1. Overview
Devonport High School is a public, co-educational secondary school serving students in Devonport, Tasmania. It offers a broad Australian Curriculum program with Years 7–12 transitions and a focus on developing confident, capable young people who contribute to their community. The school is mid-sized, with class sizes typically around 20–25 students, and a culture that is inclusive, supportive, and balanced between academic achievement and personal development.
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2. Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: The school emphasizes strong literacy and numeracy foundations, with solid programs across STEM, English, humanities, and languages. There is a clear focus on developing critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Special programs: There are opportunities for gifted and talented pathways, extension activities, and VET/industry-linked options to broaden post-school pathways.
- NAPLAN trends: Over recent years, the school has shown stable performance with constructive progress in several year levels, reflecting continued focus on literacy, numeracy, and targeted supports.
- Student-teacher ratios: Typical class sizes and teacher allocations provide approachable contact with staff, with opportunities for small-group support and targeted assistance.
- Support for diverse learners: The school provides EAL support, SEN services, learning support programs, and accommodations to help diverse learners participate fully.
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3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: Basketball, netball, soccer/football, cricket, athletics, swimming, tennis, and other school-wide sports programs.
- Strong teams or achievements: Competitive representation in regional competitions with ongoing talent development and school-wide sports participation.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Active music ensembles, choirs, drama and performing arts opportunities, and showcases throughout the year.
- Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other interest clubs support a wide range of student passions.
- Partnerships: Connections with local clubs, community organizations, and regional competitions provide additional opportunities for skill development and competition.
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4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: A proactive, school-wide anti-bullying policy with wellbeing programs and clear reporting processes.
- House system: A house-based framework to build belonging, competition, and peer support across year levels.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school counsellors and wellbeing staff to support mental health, stress management, and personal development.
- Transition support for new students: Orientation activities, buddy programs, and targeted transition support to help new students settle in smoothly.
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5. Facilities
- Sports grounds: On-site sports facilities suitable for PE, training, and inter-school competitions.
- Libraries: A library with resources to support study, research, and reading for pleasure.
- Science labs: Well-equipped science laboratories for practical experiments and investigations.
- Music/performing arts centers: Space for ensemble rehearsals, drama production, and performing arts activities.
- Tech/innovation labs: Dedicated spaces for STEM, digital projects, and practical innovation work.
- Cafeteria: On-site canteen or food service for students.
- Updated playgrounds: Outdoor spaces for break times and physical activity.
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6. School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: A values-based culture focused on respect, responsibility, resilience, and inclusion, with emphasis on student voice and leadership.
- Leadership style: Participative and collaborative, encouraging student leadership and constructive feedback from staff.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear behavioural expectations aligned with positive conduct, consistent routines, and restorative approaches.
- Community reputation: Known for a welcoming校园 environment and strong connections with families and the broader Devonport community.
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to inclusive practices and supporting students from diverse backgrounds.
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7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Regular school day structure with start and finish times typical for Tasmanian high schools.
- Before/after school care: Availability of supervised activities or care options around school hours.
- Uniform requirements: Standard school uniform policy with guidance on acceptable attire and accessories.
- Transport (bus routes): Access to local bus services and school transport options relevant to Devonport and surrounding areas.
- Canteen availability: On-site canteen or lunch facilities for students.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Public school charges exist for certain activities and materials; overall costs are generally moderate, with government funding to cover core education.
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8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Enrolment is managed through the Tasmanian Department of Education processes. Families typically apply for Year 7 intake in the appropriate admission window, with timelines published by the department. Applications may require supporting documentation such as proof of identity, residence, and any special needs information. Acceptance depends on space, catchment eligibility, and program availability. Parents should check the latest Department guidance for timelines and required steps.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Waiting lists can occur where demand exceeds available places. If a waiting list is in effect, it is usually managed by the school in coordination with the Department of Education, with priority given to in-catchment students and then by date of application or program availability. Space availability and placement decisions are ultimately guided by policy.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- For most public high school entries, there are no entrance exams. Some programs or specialty tracks may involve information sessions or a brief interview to assess fit or catchment considerations. The primary admission factor remains space availability and eligibility within the catchment rules.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are possible when space permits and enrolment conditions are met. Families seeking a mid-year move should contact the school early to discuss availability, timetable alignment, and any required documentation.
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9. Frequently Ask Questions
- “Why Parents Choose This School?”
Parents often choose Devonport High School for its public, supportive environment, solid academics, balanced focus on wellbeing and co-curricular opportunities, and convenient Tasmanian location with strong community links.
- “What type of student thrives at this school?”
Students who engage with both academics and extracurricular activities, value teamwork and resilience, and seek a supportive, inclusive learning community tend to thrive here.
- “What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?”
Students can engage in advanced literacy/numeracy supports, gifted and talented pathways, VET/industry-linked options, STEM and coding clubs, debate, music and drama programs, and a broad range of sports and clubs.
- “How does the school communicate with parents?”
Regular newsletters, emails, parent portals, information evenings, and annual reports are used to keep families informed and engaged.
- “What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?”
The school follows the Australian Curriculum with emphasis on literacy and numeracy, differentiation to meet diverse needs, inquiry-based learning, and integration of technology to support student growth.
- “How does the school support students who need extra academic help?”
Targeted learning support, tutoring, SEN services, EAL support, and small-group sessions help students who require additional assistance.
- “What support is available for academic challenges?”
Access to learning support staff, academic tutoring programs, and tailored adjustments for assessments to help students address challenges.
- “What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?”
Class sizes typically range around 20–25 students, with teachers providing guidance, feedback, and opportunities for one-on-one or small-group support as needed.
- “What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?”
A wide range of sports (basketball, netball, soccer, cricket, athletics, swimming, tennis), clubs (robotics, chess, coding, debating), and arts programs (music, drama) are available, with opportunities to compete and perform.
- “What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?”
Modern facilities include sports grounds, a library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, a cafeteria, and well-maintained outdoor spaces.
- “What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?”
Comprehensive ICT integration with digital learning tools, computer labs, and appropriate classroom technology to support learning; guidance on safe, responsible use.
- “What transport and accessibility options are available?”
Local bus routes and school transport options serve students across the region, with accessible facilities for students with additional needs where applicable.
- “What are the typical school fees or additional costs?”
Core public education is funded by the government; additional costs may include uniform items, some subject levies, and approved activities, with costs generally modest and predictable.
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10. Short Pros & Cons list
Pros
- Public, inclusive, family-friendly environment with strong wellbeing supports.
- Balanced focus on academics and co-curricular opportunities (sports, arts, clubs).
- Moderate class sizes that support teacher attention and student participation.
- Clear communication channels with families and active community connections.
- Range of facilities to support science, technology, arts, and sports.
Cons
- As a mid-sized public school, there may be fewer niche or specialty programs than some larger urban schools.
- Waiting lists can occur in high-demand intake years or for specific programs.
- Transportation times can vary for families living farther from the campus.
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