# 1. Overview
Red Bend Catholic College is a Catholic, coeducational secondary school serving Years 7–12 in Forbes, NSW. As part of the Catholic education system in regional New South Wales, the college provides a faith-informed learning community that balances core academics with pastoral care, sport, and co-curricular opportunities.
The college is a medium-sized rural school known for its welcoming atmosphere and strong sense of community. Students typically experience a supportive environment that blends academic rigor with faith formation, values-based education, and a range of activities that help develop well-rounded individuals.
# 2. Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: Core literacy and numeracy, with a focus on English and STEM subjects, alongside opportunities for leadership development and service learning.
- Special programs: Catholic faith formation; leadership programs; potential accelerated learning and gifted/talented options (availability can vary by year).
- NAPLAN trends: NSW regional Catholic high schools have shown positive trends over recent years in key learning areas; the college monitors NAPLAN data to identify growth areas and set improvement targets.
- Student-teacher ratios: Generally around a 1:12 to 1:16 ratio, contributing to opportunities for individual support within a classroom setting.
- Support for diverse learners: EAL support, inclusive education practices, and learning support staff available to assist students with diverse learning needs.
# 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: Football (soccer), rugby league, Australian rules football (AFL), basketball, cricket, netball, athletics, swimming, and other regional activities.
- Strong teams or achievements: Regular participation in local and diocese-level sports competitions with competitive teams across several codes.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Active music ensembles (bands/choirs), drama productions, and opportunities to participate in performing arts.
- Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other interest clubs supporting STEM and humanities interests.
- Partnerships: Engagement with local community groups and regional competitions, providing pathways to wider events and experiences.
# 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policies with a focus on respectful behaviour, student wellbeing, and a positive school culture.
- House system: A house framework supports peer connections, leadership opportunities, and house-based events and competitions.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to wellbeing staff and school counsellors to support mental health, social-emotional learning, and transition needs.
- Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems, and targeted support to help new students settle in.
# 5. Facilities
- Sports grounds
- Libraries
- Science labs
- Music/performing arts centers
- Tech/innovation labs
- Cafeteria
- Updated playgrounds
# 6. School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: Faith-based education prioritising values such as respect, responsibility, integrity, service, and excellence.
- Leadership style: Collaborative and inclusive, with opportunities for student leadership and voice in school life.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear code of conduct focused on respect, accountability, and positive relationships.
- Community reputation: Known for a caring, faith-forward community with active family and parish involvement.
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to an inclusive environment that welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and supports inclusion in all aspects of school life.
# 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typically around 9:00 am–3:30 pm, with scheduled break times and assemblies as part of the routine.
- Before/after school care: Wrap-around care options may be available via OSHC or school-supported programs.
- Uniform requirements: Full school uniform; separate sports uniform for PE/days with sports activities.
- Transport (train/bus routes): School provides information about local bus routes and transport options within the Forbes region.
- Canteen availability: On-site canteen or hot food/healthy option offerings during the day.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Generally categorized as a middle-range annual fee structure for regional Catholic high schools; specific fees vary by year and program.
# 8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Submit the enrolment application (online or via the school’s process), provide required documents, and participate in the school’s interview/admission steps. Offers are typically made ahead of the start of the school year, with timelines varying by year.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Waitlists can occur depending on vacancies and year level. Applications may be prioritised based on factors such as parish affiliation, siblings already attending, and other diocesan guidelines.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Entry often involves an interview or discussion with families to understand fit with the school’s faith-based environment, along with standard documentation. Some years may include assessments or discussions around learning needs.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are sometimes possible, subject to vacancies and the ability to place the student with appropriate support and programs. Families should contact the admissions team for current availability and requirements.
# 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A welcoming, faith-based environment with a focus on pastoral care, academic development, and well-rounded opportunities in sport, arts, and clubs.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who value a community-centric, values-based education, engage in sports and clubs, and appreciate strong pastoral support and a faith context.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Academic enrichment through core subjects and potential accelerated options; sports teams across multiple codes; music and drama programs; robotics, coding, debating and other clubs.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Through newsletters, parent portals, emails, and scheduled parent-teacher nights; ongoing updates on student progress and school events.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Student-centered learning with emphasis on literacy and numeracy, integration of technology, and opportunities for leadership and service learning within a faith-based framework.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Learning support staff, targeted interventions, EAL assistance, and accommodation of individual learning needs as part of an inclusive education approach.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Access to tutoring, one-on-one or small-group support, and coordinated plans to help students improve in identified areas.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (Duplicate)
- See above: newsletters, portals, email updates, and parent-teacher meetings.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Typical class sizes around 20–25 students, with teacher access and opportunities for individual feedback and support.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- Broad range: team sports (football, rugby, netball, basketball, cricket, AFL), music and drama, and clubs (robotics, coding, chess, debating).
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts centers, tech/innovation labs, cafeteria, and updated playgrounds.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of digital tools to support teaching and learning, with appropriate safeguarding and guidance on responsible use and digital literacy.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Information on local bus routes and transport options; accommodations for students traveling to and from Forbes region.
- What are typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees generally fall in a middle-range category for regional Catholic schools; additional costs may apply for trips, uniforms, and elective activities.
# 10. Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Strong sense of community and pastoral care within a Catholic framework
- Balanced focus on academics, sport, arts, and clubs
- Support for diverse learners and a range of student support services
- Clear values framework emphasizing respect, responsibility, and service
- Suitable for families seeking a faith-based, regional NSW education
- Cons
- As a regional school, program offerings may vary by year and cohort
- Availability of certain accelerated or specialist programs may depend on year-level demand
- Transport logistics can be more limited than in urban areas
- Some families may prefer larger city campuses with broader course choices
