## 1. Overview
Ferny Grove State High School is a public, co-educational secondary school serving the Ferny Grove community in Brisbane, Queensland. As a medium-to-large public high school, it supports a diverse student body with a focus on academic achievement, sport, and the arts within a caring, inclusive culture.
The school typically features classroom sizes in the low–to–mid 20s and maintains an atmosphere that is welcoming, supportive, and practice-driven. Students are encouraged to participate in a broad range of activities, helping to balance strong academics with community spirit and personal development.
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## 2. Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: The school emphasises core literacy and numeracy, with strengths in STEM and English, plus leadership development and opportunities to study additional languages where offered.
- Special programs: Gifted and Talented pathways, accelerated learning options where available, and vocational education and training (VET) pathways to give students practical skills alongside traditional subjects.
- NAPLAN trends: Over recent years, trends have shown steady performance with some year-to-year variation; results typically align with state averages and regional peers, with incremental improvements in key literacy and numeracy areas.
- Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes generally sit in the mid-20s, with teacher-to-student ratios that support effective instruction and targeted support in different subjects.
- Support for diverse learners: Strong support for diverse learners including English as an Additional Language (EAL) students, students with special educational needs (SEN), and targeted learning support programs.
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## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: Athletics, cricket, basketball, football codes (e.g., rugby league, soccer), netball, tennis, swimming, and more through school programs and inter-school fixtures.
- Strong teams or achievements: School teams regularly compete in local and regional competitions; some teams achieve district or state-level recognition through Queensland School Sport pathways.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Active music ensembles, choirs, and drama productions; opportunities to participate in performing arts events and related productions.
- Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, science and maths clubs, and other interest-based groups to broaden student skills outside the classroom.
- Partnerships: Partnerships with local community clubs and competitions, which provide additional opportunities for skill development and competition.
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## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policies and proactive safety programs aimed at creating a respectful, inclusive environment.
- House system: A house-based structure for pastoral activities, mentoring, and intra-school competitions to foster belonging and healthy competition.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to guidance counsellors and wellbeing staff to support academic, emotional, and social wellbeing.
- Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems, and transition assistance to help new students settle in smoothly.
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## 5. Facilities
- Sports grounds: On-site sports facilities supporting a range of codes and physical education activities.
- Libraries: A library equipped for study, research, and quiet reading, along with study spaces for collaborative work.
- Science labs: Well-equipped science laboratories for practical experiments across disciplines.
- Music/performing arts centers: Facilities for music ensembles, rehearsals, and drama productions.
- Tech/innovation labs: Spaces for technology, design, coding, and innovation projects.
- Cafeteria: On-site canteen or dining facilities serving a variety of food options.
- Updated playgrounds: Outdoor spaces and play areas designed to support break times and activity.
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## 6. School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: A focus on respect, responsibility, integrity, excellence, and community involvement.
- Leadership style: Collaborative leadership with student input through elected or representative student bodies and leadership opportunities.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear expectations around respectful behaviour, responsibility, and active participation in school life.
- Community reputation: Known for an inclusive culture that supports a broad range of student interests and achievements.
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to diversity and inclusive practices, ensuring all students feel valued and supported.
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## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typical day starts in the morning and ends mid-afternoon, with routines aligned to Queensland school timetables.
- Before/after school care: Availability varies; families should check with the school for current arrangements or partner programs in the community.
- Uniform requirements: Official school uniform with guidelines on daily wear and approved items; information is provided to families upon enrolment.
- Transport (train/bus routes): Access to public transport options is practical for many families, including proximity to local bus routes and train services; school maps and travel guides are available on request.
- Canteen availability: On-site canteen or food service options are available to students.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Queensland state high schools rely on government funding with voluntary contributions; additional costs may include uniforms, excursions, and certain materials dependent on subject choices.
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## 8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Check catchment requirements and eligibility.
- Prepare required documents (proof of identity, residency, immunisation, school reports).
- Submit the enrolment form by the school’s stated timeline.
- Complete any program-specific steps (if applying to a specialty stream) and attend orientation/transition activities.
- Receive confirmation of enrolment and start date, with relevant information provided prior to the new term.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Waiting lists may apply if the school is oversubscribed. In-catchment applicants generally receive priority.
- Out-of-catchment applications may be considered if vacancies are available, subject to the school’s policy and approval processes.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- For most general enrolments, there are no entrance exams. Some specialty programs or pathways may involve information gathering or brief assessments/interviews as part of the selection process.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Yes, mid-year transfers can be accommodated provided there are vacancies and all required paperwork is completed promptly. Availability may depend on current class sizes and subject demand.
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## 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A public, community-focused environment with a balance of strong academics, wellbeing, and broad extracurricular opportunities, supported by experienced staff and inclusive practices.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who are motivated, collaborative, and interested in engaging across academics, sport, arts, and clubs; those who value a supportive, community-oriented school culture.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Academic extensions and VET pathways; competitive sports teams; performing arts productions; a range of clubs including robotics, coding, debating, and more.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Through newsletters, emails, a student information portal, parent-teacher meetings, and regular updates about events and student progress.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Student-centred, evidence-based teaching that emphasises critical thinking, collaboration, and use of modern learning spaces and digital resources.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted learning support, SEN services, EAL assistance, tutoring options, and access to counsellors and learning support staff.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Additional tutoring or small-group interventions, progress reviews with teachers and support staff, and referral to guidance or learning support teams as needed.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (duplicate)
- See above: newsletters, emails, portals, meetings, and reminders.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes are typically in the mid-20s, with additional assistance available through teacher support, learning staff, and targeted interventions as needed.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A broad range of sports, arts, and clubs including robotics, chess, coding, debating, music ensembles, drama, and student leadership activities.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Modern sports grounds, well-equipped science labs, libraries, performing arts spaces, technology and innovation labs, a canteen, and functional outdoor spaces.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of digital resources and technology in teaching, with access to IT infrastructure and online learning platforms to support classroom learning.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Proximity to public transport options (bus and train), with information provided to families about routes and accessibility; facilities are designed to be accessible.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Public schools have government funding with voluntary contributions; additional costs include uniforms, excursions, and subject-related materials, varying by student choice.
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## 10. Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Public, inclusive school with broad academic and extra-curricular offerings
- Strong focus on wellbeing and a supportive pastoral care framework
- Wide range of sports, arts, clubs, and leadership opportunities
- Modern facilities across science, technology, arts, and libraries
- Clear communication with families and active community engagement
- Cons
- Larger schools can mean busier periods and busier campuses during peak times
- Some programs or pathways may have limited availability depending on demand and capacity
- Out-of-area families may face waitlists or reliance on transport arrangements for attendance
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