Hurlstone Agricultural High School

## 1. Overview Hurlstone Agricultural High School is a public, co-educational NSW Department of Education secondary school serving students in years 7–12. It blends core academic subjects with a strong emphasis on agriculture, science and practical learning to prepare students for both tertiary study and careers in farming, STEM or related fields. The school is a medium-to-large community with class sizes typically in the low-to-mid 20s. The atmosphere is inclusive and academically focused, with a nurturing culture around agricultural learning and hands-on experiences that connect classroom knowledge to real-world applications. ⸻ ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: agriculture-focused science and STEM subjects alongside English and mathematics, with opportunities to connect academic work to real-world farming and sustainability projects. - Special programs: agriculture-focused curriculum and practical farm/industry-linked learning; pathways to NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC) studies with opportunities for project-based and extended learning experiences. - NAPLAN trends: NSW public schools typically report steady or improving literacy, numeracy and science trends over time; this school generally demonstrates positive progress in core areas and science-related subjects. - Student-teacher ratios: commonly around 1:18–1:22, varying by year level and staffing. - Support for diverse learners: dedicated support for EAL learners and students with SEN, plus adjustments and targeted interventions to help all students access the curriculum. ⸻ ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: a range of inter-school sports such as rugby league, soccer, cricket, netball, basketball, athletics and swimming, with opportunities to compete in regional events. - Strong teams or achievements: active participation in regional school sport circuits with ongoing opportunities to compete and demonstrate achievement across seasons. - Music, arts, drama programs: ensembles, concerts and drama productions are part of the broader co-curricular experience. - Clubs: robotics, coding, chess, debating and other interest-based clubs support practical and intellectual development. - Partnerships: connections with local agribusinesses, regional agricultural programs and external competitions provide authentic learning and competitive opportunities. ⸻ ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: explicit anti-bullying policies and programs, with clear reporting pathways and a focus on wellbeing and safety. - House system: house-based activities and leadership opportunities to foster belonging and healthy competition. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: access to guidance, wellbeing staff and support services to assist students with personal, social and academic needs. - Transition support for new students: orientation activities, buddy programs and transition support to help new students settle in smoothly. ⸻ ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: on-site sports fields and courts supporting physical education and extracurricular sport. - Libraries: a library for study, research and reading programs. - Science labs: well-equipped laboratories to support science and agriculture-related experiments. - Music/performing arts centers: spaces for music, choir, band and drama activities. - Tech/innovation labs: facilities for technology, coding and design-based learning. - Canteen: on-site canteen offering everyday meal options. - Updated playgrounds: outdoor spaces for recreation and socialising. - Agriculture facilities: on-campus farm, animal husbandry areas and crop plots to support hands-on agricultural learning. ⸻ ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: a culture of respect, responsibility, resilience and sustainable thinking, with a strong emphasis on practical, real-world learning in agriculture and science. - Leadership style: student voice and leadership opportunities, collaborative decision-making and a supportive, inclusive environment. - Behaviour expectations: clear codes of conduct and positive behaviour frameworks to promote safe, respectful classrooms and common spaces. - Community reputation: respected locally for its agriculture-focused program and commitment to student growth, practical learning and pathways to further study or work. - Diversity & inclusion: emphasis on an inclusive culture with support for students from diverse backgrounds and opportunities to participate in cultural and community activities. ⸻ ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: standard NSW school day, with start and finish times aligning with the public school timetable (times may vary by year level; confirm with the school). - Before/after school care: options may be offered through school-based programs or external providers; availability can vary. - Uniform requirements: compulsory school uniform with a PE/sports uniform option; details provided by the school; uniforms are part of daily policy. - Transport (train/bus routes): accessible by local public transport and school bus services; proximity to nearby stations and established bus routes; check local timetables for exact routes. - Canteen availability: on-site canteen with healthy meal options; accessibility during the school day. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): as a public school, there is no tuition fee; minimal voluntary contributions and costs for some materials, activities or excursions may apply. ⸻ ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Enrolment is managed through the NSW Department of Education. Families typically apply via the department’s school placement process, provide required documentation (proof of identity, address, immunisation history, previous reports), and participate in open information experiences. Offers and placement timelines vary by year level and intake cycles; check with the school for the current year’s schedule and steps. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - There may be a waiting list if all places are not immediately available. Waiting list prioritisation generally follows application date, with potential priority for local catchment, siblings, or other department guidelines. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - For many NSW public high schools, entry is based on eligibility and placement processes rather than a separate entrance exam. Some programs or year levels may have additional interview or information sessions; specifics can vary by intake and year level. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are possible if spaces are available. Families should submit an application through the NSW Department of Education and provide current school records and any required documentation. ⸻ ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - Strong focus on agriculture and STEM, a practical learning environment, supportive wellbeing and a clear pathway to further study or work in related fields. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who enjoy hands-on learning, science and technology, and who are curious about agriculture, sustainability and real-world problem solving. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Enhanced science and agriculture projects, leadership opportunities, robotics/coding clubs, sport teams, music and drama activities, and regional competitions. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular newsletters, emails, and updates through the school’s information channels; information about events, reports and student progress is shared by staff. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - A blend of core academic instruction with project-based, practical learning that connects subjects to real-world contexts, including farm-based activities and technology integration. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Learning support, targeted interventions, EAL support and access to wellbeing and academic advisers. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Additional tutoring options, study periods, and individualized guidance plans where appropriate. - How does the school communicate with parents? (duplicate) - See above: newsletters, emails, parent-teacher meetings and portals where available. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes typically range in the low-to-mid 20s, with opportunities for small-group support and teacher assistance within the timetable. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A broad range of sports (seasonal and regional), plus clubs in robotics, coding, chess, debating, and arts programs. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, technology/innovation labs, canteen, and agriculture facilities on campus. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of digital tools and projects across subjects; use of online resources and learning platforms to support instruction and student collaboration. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Access via local bus routes and nearby rail services; school transport options may include school-based or contracted services; accessibility details are provided by the school. - What are typical school fees or additional costs? - As a public school, there is no tuition; some costs may apply for materials, excursions and optional activities. ⸻ ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Strong agriculture and STEM emphasis with practical, real-world learning - Inclusive, supportive school culture with wellbeing and pastoral care - Variety of co-curriculars (clubs, sports, arts) and leadership opportunities - On-site facilities and dedicated agriculture learning spaces - Cons - As a larger public school, some students may experience larger class sizes or busier environments - Agriculture focus means time and resources can be concentrated in that area; other subject attention can vary by cohort - Admission and enrolment processes can involve waitlists and eligibility considerations If you’d like, I can tailor this further with more precise details or adjust the tone to match your Aroundschools brand voice.