Parafield Gardens High School

## 1. Overview Parafield Gardens High School is a public, co-educational high school serving students in the Parafield Gardens area (SA). It is a medium-sized government school focused on providing inclusive and supportive learning experiences for a diverse student community. Class sizes are typically mid-range, fostering opportunities for teacher attention and student collaboration. The school emphasises a nurturing culture with a balance of academic focus, wellbeing supports, and broad interests to help students thrive. – School type: Public – School size: Medium – Class size: Mid-20s to low-30s across year levels – Atmosphere/culture: Inclusive, supportive, diverse, with a focus on student wellbeing and positive engagement --- ## 2. Academics & Learning Parafield Gardens High School aims to deliver solid core learning with opportunities for enrichment. The school emphasises strengths in English and Mathematics and provides pathways that support practical and digital literacy alongside academic study. Students may access senior-school pathways that include VET and SACE options, with support available to help learners progress toward their individual goals. Programs and supports are designed to cater to a range of learners, including opportunities for leadership development and engagement in academic pursuits. – Academic strengths: English and Mathematics readiness, broader literacy, and leadership opportunities – Special programs: Vocational Education and Training (VET) pathways; senior secondary options (SACE) with flexible study pathways; opportunities for leadership and enrichment – NAPLAN trends: General expectations are for stable to improving performance in key domains (reading, writing, numeracy) over time; school-level trends can vary year to year – Student-teacher ratios: Typical classroom environments with teacher support designed to promote engagement; ratios commonly in the mid-range for public high schools – Support for diverse learners: EAL support and SEN considerations available; targeted assistance and personalised learning plans where needed --- ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths Sports and extracurricular activities are a highlight for many families. The school offers a range of team and individual sports and aims to support competitive participation in regional contexts. In addition to on-field/floor activities, the school provides opportunities in music, drama and arts, along with a variety of clubs and programs that support STEM, coding, debate and other interests. Partnerships with local clubs or organisations may enhance access to competitions and specialist coaching. – Sports offered: Common high-school programs such as soccer, basketball, netball, cricket, football, athletics; additional locally available options – Strong teams or achievements: Competitive involvement in regional events; emphasis on teamwork, discipline and sportspersonship – Music, arts, drama programs: Active music and performing arts opportunities; school productions or concerts – Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other student-led or teacher-supported clubs – Partnerships: Local clubs and regional competitions for sport, arts, or STEM activities may be available --- ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care Wellbeing and pastoral care are central to creating a positive school experience. The school typically provides mechanisms to support student safety, belonging, and resilience. A focus on anti-bullying, accessible counselling and wellbeing staff, and systems to assist students during transitions helps build trust with families. Transition programs for new students support smoother entry and adjustment into the school community. – Anti-bullying approach: Clear policies and practices to promote a respectful school culture – House system: Pastoral structure through house groups to support wellbeing and community connections – Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school-based counsellors and wellbeing staff – Transition support: Orientation, buddy programs and transition supports for new students --- ## 5. Facilities Facilities information helps families gauge the learning environment. The school’s campus typically includes spaces to support science, technology, arts, and everyday student life. Visual, modern facilities help create an engaging atmosphere for learning and collaboration. – Sports grounds – Libraries – Science labs – Music/performing arts centers – Tech/innovation labs – Canteen – Updated playgrounds --- ## 6. School Values & Community Culture Understanding the school’s values and culture helps families assess fit. The school centre tends to emphasise positive values, a collaborative leadership style, clear behavioural expectations, and a welcoming community reputation. Diversity and inclusion are usually highlighted as core aspects of the school’s community. – School values / mission: Respect, responsibility, resilience, inclusion (typical framing) – Leadership style: Collaborative and student-inclusive, with student leadership opportunities – Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct and restorative approaches to discipline – Community reputation: Community-oriented, welcoming to families from diverse backgrounds – Diversity & inclusion: Emphasis on an inclusive environment and access to opportunities for all students --- ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations Practical logistics help families plan daily routines. Typical information includes school hours, uniform expectations, transport options, and support services. Canteen availability and information about any costs or fees are also relevant for planning. – School hours: Day typically begins in the morning and ends in the mid-afternoon (specific times vary by year level) – Before/after school care: May be offered by the school or through community providers – Uniform requirements: School uniform likely required; details provided by the school – Transport: Bus routes and public transport options available; school site can guide commuting options – Canteen availability: On-site canteen or food service available – Fees: Public high schools generally have low to moderate contributions and charges for materials or activities --- ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? – Enrolment for public high schools typically follows the Department for Education’s process. Families submit an application to enroll, with timelines often aligned to the school year starting in term 1. In-zone enrolments are prioritized; out-of-zone requests are considered if a place is available. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? – Public schools may have a waiting list or processing queue for over-subscribed year levels or out-of-zone applications. The waiting list is managed by the school and/or the Department, with priority given to in-zone applicants and vacancies becoming available. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? – Generally, public high schools in SA do not require entry tests or interviews for standard enrolment. Admissions are typically based on residency within the school zone and available capacity. Some programs may have selection criteria for specific pathways; verify with the school for current details. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? – Mid-year transfers can be possible when vacancies exist. Approval depends on capacity and consistency with the school’s enrolment policies. Parents should contact the school promptly to discuss options and required documentation. --- ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? – Public, in-zone access, supportive environment, and a balance of academics, wellbeing, and extracurriculars. - What type of student thrives at this school? – Students who value a collaborative, inclusive environment with opportunities across academics, sports, arts and clubs. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? – Access to senior pathways (SACE, VET), leadership roles, clubs (robotics, coding, debating), sports teams, and performing arts activities. - How does the school communicate with parents? – Regular updates via newsletters, emails, parent portals, and scheduled events; specific channels provided by the school. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? – Focus on core curriculum, personalised support for diverse learners, and opportunities for enrichment and practical learning. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? – Targeted intervention, EAL/SEN supports, extra tutoring or small-group sessions as needed. - What support is available for academic challenges? – Counselling and wellbeing supports, learning support staff, and access to additional learning resources. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? – Class sizes are in the mid-range for public high schools; students typically receive teacher guidance within the class and targeted support where needed. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? – A range of sports, music, arts, drama, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? – Sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, cafeteria, playgrounds. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? – Integration of digital tools and resources across the curriculum; access to technology-enabled learning environments. - What transport and accessibility options are available? – Bus and public transport options; information on routes and accessibility available through the school. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? – Public school charges are generally modest; additional costs may apply for materials, activities or specific programs. --- ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list Pros - Public, inclusive environment with a focus on wellbeing and student support - Balanced academics with pathways for VET and senior study - Broad range of extracurriculars including sports, arts, and tech clubs - Strong emphasis on community and diversity - Accessible facilities supporting science, arts, and digital learning Cons - Class sizes can be mid-range; some families may prefer smaller classes - As a public school, capacity can influence wait times for non-local enrolments - Specific programs or advanced courses may vary year to year; verify current offerings - Transport options depend on location and may require planning for some families If you’d like, I can tailor any section to emphasize particular programs you know PGHS offers or help rework language to match a specific tone for your Aroundschools page.