## 1. Overview
Mount Morgan State High School is a public high school serving the Mount Morgan community in Queensland. It offers secondary education from Year 7 to Year 12 and focuses on delivering a well-rounded curriculum in a rural setting.
As a small-to-medium school, it supports a close-knit atmosphere with class sizes typically around 20–24 students, enabling strong teacher–student relationships. The culture emphasizes inclusivity and a balanced blend of academic effort, sport, and community involvement, helping students develop confidence both inside and outside the classroom.
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## 2. Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: Core literacy and numeracy, with emphasis on STEM subjects and leadership development. The school supports a broad curriculum designed to prepare students for tertiary study or entry into the workforce.
- Special programs: Possibilities include gifted and talented initiatives, accelerated learning options, and Vocational Education and Training (VET) pathways to provide practical skills and industry exposure.
- NAPLAN trends: Public data suggest stable NAPLAN performance over recent years, with gradual improvements in certain bands as students receive targeted support and teaching interventions.
- Student-teacher ratios: Approximately 1:15–1:22, reflecting a relatively small teacher cohort that supports more individualized attention.
- Support for diverse learners: Dedicated support for diverse learners, including services for students needing extra literacy/numeracy help, EAL (English as an Additional Language) support, and SEN (Special Educational Needs) services through Learning Support staff and counselors.
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## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: A range of traditional school sports including rugby league, cricket, football (soccer), netball, basketball, athletics, and swimming, with opportunities to represent the school in regional competitions.
- Strong teams or achievements: The school participates actively in interschool events and regional teams, with ongoing opportunities for students to contribute to team success and school pride.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Programs and performances in music, drama, and the arts are encouraged, offering pathways for students to showcase talent in concerts and productions.
- Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other student-led clubs provide avenues to explore interests beyond the classroom.
- Partnerships: Local partnerships with community sports clubs and regional competitions help extend opportunities beyond school hours and foster broader community ties.
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## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Whole-school policies and programs aimed at preventing bullying, promoting respectful interactions, and providing clear reporting and support mechanisms.
- House system: A house-based framework to build belonging, friendly competition, and leadership opportunities among students.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school counselors or wellbeing staff to support mental health, personal development, and study-life balance.
- Transition support for new students: Induction programs, buddy systems, and orientation to help new students settle in smoothly and build connections quickly.
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## 5. Facilities
- Sports grounds: On-site sports fields and courts to support physical education and after-school sports.
- Libraries: A library with study spaces and resources to support research and reading.
- Science labs: Modern science laboratories for practical experiments across biology, chemistry, and physics.
- Music/performing arts centers: Space for music practice, rehearsals, and performances.
- Tech/innovation labs: Tech or innovation spaces for hands-on projects and digital learning.
- Cafeteria: On-site canteen providing meal options and snacks.
- Updated playgrounds: Inclusive playground and outdoor spaces for student recreation and learning breaks.
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## 6. School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: A focus on respect, responsibility, resilience, and integrity as guiding principles for student conduct and learning.
- Leadership style: Opportunities for student leadership and involvement in school decisions; a collaborative approach that values student voice.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear behavioural norms and a positive behaviour framework designed to support safe, respectful learning environments.
- Community reputation: A supportive rural school community with involvement from families and local groups, contributing to a stable, engaged school culture.
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to an inclusive environment that supports culturally diverse students and Indigenous students through targeted programs and support.
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## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typical school day runs from approximately 8:30 am to 3:00 pm, with timetable variations by year level.
- Before/after school care: After-school care options may be available through on-campus or partner providers; check the school for current arrangements.
- Uniform requirements: School uniform is standard; students are expected to wear the official attire as part of daily routines.
- Transport (train/bus routes): School bus services and local transport options are typically available to support student travel to and from school.
- Canteen availability: An on-site canteen or café service provides meals and snacks during the school day.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): As a public school, there is no tuition fee for standard enrolment; families may encounter small voluntary contribution requests or charges for certain activities or materials.
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## 8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Submit an enrolment application with required documentation (proof of identity, residency, and family details).
- School confirms eligibility and provides next steps, including orientation information and start dates.
- Offers are issued based on space availability and timelines; new student orientation helps families prepare for their first days.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Some intake years may experience waiting lists depending on capacity. Places are typically allocated based on space, with considerations such as proximity, siblings already attending the school, and availability of programs.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- For standard enrolment, there are usually no entrance tests. Some programs (e.g., specialised pathways or VET-related tracks) may involve brief interviews or documentation reviews to determine suitability.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Yes, mid-year transfers are possible where space allows. Families should apply through the appropriate education department process, with subject alignment and transition planning as part of the intake.
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## 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- Public, community-focused environment with supportive staff, a balance of academics and extracurriculars, and opportunities for personal development.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who engage in a range of activities, value community, and respond well to a supportive, inclusive learning environment.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- A mix of core academics plus potential pathways in STEM, leadership, VET, arts, music, drama, and sport; clubs and interschool competition provide further growth.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Through newsletters, emails, a student portal or learning management system, and regular parent-teacher events or conferences.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Structured, student-centered learning focused on literacy and numeracy, with differentiated instruction and opportunities for hands-on, practical experiences.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Access to Learning Support staff, targeted interventions, tutoring, and EAL/SEN services to assist with literacy, numeracy, and overall study skills.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Additional small-group support, counselling, and referrals to specialists when needed to keep students on track.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated)
- See above: newsletters, emails, portals, and events.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes typically around 20–24 students, with opportunities for individualized guidance from teachers and small-group support.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- Sports (various team sports), arts programs, music, drama, robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other clubs; opportunities to compete in regional events.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, technology/innovation labs, canteen, and updated outdoor facilities.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Emphasis on digital learning, with access to computers or devices, interactive learning platforms, and integrated technology in lessons.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- School transport options such as buses and local routes; access to public transport as needed; accessible facilities in line with regional guidelines.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- As a public school, no tuition; some compulsory materials or activity costs may apply, with additional costs for elective trips or materials.
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## 10. Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Public, community-focused school with a supportive, inclusive culture.
- Small-to-medium size enabling closer teacher–student relationships.
- Balanced emphasis on academics, sport, and extracurriculars.
- Access to Learning Support, EAL, and SEN services.
- Range of clubs and pathways including VET opportunities.
- Cons
- Rural location may mean longer travel for some families.
- Limited elective breadth compared with very large urban schools (subject-to-space dependent).
- Availability of certain programs may vary year to year; check current offerings.
