1. Overview
Parklands High School is a public, co-educational secondary school serving Burnie and surrounding communities. As a medium-sized government high school, it offers a broad curriculum across academic, vocational and arts programs to prepare students for life beyond school.
The school cultivates an inclusive, supportive atmosphere with a strong focus on student wellbeing, academic growth, and active community involvement. Students are encouraged to participate across academics, arts, sports and leadership opportunities.
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2. Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: English and mathematics underpin the core program, with a clear emphasis on STEM, literacy and numeracy development, as well as strong engagement in humanities and the arts.
- Special programs: Vocational Education and Training (VET) pathways and connections to local TAFE/industry partners support practical skill development and pathways to apprenticeships or work after graduation.
- NAPLAN trends: Over recent years, trends show stable to improving performance in reading and numeracy, with continued focus on supporting students across all core areas.
- Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes are in the mid-range for public high schools, with a focus on maintaining opportunities for teacher support and feedback.
- Support for diverse learners: Dedicated support for students who are EAL or have SEN, including learning support staff, targeted interventions and individualized plans.
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3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: Football (soccer), Australian rules football, basketball, netball, cricket, athletics, cross country and swimming activities are available as part of the inter-school and school programs.
- Strong teams or achievements: Competitive inter-school teams with regional representation; ongoing emphasis on teamwork, fitness and sportsmanship.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Active music and performing arts programs, with opportunities to participate in choir, band and drama productions.
- Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating and other student-led clubs provide variety beyond the classroom.
- Partnerships: Connections with local sports clubs and regional competitions help extend opportunities; partnerships with community organizations support competitions and events.
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4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Whole-school anti-bullying policy with proactive education, reporting channels and restorative practices to support a safe learning environment.
- House system: A house-based structure supports staff and student belonging, leadership opportunities and friendly competition.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to qualified counsellors and wellbeing staff to support social, emotional and mental health needs.
- Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems and targeted transition activities help new students settle in smoothly.
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5. Facilities
- Sports grounds: On-site sports fields and courts to support a wide range of physical activities.
- Libraries: A well-stocked library providing study spaces and resources for research and reading.
- Science labs: Modern science laboratories for hands-on experiments and discovery.
- Music/performing arts centers: Dedicated spaces for music ensembles and drama performances.
- Tech/innovation labs: Tech-enabled learning spaces to support design, coding and project work.
- Cafeteria: On-site canteen offering healthy meal options and snacks.
- Updated playgrounds: Welcoming outdoor spaces for recreation and social interaction.
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6. School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: A focus on respect, responsibility, inclusion and resilience to guide student behavior and leadership.
- Leadership style: Collaborative, student-centered leadership with opportunities for student voice through active student councils and committees.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct aligned with restorative approaches and positive discipline.
- Community reputation: A well-regarded school within the Burnie community for its supportive culture and balanced approach to academics and wellbeing.
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to diversity and inclusive practices that support students from varied backgrounds and abilities.
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7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typically a daytime schedule aligned with Tasmanian Department of Education timetables (roughly a morning start around 8:45–9:00am and a mid/late afternoon finish). Please check the current year’s timetable for exact times.
- Before/after school care: Programs are available through school-supported services or local providers to support families with early morning or after-school needs.
- Uniform requirements: School uniform is compulsory; details cover standard polo/shirt, bottoms/skirts, outerwear, and appropriate footwear.
- Transport (train/bus routes): Public bus routes serve Burnie and surrounding areas; school-specific transport options and passes are available through the local public transport system.
- Canteen availability: An on-site canteen provides lunch options and snacks during the day.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): As a public high school, fees are modest with potential costs for uniforms, certain materials, camps or excursions; government assistance may be available for eligible families.
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8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Enrolments are managed through the Department of Education. Applications for Year 7 intake typically open in the lead-up to the school year, with offers issued according to catchment and available places. Mid-year enrolments may be possible if vacancies exist.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- If the school is oversubscribed, a waiting list may apply. Placement is determined by availability and the Department’s enrolment priorities; families are kept informed of their status and expected timelines.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Public high schools in Tasmania generally do not require entrance tests for Year 7. Some programs or year-level transitions may involve a brief discussion or information sharing, but there are no standard academic entrance exams for general enrolment. Documentation confirming residency and prior schooling is typically required.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Yes, mid-year transfers can be accommodated subject to vacancies. Families should contact the school early to discuss transfer options, required records, and scheduling.
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9. Frequently Ask Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A welcoming, inclusive culture with strong wellbeing support, balanced academics, good access to sport and the arts, and clear pathways through VET and wider learning opportunities.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Motivated, collaborative students who take part in a range of activities, value wellbeing and want to develop both academic and practical skills.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Access to VET pathways, tailored academic support, competitive sport teams, music and drama programs, and clubs such as robotics, coding and debating.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular newsletters, parent-teacher meetings, a school portal or digital communications platform, and ongoing updates from teachers and coordinators.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Student-centered and inclusive, with differentiated instruction, hands-on learning, and emphasis on core literacy and numeracy alongside STEM and the arts.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted learning support, interventions, tutoring programs and access to SEN specialists or learning support staff.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Individual or small-group tutoring, study planning, progress tracking and coordination with subject teachers and wellbeing staff.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- See above: multiple channels including newsletters, portals, and parent-teacher meetings.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes are mid-range for a public high school, with teachers providing regular feedback, targeted support and opportunities for individual guidance during class and via dedicated intervention times.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A range of sports (e.g., football, basketball, netball, soccer, cricket, athletics), plus clubs in robotics, coding, chess, debating, and arts programs.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Modern sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs and a canteen, plus updated outdoor play and social areas.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integrated digital learning with classroom devices, online resources and opportunities to develop digital literacy and coding skills.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Bus routes and public transport access; support for transportation needs and accessible facilities where applicable.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Generally low to moderate for a public school, with potential costs for uniforms, certain programs or excursions; government financial assistance may be available for eligible families.
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10. Short Pros & Cons list
Pros
- Supportive, inclusive school culture with strong wellbeing services
- Balanced curriculum with strong emphasis on academics, VET pathways and arts
- Access to a range of sports, arts and extracurricular activities
- Positive community reputation and student voice opportunities
- Clear transition and pastoral support for new students
Cons
- Class sizes mid-range rather than small; individual attention depends on scheduling and program load
- Transport and commute considerations for some families in outlying areas
- Availability of certain specialist facilities may vary compared with larger urban schools
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