## 1. Overview
Kings Meadows High School is a public, co-educational secondary school serving Years 7–12 in Launceston, Tasmania. It is a medium-sized Tasmanian government secondary school with typical class sizes in the low-20s, offering a welcoming local community where students can grow academically and personally.
The atmosphere is inclusive and supportive, with a strong emphasis on wellbeing and pathways to tertiary study, Vocational Education and Training (VET), or apprenticeships. The school balances academic achievement with sport and the arts, encouraging wide participation and developing well-rounded, capable young people.
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## 2. Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: The school provides solid English and Mathematics programs, a robust Science/STEM offering, and opportunities to develop leadership and communication skills. Languages and social sciences are part of the elective range to broaden student literacy and global awareness.
- Special programs: Opportunities exist for VET/TAFE pathways, and there are avenues for accelerated learning and gifted/talented programs where available, supporting students who seek extended challenges or practical qualifications.
- NAPLAN trends: Tasmanian schools, including Kings Meadows, have shown steady progress in NAPLAN over recent years with targeted literacy and numeracy initiatives helping students build foundational skills and confidence.
- Student-teacher ratios: Class and teaching staff work to maintain a supportive learning environment, with typical ratios in the mid-teens to low-twenties per classroom depending on year level and subject.
- Support for diverse learners: There is targeted support for English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners and students with additional learning needs (SEN), along with inclusive education practices to ensure access to learning for all students.
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## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: Basketball, netball, football (soccer), cricket, athletics, swimming, cross-country and other school-level competitive activities.
- Strong teams or achievements: The school fields competitive teams in key sports and regularly participates in local and regional events, with notable performance in several disciplines across the year.
- Music, arts, drama programs: A vibrant music program and drama productions provide opportunities for performance, ensembles, and creative expression.
- Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other interest-based clubs run throughout the year to develop skills beyond the classroom.
- Partnerships: The school engages with local clubs, community organizations, and regional competitions to extend opportunities in sport, STEM, and the arts.
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## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: The school maintains a clear anti-bullying policy and a positive behavior framework designed to foster respectful interactions and a safe learning environment.
- House system: A house or pastoral grouping structure supports belonging, teamwork, and regular wellbeing activities, contributing to student connectedness.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school counselors and wellbeing staff helps students with personal, social, and emotional support.
- Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems, and targeted transition activities assist new students as they settle into school life.
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## 5. Facilities
- Sports grounds
- Libraries
- Science labs
- Music/performing arts centers
- Tech/innovation labs
- Cafeteria
- Updated playgrounds
The campus is designed to be visual and student-friendly, supporting practical learning across sciences, technology, arts, and physical education.
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## 6. School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: A focus on respect, responsibility, excellence, and inclusion underpins daily life and student expectations.
- Leadership style: Leadership is collaborative and student-inclusive, with staff and students working together to set goals and model positive behavior.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct emphasize respectful, safe, and responsible participation in all school activities.
- Community reputation: The school is recognized for a welcoming community, robust pastoral care, and steady academic and co-curricular offerings.
- Diversity & inclusion: Diversity is valued, with inclusive practices and supports in place to ensure all students can participate and succeed.
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## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typical day runs from morning to mid-afternoon (commonly around 8:45 am to 3:15 pm; exact times may vary by year level and timetable).
- Before/after school care: Options are available through school-approved providers or programs run on-site or nearby to support families.
- Uniform requirements: A compulsory school uniform is in place, with guidelines communicated by the school.
- Transport: Bus routes serve the area; families may use public transport or school-arranged transport options where available.
- Canteen availability: An on-site canteen provides meals and snacks.
- Fees: As a public school, base tuition is free, with optional or subject-specific costs such as certain activities, excursions, or uniform costs that fall into low to moderate ranges.
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## 8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Enrolment is typically handled through the Tasmanian Department of Education process. For Year 7 entry, applications are usually submitted in the year prior to starting, with information sessions and documentation (proof of identity, address, immunisation status, etc.). Offers are issued based on availability and placement policies, with notification timelines provided by the school.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- If year-level vacancies are limited, applicants may be placed on a waiting list. Priorities often include catchment eligibility, sibling placement, and availability of places. The school will provide updates and guidance on next steps if offered a place from the waiting list.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Generally, public high schools in Tasmania do not require entrance exams. Some schools may conduct orientation activities or meetings to support transition, but formal testing is not typically part of Year 7 admissions. The process focuses on eligibility, documentation, and place availability.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are considered if there are vacant places and in-boundary eligibility is met. Parents should contact the school early to discuss capacity, transfer requirements, and the timeline for mid-year moves.
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## 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
Kings Meadows High School offers a balanced approach with strong academics, a wide range of extra-curriculars, and a supportive wellbeing framework within a welcoming community.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
Students who engage across academics, sports, arts, and clubs, and who value a collaborative, inclusive culture tend to thrive here.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
There are pathways in STEM, English and languages, VET/TAFE options, leadership experiences, competitive sports teams, music and drama programs, and clubs such as robotics, coding, and debating.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
Communication channels typically include newsletters, email updates, school app or portal, parent-teacher interviews, and scheduled information evenings.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
The school emphasizes student-centered learning, differentiated instruction, and the use of technology to support engagement and understanding.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
Support includes targeted literacy and numeracy programs, EAL and SEN support, tutoring or learning support staff, and access to guidance counselors.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
In addition to in-class supports, students can access learning support staff, mentoring, and intervention programs to help address specific gaps.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
(See above: newsletters, app/portal, emails, and interviews.)
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
Class sizes are in the low-to-mid-20s range, with teacher support available through class time and targeted extension or assistance during advisory periods or study sessions.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
A broad suite of sports, music, drama, robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other clubs are available to participants across interests and skill levels.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
Facilities include sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, a cafeteria, and updated playgrounds.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
The school integrates digital tools and devices to support learning, with computer labs, interactive learning platforms, and opportunities for students to engage with technology across subjects.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
Bus routes and public transport options service the area, with accessibility considerations and parking available for families.
- What are typical school fees or additional costs?
Public schooling is funded to minimize fees, with costs mainly arising from uniforms, excursions, and optional activities. Details are provided at enrollment.
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## 10. Short Pros & Cons
Pros
- Public, inclusive environment with a supportive wellbeing framework
- Broad academic and extracurricular offerings (STEM, arts, sports, clubs)
- Strong sense of community and student leadership opportunities
- Accessible facilities across sciences, technology, and arts
- Flexible pathways including VET/TAFE options
Cons
- As a medium-sized public school, some programs may have limited capacity during peak intake periods
- Uniforms and some activity costs can add to family expenses
- Mid-year transfers depend on vacancies and placement availability
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