1. Overview
Reece High School is a public secondary school serving students in Devonport and surrounding areas. It provides a comprehensive, student-centered learning environment with a focus on inclusivity and community involvement. The school aims to prepare students for life beyond school through strong academics, practical pathways, and broad co-curricular opportunities.
- School type: Public
- School size: Medium
- Class size: Typically around 20–25 students per class
- Atmosphere/culture: Inclusive, supportive, and community-minded
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2. Academics & Learning
Reece High School offers a broad curriculum designed to develop core academic skills and practical capabilities. Students can engage in diverse subjects and pathway options to suit their strengths and future plans.
- Academic strengths: English, Mathematics, Science, Technology, and pathways that support senior secondary choices; opportunities to develop leadership and communication skills.
- Special programs: VET and senior secondary pathway options; opportunities for enrichment and targeted learning within the Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) framework.
- NAPLAN / trend data: NAPLAN trends reflect the school’s ongoing focus on literacy and numeracy development, with data typically showing stabilization or improvement relative to state averages over time.
- Student-teacher ratios: Generally supportive ratios that allow for individual attention, with typical ranges around 1:12 to 1:18.
- Support for diverse learners: Strong support for diverse learners, including programs for English as an Additional Language (EAL) students and targeted support for students with additional learning needs (SEN), including Learning Support and adjustment plans.
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3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
A key area of focus for families, with a welcoming environment for both competition and recreation.
- Sports offered: Basketball, Netball, Football (soccer), Australian Rules football, Cricket, Athletics, Tennis, Swimming, and broader gym/fitness programs.
- Strong teams or achievements: Active participation in district/regional competitions; opportunities to represent the school in various sports.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Active music ensembles, school productions, and opportunities to participate in performing arts.
- Clubs: Robotics, Chess, Coding, Debating, and other student-led or teacher-supported clubs.
- Partnerships: Connections with local clubs, community organizations, and regional competitions to broaden opportunities for students.
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4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
Prioritising student wellbeing with practical supports and a positive learning environment.
- Anti-bullying approach: Clear codes of conduct, proactive programs, and a focus on respectful interactions among students and staff.
- House system: House group structure to promote belonging, friendly competition, and peer support.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school-based counsellors and wellbeing staff to support academic and personal development.
- Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy/mentoring schemes, and tailored supports to help new students settle in.
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5. Facilities
Facilities are designed to support a wide range of learning and activities, presented in a clear, visual way.
- Sports grounds: External fields and courts for physical education and school sports.
- Libraries: Well-stocked library spaces for study, reading, and research.
- Science labs: Modern laboratories for biology, chemistry, and physics.
- Music/performing arts centers: Spaces for rehearsal, performance, and classroom music.
- Tech/innovation labs: Computer rooms and makerspaces for coding, design, and technology projects.
- Cafeteria: On-site canteen facilities for students.
- Updated playgrounds: Safe, updated outdoor spaces for recreation and break times.
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6. School Values & Community Culture
What kind of students thrive here and how the school operates as a community.
- School values / mission: Emphasis on respect, responsibility, resilience, and inclusivity; student voice is encouraged.
- Leadership style: Collaborative and inclusive, with opportunities for student leadership and involvement in decision-making.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear expectations aligned with a positive behaviour framework and a supportive classroom environment.
- Community reputation: Generally positive within the local community, reflecting a focus on student growth and community engagement.
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to creating an inclusive environment that values diversity and supports all learners.
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7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
Key practical details families often need when planning daily routines.
- School hours: Typical day runs from around 8:30 am to 3:00–3:15 pm.
- Before/after school care: Some after-school care options may be available through school-based programs or community providers.
- Uniform requirements: School uniform policy in place.
- Transport (bus routes): Bus routes and public transport options serve the area; walk/bike considerations may apply for some students.
- Canteen availability: On-site canteen or vending options available.
- Fees (cost range): As a public school, there are no tuition fees; there are standard materials and activity levies; overall cost is considered low to medium for compulsory schooling.
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8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Start with establishing eligibility and confirming catchment or placement options. Submit the official enrolment application within the school’s intake period. Collect and provide required documents (birth certificate, proof of residency, immunisation records, previous school reports where applicable). Complete any school-specific forms and attend orientation/Information sessions if offered. The timeline typically includes an application window, followed by an offer or placement communication, and then a formal enrolment confirmation.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Waiting lists may apply if the intake is full. Placement often prioritises catchment rules and enrolment timing; successive applicants are placed on the waiting list in date order of receipt and may be offered enrolment if spaces become available.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Entry requirements usually follow district/catchment rules with standard documentation. Some years or programs may require placement discussions or interviews, particularly for specific pathways or to support diverse learners; most students transition based on enrolment eligibility and space.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers can be considered subject to space and alignment with program availability. Parents should contact the school early to discuss capacity and placement options, along with required documentation.
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9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A supportive, inclusive environment with a focus on student growth, practical pathways, and community involvement.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who are motivated to learn across a broad curriculum, participate in sports and clubs, and engage in a collaborative, respectful school culture.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- A range of academic pathways, VET options, sports teams, performing arts, robotics, coding, debating, and other clubs.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular updates via newsletters, term calendars, parent-teacher meetings, and school portals or emails.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- A balanced approach combining core literacy/numeracy with hands-on learning, project work, and opportunities for personal development.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted learning support, SEN services, EAL assistance, and access to counsellors or wellbeing staff as needed.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Additional tutoring, flexible grouping, and tailored support plans within the school’s learning support framework.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated)
- See above: newsletters, meetings, portals, and direct contact with teachers/staff.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes typically around 20–25 students, with teaching teams that provide targeted support and feedback.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A wide range of sports, music and arts programs, robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other student clubs.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, libraries, science labs, performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, canteen, and updated outdoor spaces.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Access to computer labs, coding and technology programs, and digital learning tools integrated into the curriculum.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Bus routes and public transport options; consideration for walking/biking routes; supports for accessibility where needed.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- The school operates as a public school with no tuition; there are standard material and activity levies.
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10. Short Pros & Cons list
Pros
- Inclusive, supportive school culture with a focus on student wellbeing.
- Broad curriculum with pathways to VET and senior secondary options.
- Active co-curricular program including sports, arts, and clubs.
- Access to counsellors, learning support, and EAL/SEN services.
- Reasonable class sizes that support individual attention.
- Modern facilities across science, technology, and performing arts.
Cons
- As a medium-sized public school, some highly specialized subjects may have limited options compared to larger urban schools.
- Commute or travel considerations for families outside the local catchment.
- Participation in some programs or clubs may depend on student interest and cohort size.
- Availability of after-school care can vary and may require external arrangements.
