## 1. Overview
Macintyre High School is a public NSW high school serving Inverell and surrounding communities. As a mid-sized regional school, it focuses on a supportive, inclusive environment with strong pastoral care and a broad curriculum. Class sizes typically sit in a range that supports student engagement, with student-teacher ratios that allow for individual attention.
The school aims to balance academic achievement with sport, arts and community involvement, helping students develop resilience, teamwork and leadership. The atmosphere is generally nurturing and community-minded, inviting students to participate across academics, sport and creative pursuits.
## 2. Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: STEM, English, leadership development and language study feature prominently in the curriculum, with opportunities to explore real-world applications and interdisciplinary projects.
- Special programs: Gifted and Talented Education (GATE), accelerated learning pathways, and leadership programs are available to support high-potential students.
- NAPLAN trends: Over recent years, trends show steady improvement in reading and writing, with numeracy remaining solid and stable as cohorts progress.
- Student-teacher ratios: Roughly in the range of 1:12 to 1:20, varying by year level and class. This supports accessible teacher support and in-class assistance.
- Support for diverse learners: EAL (English as an Additional Language) support and a dedicated SEN/inclusive education team are in place to assist students with diverse learning needs.
## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: Rugby league, soccer, cricket, basketball, netball, athletics, tennis, and other regional-relevant activities.
- Strong teams or achievements: Competitive school teams with regional representation and ongoing participation in inter-school competitions.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Active music ensembles, choir, theatre and drama productions, and opportunities to showcase creativity.
- Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating and other interest-based clubs to broaden student engagement.
- Partnerships: Collaborations with local sports academies, community clubs and regional competitions to extend opportunities beyond the school setting.
## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Clear policies, inclusive practices and restorative approaches are used to promote a safe school culture.
- House system: A house-based structure supports student belonging, leadership, and participation in inter-house events.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: On-site guidance counselors and wellbeing staff provide confidential support and planning.
- Transition support for new students: Orientation days, buddy programs and targeted transition assistance help new students settle in smoothly.
## 5. Facilities
- Sports grounds: On-site playing fields and multi-use sports spaces.
- Libraries: Well-equipped library with study spaces and resources.
- Science labs: Modern science laboratories to support hands-on experimentation.
- Music/performing arts centers: Dedicated spaces for music, drama and performances.
- Tech/innovation labs: Computer and design/tech spaces to support digital learning and projects.
- Cafeteria: On-site canteen providing daily meal options.
- Updated playgrounds: Age-appropriate outdoor spaces for recreation and socialising.
## 6. School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: A focus on respect, responsibility, resilience and inclusion to shape daily learning and interaction.
- Leadership style: Student leadership and staff collaboration foster opportunities for student voice and responsibility.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear code of conduct emphasizing respectful behaviour, accountability and restorative practices.
- Community reputation: Generally regarded as a supportive, engaging regional school with strong community ties.
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to one another’s differences, with inclusive practices and support for diverse backgrounds and identities.
## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typically morning start with a structured school day ending in the mid-afternoon; precise times published by the school each term.
- Before/after school care: Availability of care arrangements through school programs or local providers; check current offerings.
- Uniform requirements: Adherence to school uniform policy with designated attire for daily wear and specific sports/activities as required.
- Transport (train/bus routes): Bus routes and local transport options commonly used by students; timetables coordinated with local services.
- Canteen availability: On-site canteen offering daily meals and snacks.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): As a public school, the core curriculum is government-funded with typical optional costs for activities, excursions, and materials; local expectations indicate low to medium additional costs.
## 8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Enrolment is handled through NSW Department of Education processes. Parents typically start by contacting the school for an information session or enrolment interview, providing required documents (proof of identity, proof of address, immunisation details as applicable). Timelines vary by year level and availability, but schools often publish intake periods and close-off dates ahead of each school year.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Some intake periods may have a waiting list if places are full. Priority is generally given to local catchment students, with siblings and other considerations applying, and spaces allocated as they become available.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Entry generally requires standard documentation and verification. Some year-levels or programs may involve information sessions or discussions to understand student needs, but formal entry tests are not typical for most NSW public high schools unless special programs apply.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers can be possible if places are available. Parents should contact the school as early as possible to discuss space, enrolment and transitional planning.
## 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- How does the school communicate with parents? (duplicate)
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
## 10. Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Strong sense of community and supportive staff
- Balanced focus on academics, wellbeing and extracurriculars
- Range of sports, arts and STEM opportunities
- Accessible student support (counsellors, EAL/SEN)
- Positive local reputation and involvement with the community
- Cons
- Rural/regional location may mean longer travel for some families
- Subject and resource range can be influenced by annual funding and staffing
- Public school enrollment processes can have fixed intake timelines
- Availability of certain specialised programs may vary year to year
