# 1. Overview
Lanyon High School is a public, co-educational high school serving families in Conder and surrounding ACT communities. It offers a comprehensive Australian Curriculum-based education with a focus on developing academically capable, well-rounded students who contribute to the school and broader community. The school fosters an inclusive, supportive culture where students are encouraged to strive for personal best across academics, arts, sport, and leadership.
- School type: Public
- School size: Medium
- Class size: Approximately 20–25 students
- Atmosphere/culture: Inclusive, nurturing, academically focused with strong emphasis on student growth and community involvement
# 2. Academics & Learning
Lanyon High School provides a broad curriculum designed to build foundational skills and encourage higher-level thinking across key learning areas.
- Academic strengths: Strengths typically include English and STEM subjects, with emphasis on literacy and numeracy development, critical thinking, and problem solving. Leadership and student agency are encouraged through structured programs.
- Special programs: Gifted & Talented pathways, leadership development opportunities, and Vocational Education and Training (VET) options are commonly available. Support programs for English as an Additional Language (EAL) and students with diverse learning needs are in place.
- NAPLAN trends: Longitudinal data generally show stable to improving performance in reading and numeracy with ongoing focus on writing and communication skills.
- Student-teacher ratios: Around 1:18–1:25 (typical for a medium-sized public high school in the ACT).
- Support for diverse learners: Robust support for EAL and SEN, with dedicated wellbeing and learning support staff to aid inclusive education and individualized planning.
# 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
The school supports a strong mix of sport, arts, and clubs to engage students beyond the classroom.
- Sports offered: A range of team and individual sports typical of ACT high schools (e.g., soccer, basketball, rugby, cricket, athletics) with participation in local and district competitions.
- Strong teams or achievements: Active participation in school sport programs and opportunities to compete in district leagues and events.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Ensemble groups, choir, concert band, theatre and drama activities, and regular performing arts opportunities.
- Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other student-led clubs are available to foster interests and skills.
- Partnerships: Local community partnerships and school-level competitions with external clubs and associations to broaden opportunities in sport, tech, and the arts.
# 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
Wellbeing and pastoral care are central to the student experience, helping learners feel safe, supported, and able to focus on growth.
- Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policies and proactive programs to promote respectful, inclusive behavior.
- House system: A house-based structure to support pastoral care, sense of belonging, and healthy competition.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school counsellors and wellbeing staff to support social-emotional needs, mental health, and transition planning.
- Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems, and targeted supports to ease transitions into the school.
# 5. Facilities
Facilities are designed to support a diverse range of learning and activities, with spaces that are both functional and engaging.
- Sports grounds: On-site sports fields and courts for PE and inter-school activities.
- Libraries: A well-equipped library with study spaces and resources for research and reading.
- Science labs: Modern science laboratories supporting hands-on experiments and inquiry-based learning.
- Music/performing arts centers: Performing arts spaces and music facilities for ensembles and productions.
- Tech/innovation labs: Dedicated technology and innovation spaces for coding, robotics, and STEM projects.
- Cafeteria: On-site canteen or café-style service supporting student meals and breaks.
- Updated playgrounds: Well-maintained outdoor spaces for recreation and social activity.
# 6. School Values & Community Culture
The school aims to cultivate respectful, responsible, and resilient students who contribute positively to school and community life.
- School values / mission: Core values typically include respect, responsibility, integrity, and striving for excellence.
- Leadership style: Collaborative and student-centred, with opportunities for student voice in committees and leadership roles.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct emphasizing respect, safety, and inclusion.
- Community reputation: Recognised as a supportive, community-minded public school within the ACT education sector.
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to equity and inclusion, creating opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to succeed.
# 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
Practical daily operations help families plan around school life.
- School hours: Regular school day typically from morning to afternoon (hours may vary by year level and timetable).
- Before/after school care: Availability of after-school care options through school programs or approved providers.
- Uniform requirements: School uniform policy in place, with expected attire during school hours and events.
- Transport (bus routes): Access to public transport routes and school-specific bus arrangements to support commuting students.
- Canteen availability: Canteen or food service on site for meals and snacks.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Public high schools generally have modest annual levies or fees for activities and resources; specifics vary by program.
# 8. Enrolment & Admissions
Information about enrolling and joining the school.
- 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Enrolment is managed through the ACT Education Directorate with school-level coordination. Submit the required documents by the stated intake periods; timelines vary by year and program. Check the school’s information sessions and the Directorate’s portal for deadlines.
- 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- If applications exceed available places, a waiting list may be used. Offers are typically made based on order of eligibility and date of application, with priority given to ACT resident students and existing siblings where applicable.
- 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Generally, there are no entrance exams for standard enrolment; some selective programs or VET pathways may require additional information, interviews, or suitability checks. Information sessions help families understand requirements.
- 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are possible depending on space and program availability. Parents should contact the school office to discuss feasibility, required documents (transcripts, care plans if applicable), and placement timelines.
# 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- Public school with balanced academics, supportive wellbeing, and broad extracurricular options that foster growth and community belonging.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who are collaborative, curious, and motivated to build skills across academics, arts, sport, and leadership; those who value a supportive, inclusive learning environment.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Access to STEM programs, leadership opportunities, VET pathways, arts ensembles, sports teams, robotics, debating, and coding clubs.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular notices via newsletters, emails, and the school portal; progress reports and parent-teacher meetings are provided to keep families informed.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Emphasis on literacy and numeracy foundations, inquiry-based learning, differentiated instruction, and opportunities for student voice and responsibility.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted literacy and numeracy support, SEN and EAL services, tutoring programs, and adjustments within classrooms to meet individual needs.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Access to tutors, learning support staff, and guidance from teachers and counsellors to create tailored plans.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (duplicate)
- See above in parent communications.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Typical class sizes around 20–25 students with teachers providing regular feedback and differentiated instruction to support individual learning.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A wide range including sports teams, music and drama ensembles, robotics, chess, coding, and debating clubs; opportunities to participate in inter-school events.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Modern science labs, libraries, performing arts spaces, dedicated tech/innovation labs, sports grounds, and student canteen.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of digital tools across the curriculum, with emphasis on information literacy, safe use of technology, and project-based learning.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Access to public transport and bus routes; shuttle or rider arrangements may be available; considerations for students with accessibility needs.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Public school fees are generally moderate; expenses may include levies for activities or materials, with some costs offset by funding or scholarships where offered.
# 10. Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Public, inclusive community with a broad range of programs across academics, arts, and sport
- Supportive wellbeing framework and dedicated staff for diverse learners
- Moderate class sizes enabling visibility and feedback
- Strong opportunities for leadership, clubs, and extracurricular involvement
- Modern facilities supporting science, tech, and performing arts
- Cons
- As a medium-sized public school, competition for highly sought-after programs or pathways can occur
- Some programs or resources may have associated levies or costs
- Availability of mid-year transfers depends on space and program needs
