Kadina High School

## 1. Overview Kadina High School is a public high school serving families in the local NSW community. It offers a comprehensive curriculum and a broad range of co-curricular opportunities to support student growth. As a medium-sized school, it aims to provide a welcoming, inclusive environment where students can pursue academic goals while engaging in sport, the arts, and leadership opportunities. - School type: Public - School size: Medium - Class size: Approximately 22–25 students - Atmosphere/culture: Inclusive, supportive, diverse, with a focus on wellbeing and participation in sport and the arts --- ## 2. Academics & Learning Kadina High School delivers a broad NSW curriculum with emphasis on strong literacy and numeracy, STEM, and creative arts. The school supports varied learning needs and offers pathways that help students prepare for further study or work. - Academic strengths: English, STEM, and the arts; emphasis on literacy and numeracy across year levels - Special programs: Gifted and Talented programs where offered; accelerated learning options; Vocational Education and Training (VET) pathways; leadership and mentoring opportunities - NAPLAN / trends: Trends typically show steady improvements in reading and writing with stable or improving performance in other areas; year-to-year variation is common across cohorts - Student-teacher ratios: About 1:18 to 1:22, depending on year level and subject - Support for diverse learners: EAL support; individual learning plans; Learning Support Team; dedicated SEN support and inclusive education practices --- ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths A strong area for many families, Kadina High School provides a broad range of sport and clubs to engage students aged 10–14 and beyond. - Sports offered: Football codes (soccer, rugby codes), netball, basketball, cricket, athletics, swimming, and general fitness programs - Strong teams or achievements: Competitive participation in district and regional competitions; success varies by year and cohort - Music, arts, drama programs: School bands and choirs, drama productions, and opportunities in music and performing arts - Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other STEM- and humanities-focused clubs - Partnerships: Local clubs and regional competitions partnerships, including community and sporting bodies --- ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care Kadina High School places student wellbeing at the center of daily life, with structures to support positive school culture and safe transitions for all students. - Anti-bullying approach: Whole-school policies, clear behavior codes, and active student wellbeing initiatives - House system: House-based pastoral care structure to promote belonging and healthy competition - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school counsellors and wellbeing staff for personal, social, and academic support - Transition support for new students: Orientation activities, buddy programs, and targeted transition support for newcomers --- ## 5. Facilities Facilities information is designed to be visually easy to scan and understand. - Sports grounds - Libraries - Science labs - Music / performing arts centers - Tech / innovation labs - Cafeteria - Updated playgrounds --- ## 6. School Values & Community Culture Kadina High School aims to cultivate a respectful and inclusive community with clear expectations and a positive culture. - School values / mission: Respect, responsibility, inclusion, and striving for excellence - Leadership style: Collaborative with student voice and opportunities for leadership roles - Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct and positive behaviour for learning - Community reputation: Supportive local network with strong family and alumni engagement - Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to inclusion for students from diverse backgrounds and with different needs --- ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations Practical information to help families plan and understand daily routines. - School hours: Typical day runs from morning to afternoon with standard hours; occasional early departures or late starts for activities - Before/after school care: Availability may be via OSHC or community providers; check local options - Uniform requirements: School uniform policy with logoed items; standard expectations for dress and presentation - Transport (train/bus routes): NSW public transport options and school bus routes may be available; check local timetables - Canteen availability: On-site canteen or food service with healthy options - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Public high schools have no tuition; incidental costs may include uniforms, excursion fees, and contributions toward activities or resources --- ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Begin with the NSW Department of Education enrolment process for non-selective entry. Submit the required enrolment form and supporting documents (proof of residence, birth certificate, and school records). Timelines vary by year level and availability; best to check with the school as early as possible. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - There may be a waiting list if cohorts are full. Allocation is typically based on catchment rules, with priority given to local residents; out-of-catchment placements depend on vacancies and policies. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - For non-selective entry, usually no entry tests or interviews. Some selective or specialized programs may require assessments or interviews. Transcripts and prior results can be requested as part of the process. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are possible if vacancies exist. Families should contact the school, prepare current transcripts and documents, and complete the enrolment forms as soon as possible. --- ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A supportive, inclusive environment with a broad curriculum, strong wellbeing focus, and ample co-curricular options. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Curious, motivated students who value community, participation in activities, and a balanced approach to academics and wellbeing. - What opportunities are available to extend skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Gifted & Talented programs, accelerated learning where offered, VET pathways, STEM and arts clubs, sports teams, and performing arts opportunities. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Through email, the school website or app, newsletters, notices, and scheduled parent-teacher meetings; ongoing progress updates are provided. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Student-centered with differentiation, inquiry-based learning, and assessment for learning to support growth and mastery. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Learning Support Team, targeted interventions, EAL support, and access to counsellors or learning support staff. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Individual learning plans, tutoring or study support programs, and referrals to specialist staff as needed. - How does the school communicate with parents? (repeated) - See above: multiple channels including digital platforms, newsletters, and meetings. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes typically around 22–25, with teacher focus on differentiation and targeted support where needed. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A wide range of sports, clubs in robotics, chess, coding and debating, music and arts programs, and community partnerships. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, well-equipped libraries, science labs, performing arts spaces, technology labs, and a canteen. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of ICT in learning, digital platforms for coursework and communication, and opportunities for students to engage with technology across subjects. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Local bus routes and public transport connections; facilities to support accessibility and mobility as needed. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - There are no tuition fees for public high schools; there may be costs for uniforms, excursions, and certain activities or materials. --- ## 10. Short Pros & Cons - Pros - Public, approachable environment with strong wellbeing support - Moderate class sizes enabling some individual attention - Broad curriculum with academics, arts, and sports - Wide range of co-curricular clubs and activities - Active community and family engagement - Cons - As a mid-sized public school, resources are shared across programs and cohorts - Availability of some programs can vary by year or cohort - Waiting lists can occur for oversubscribed year levels or catchments - Extracurricular costs (uniforms, trips) may add up for families