Overview
Harvey Senior High School is a public, co-educational secondary school serving students in the Harvey region. The school focuses on a supportive, inclusive community with medium-sized enrolments and class sizes typically in the mid-20s, enabling strong teacher-student engagement and personalised support. The atmosphere balances academic ambition with a caring, community-driven culture that values wellbeing, participation, and a sense of belonging.
As a public school, Harvey SHS aims to provide broad learning opportunities across core subjects, practical pathways, and whole-child development, encouraging students to explore interests, develop resilience, and contribute to the local community.
Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: Core literacy and numeracy, strong programs in STEM and English, and opportunities for leadership through student roles and clubs.
- Special programs: VET pathways, accelerated learning options where available, and Gifted & Talented opportunities to challenge capable students.
- Support for diverse learners: EAL support, learning support staff, SEN assistance, and access to counselling and targeted intervention programs.
- Sports offered: Football (soccer and/or AFL), netball, basketball, cricket, athletics, swimming, and other regional options.
- Strong teams or achievements: Competitive regional representation with opportunities to participate in inter-school and district competitions.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Active music program, school productions, and opportunities to engage in performing and visual arts.
- Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other interest-based clubs to develop skills beyond the classroom.
- Partnerships: Connections with local clubs, regional academies, and community competitions to broaden experiences outside school hours.
Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policies, student-led initiatives, and digital citizenship programs to promote respectful online and offline behaviour.
- House system: House-based activities and competitions to foster belonging and healthy peer relationships.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: On-site wellbeing team, including counsellors or wellbeing staff to support students’ emotional and social needs.
- Transition support: Buddy programs, orientation activities for new students, and targeted support to help families settle into the school community.
Facilities
- Sports grounds: Spacious outdoor fields and courts for a range of sports.
- Libraries: Well-stocked library with study spaces and digital resources.
- Science labs: Modern laboratories for biology, chemistry, and physics practicals.
- Music/performing arts centers: Facilities for music ensembles, drama, and performances.
- Tech/innovation labs: Computing spaces and maker areas to support coding, robotics, and innovation projects.
- Cafeteria: On-site canteen offering a variety of lunch options.
- Updated playgrounds: Safe, maintained outdoor spaces for recreation and breaks.
- School values / mission: Focus on respect, resilience, inclusion, and active citizenship.
- Leadership style: Collaborative and distributed leadership that involves students, staff, and families in decision-making.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct and positive behaviour support to foster a respectful learning environment.
- Community reputation: Known for a supportive, family-friendly atmosphere with active family and community involvement.
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to welcoming students from diverse backgrounds and ensuring accessible learning for all.
School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typically start around 8:30am and finish mid-to-late afternoon; exact times may vary by year level.
- Before/after school care: Availability varies; check with administration for options.
- Uniform requirements: School uniform expected; details provided by the school and uniform shop.
- Transport (train/bus routes): Bus services and local transport options available; timetables coordinated with regional schedules.
- Canteen availability: Canteen or food service operating during school day.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): As a public school, standard tuition is not charged; there may be voluntary contributions and activity fees for specific programs.
Enrolment & Admissions
- What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Begin by confirming catchment eligibility and reviewing available programs. Submit an application through the appropriate WA Department of Education intake process and Schools Online. Provide required documents (proof of residency, birth certificate or passport, immunisation records). After submission, wait for offers and enrolment instructions, which are typically communicated within the planned intake cycle. Orientation or enrolment days may be scheduled before the start of the school year.
- Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Waiting lists may operate if year levels reach capacity. Places are offered based on catchment eligibility, order of receipt, and availability. If you are on a wait list, you’ll be contacted as vacancies arise, and you may be asked to provide updated information or confirm continued interest.
- Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- General enrolment does not require entrance tests. Some selective or specialist programs (if offered) may require interviews, auditions, or additional information. You’ll typically need to provide standard documentation (ID, proof of residency, immunisation status). Some programs may have specific intake criteria.
- Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Yes, subject to place availability. If you are transferring mid-year, contact the school early to discuss space and the transfer process. You’ll usually need to supply recent transcripts, immunisation records, and a transfer letter from your previous school.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A supportive, inclusive community with a balanced focus on academics, wellbeing, and broad extracurricular options. Strong local connections and accessible staff help families feel connected and informed.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who value a collaborative learning environment, participate in a range of clubs and sports, and seek both solid core academics and practical pathways.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Accreditation pathways in STEM and literacy, VET options, leadership roles, music and drama programs, sports teams, and clubs such as robotics, coding, and debating.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular updates through newsletters, emails, the school portal or app, parent-teacher interviews, and information evenings. The school aims for clear, timely communication about academics, wellbeing, and events.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- A mix of traditional instruction and student-centred learning, with a focus on literacy and numeracy, critical thinking, and applying knowledge to real-world contexts. Support is available for diverse learners.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted literacy and numeracy support, small-group or one-on-one tutoring, in-class differentiation, and access to SEN staff, counselling, and learning support programs.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Individualised planning, learning supports, referrals to specialist services, and proactive communication with families to set goals and monitor progress.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (duplicate)
- See above: newsletters, portal/app updates, emails, and parent-teacher engagements to keep families informed.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A range of sports (team and individual), music and arts programs, and clubs such as robotics, chess, coding, and debating.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Well-equipped sports grounds, libraries, science laboratories, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, a canteen, and maintained outdoor spaces.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of technology in learning, access to digital resources, and a focus on digital citizenship and responsible use of technology.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Regional bus services and local transport routes with accommodations for students, plus safety-focused access to campus facilities.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Public schools in WA do not charge tuition; there may be voluntary contributions and fees for materials, excursions, and specific programs.
Short Pros & Cons list
- Public, community-focused environment with strong wellbeing supports
- Broad curriculum with pathways in STEM, English, and practical studies
- Wide range of extracurriculars (sports, arts, clubs)
- Active community partnerships and local opportunities
- May have fewer specialty programs than larger metro schools
- Transport times can vary for regional families
- Availability of some elective subjects may depend on staffing and enrolment numbers
- Mid-year transfers depend on space and program placement
