements: Formal school uniform with a sports uniform for physical education and certain activities; specifics provided by the school.
- Transport (train/bus routes): Access via local bus routes and public transport; year-level and zone considerations may apply for bus passes.
- Canteen availability: On-site canteen or approved vendors offering daily meal options and snacks.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Being a public school, there are no tuition fees, with small voluntary contributions and charges for certain electives, activities, camps or materials as applicable.
⸻
## 8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Enrolment is managed through the NSW Department of Education process. Start by submitting the application for your child’s year level, providing required documents (birth certificate/identity, immunisation evidence, proof of guardianship/address). Timelines vary, but applications for Year 7 typically open in the year prior to entry, with decisions communicated by the school or Department of Education in accordance with published timelines. Orientation and information sessions are usually offered prior to the start of the school year.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- If the school is oversubscribed for a given intake, a waiting list may apply. Space becomes available as cohorts progress, and priority may be given based on the Department’s enrolment rules and catchment considerations. It’s best to apply early and maintain contact with the school’s administration.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- For general enrolment, there are typically no entrance tests or interviews. Some programs or electives may have special requirements or selection processes, but these are not standard for all students. Specific programs may require additional information.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are considered if there is space and capacity to accommodate the student. Families should contact the school early, provide relevant records (transcripts, immunisation details, and any program needs), and follow the school’s transfer process.
⸻
## 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A caring, inclusive environment with solid academic × support, broad extracurricular options and strong wellbeing programs. Students receive individual attention within a medium-sized school community.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who are motivated to learn in a collaborative setting, value supportive relationships with teachers, and engage in a range of sports, arts and clubs.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Strong core subjects, leadership and mentoring opportunities, VET pathways, STEM clubs, music ensembles, drama productions, sports teams, and academic competitions.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular newsletters, email updates, a parent portal/app, and parent-teacher interviews; ongoing channels for two-way communication.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Student-centered and differentiated teaching, with emphasis on literacy and numeracy, inquiry-based learning and the use of technology to support learning.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Learning support services, targeted intervention, EAL/D assistance, and referrals to school counsellors or external specialists as needed.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Access to teachers for extra help, small-group tutoring, and structured plans (where appropriate) to address gaps.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated)
- See above: newsletters, portal/app, emails, and interviews.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes typically around 20–25 students, enabling teachers to provide targeted feedback and support within class time; additional support may be available through targeted programs and tutoring.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A broad range of sports, music, drama and clubs (robotics, coding, chess, debating) with opportunities to compete regionally and to showcase talent in school productions and events.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, libraries, science laboratories, music/performing arts spaces, technology and innovation labs, a canteen, and updated outdoor facilities.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integrated ICT and digital learning across subjects, with access to computer labs and devices, and a focus on digital citizenship and responsible use.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Access via local bus routes and public transport, with parking and drop-off points designed for convenience and safety.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Public schools do not charge tuition; there are voluntary contributions and costs for electives, excursions and materials as applicable.
⸻
## 10. Short Pros & Cons
- Pros
- Inclusive, supportive school culture with a strong focus on wellbeing.
- Broad academic and extracurricular opportunities (STEM, English, arts, sports, clubs).
- Accessible, student-centered teaching with reasonable class sizes.
- Modern facilities and a vibrant school community with opportunities for leadership and collaboration.
- Cons
- Being a public school, there can be variability in program availability year to year based on staffing and enrolment.
- Transport logistics and bus routes may require planning for families depending on location.
- Some specialised programs or elective options may require additional fees or external arrangements.
⸻
