## Overview
Mulwaree High School is a public co-educational high school serving Goulburn and surrounding communities. It offers a broad curriculum for Years 7–12 and aims to support students to achieve academically while developing well-rounded skills. The school places emphasis on a supportive, community-focused atmosphere where students can participate in academics, sport, and the arts.
The school environment is medium-sized, with an inclusive, student-centred culture that prioritises wellbeing and achievement. Class sizes are generically described as moderate, typically in the low 20s, which allows for individual attention and personalised support within a collaborative learning community.
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## Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: strong focus across STEM, English, and leadership development, with opportunities to engage in diverse subject areas and senior study pathways.
- Special programs: pathways for accelerated learning, gifted and talented opportunities, and access to VET-related options to support practical and career-focused learning.
- NAPLAN trends: recent years have shown stable to improving trends in reading and numeracy, reflecting ongoing focus on literacy and numeracy development.
- Student-teacher ratios: generally maintains manageable ratios that support guided instruction and classroom support.
- Support for diverse learners: dedicated EAL/D and SEN support, learning support teams, and differential teaching strategies to meet varying student needs.
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## Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: rugby league, soccer, cricket, netball, basketball, athletics, swimming, and various school-level events.
- Strong teams or achievements: competitive regional representation and participation in district-level events across multiple sports.
- Music, arts, drama programs: active music and drama opportunities, with ensembles and performances that complement academic life.
- Clubs: robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other student-led clubs to broaden skills and collaboration.
- Partnerships: connections with local community clubs and regional competitions to provide additional pathways in sport, STEM, and the arts.
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## Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: clear policies, awareness programs, and a culture that promotes respectful relationships and safety for all students.
- House system: house groups used to foster belonging, mentorship, and school spirit through events and activities.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: dedicated wellbeing staff and counsellors to support mental health, study stress, and personal development.
- Transition support for new students: orientation and transition programs for new entrants to ease adaptation and build social networks.
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## Facilities
- Sports grounds: on-site grounds suitable for a range of outdoor activities and sports.
- Libraries: well-stocked library spaces that support study and reading for pleasure.
- Science labs: equipped science facilities to support practical experiments and inquiry-based learning.
- Music/performing arts centers: dedicated spaces for music, drama, and theatre activities.
- Tech/innovation labs: opportunities to engage with computing, robotics, and tech-enabled learning.
- Cafeteria: on-site dining options to support students throughout the day.
- Updated playgrounds: modernized outdoor play and recreation areas.
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## School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: emphasis on respect, responsibility, resilience, and inclusion as core values guiding daily life.
- Leadership style: student leadership opportunities with guidance from staff to cultivate initiative and service.
- Behaviour expectations: clear codes of conduct and restorative practices to address behaviours and build positive habits.
- Community reputation: widely viewed as a supportive school with strong family and local community engagement.
- Diversity & inclusion: commitment to an inclusive environment that supports students from diverse backgrounds and needs.
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## School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: published in the school calendar; typical day starts in the morning and finishes in the mid-afternoon.
- Before/after school care: may be available through school programs or external providers; check with administration.
- Uniform requirements: compulsory school uniform with details outlined in the school policy.
- Transport (train/bus routes): public transport options and local school bus services available; routes updated by transport authorities.
- Canteen availability: on-site canteen or snack options to support students during the day.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): public schools do not charge tuition; there are usually small optional contributions and costs for excursions or specific programs.
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## Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Check local intake eligibility, submit an enrolment application, provide required documents (proof of age, identity, immunisation status, proof of address), and complete any school-specific steps (interviews or information sessions if applicable). Offers and placement timelines follow the department and local processes, with orientation for new students prior to or at the start of the school year.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Some enrolments outside the local intake area or for certain programs may have waitlists. Offers typically follow the priority order set by the local intake rules, with communication from the school about expected timelines.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- For general enrolment, entrance tests are not common; some programs or out-of-area applications may involve additional information sessions or discussions. Proof of immunisation and identity is usually required.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Yes, subject to space and administration approval. Students transferring mid-year should contact the school early to coordinate timetable needs and documents.
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## Frequently Ask Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A welcoming, inclusive community with strong wellbeing support, balanced academics, and opportunities across sport, arts, and clubs.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who are engaged, collaborative, curious, and committed to both academics and broader school life.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Extension work and senior study options in academics, competitive sport teams, arts and drama productions, robotics and coding clubs, debating, and leadership roles.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Through emails, newsletters, a parent portal, and scheduled information nights; regular updates on events and student progress.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Student-centred, differentiated instruction with emphasis on critical thinking, collaboration, and practical application.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Learning support teams, targeted interventions, EAL support, and tutoring or small-group assistance as needed.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Dedicated counsellors, progress monitoring, student-planning resources, and remediation or extension where appropriate.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- See above: emails, newsletters, parent portal, and information nights.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes are typically in the low 20s, with teacher support and opportunities for individual feedback and small-group work.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A range of sports (as listed), plus clubs in robotics, coding, chess, debating, music, drama, and other elective activities.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Comprehensive facilities including sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, and a canteen.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of technology in learning, access to devices and digital resources, and a focus on digital citizenship and responsible use.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Public transport routes, school bus options where available, and accessible facilities to support all students.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- No tuition fees for public schooling; optional contributions and costs for excursions, camps, or elective programs may apply.
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## Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Public, community-focused environment with strong wellbeing and inclusive culture
- Balanced academic offering with pathways in STEM, English, and leadership
- Broad extracurriculars including sports, arts, and clubs
- Support for diverse learners and transition programs for new students
- Moderate class sizes that allow for individualized attention
- Cons
- As a public school, certain programs or facilities may have waiting lists or depend on space
- Transport options are influenced by local routes and availability
- Some specialized programs may require out-of-area considerations or flexibility on intake timelines
