Sacred Heart College - New Town

1. Overview (1–2 paragraphs max) Sacred Heart College is a Catholic independent school delivering secondary education with a strong sense of community. As a medium-sized college, it aims to blend academic rigour with values-based learning, creating an environment where students are encouraged to grow as individuals and contribute to their wider community. - School type: Catholic independent - School size: Medium - Class size: Mid-teens per class (typical) - Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, academically focused ⸻ 2. Academics & Learning Sacred Heart College prioritises a well-rounded curriculum that supports both strong academic foundations and personal development. Students are encouraged to pursue excellence across core subjects while being exposed to a range of enrichment opportunities. - Academic strengths: English, STEM, leadership development, languages - Special programs: Gifted and Talented options; accelerated learning pathways - NAPLAN trends: Recent years show stable to improving performance trends across cohorts - Student-teacher ratios: Favorable ratios that support individual attention and feedback - Support for diverse learners: EAL support; SEN provisions; dedicated learning support staff ⸻ 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths Extracurricular activities are a key part of life at Sacred Heart College, with a broad offering that supports both athletic and creative development. - Sports offered: Soccer, netball, basketball, cricket, tennis, athletics, swimming; additional programs may vary by year - Strong teams or achievements: Competitive inter-school teams with regular participation in regional events - Music, arts, drama programs: Comprehensive music program, choir and theatre/drama productions - Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating and other student-led groups - Partnerships: Local clubs, regional competitions and community partnerships supporting broader opportunities ⸻ 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care Wellbeing is a central pillar of student life, with structures in place to support emotional health, resilience, and smooth transitions. - Anti-bullying approach: Clear policies, wellbeing programs, and student education - House system: House-based pastoral care to foster belonging and leadership - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school counsellors or wellbeing staff - Transition support for new students: Induction programs, peer mentoring, and targeted onboarding ⸻ 5. Facilities Facilities are designed to be functional yet inviting, supporting learning across disciplines and activities. - Sports grounds - Libraries - Science labs - Music/performing arts centers - Tech/innovation labs - Cafeteria - Updated playgrounds ⸻ 6. School Values & Community Culture The school emphasises values-led education, aiming to produce students who are responsible, respectful and engaged citizens. - School values / mission: Catholic values focused on service, compassion, and integrity - Leadership style: Collaborative and student-inclusive, with opportunities for student leadership - Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct promoting respect and responsibility - Community reputation: Strong community ties with active parent involvement - Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to an inclusive environment that respects diverse backgrounds ⸻ 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations Practical information helps families plan around the school day and routines. - School hours: Morning start with a standard-day timetable; exact times published by the school - Before/after school care: Availability may vary; check with admissions - Uniform requirements: Required school uniform - Transport (train/bus routes): Public transport options and school bus arrangements available - Canteen availability: On-site canteen or snack facilities - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees fall in a mid-to-mid-high range for independent Catholic schooling ⸻ 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Typical steps: Inquiry → complete application form → submit supporting documents → any required assessments or interviews → offer of placement → acceptance and enrolment completion → orientation - Timeline: Often aligned with the upcoming academic year; timelines vary by intake and space availability 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Yes, there is typically a waiting list. Applications are prioritised based on space, cohort needs, and any family considerations; some places may be reserved for siblings or already enrolled families. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Entry usually involves an interview and may include an academic or general assessment; scholarships or special programs may have additional requirements 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Yes, subject to space and meeting enrolment conditions; mid-year transfer requests are considered where places are available ⸻ 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A values-led Catholic environment with strong academics, supportive staff, and opportunities across sports, arts and leadership. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who value a balanced approach to learning, community involvement, and personal growth within a supportive, values-based setting. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Enrichment through accelerated learning options, gifted programs, a range of sports teams, music ensembles, drama productions, and clubs like robotics, coding, chess, and debating. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular updates via newsletters, emails, parent portals and scheduled meetings; timely responses from teachers and staff. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - A mix of traditional instruction and inquiry-based learning, with emphasis on critical thinking, collaboration and real-world application. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Access to learning support staff, targeted interventions, EAL/SEN provisions, and personalised learning plans where appropriate. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Academic coaching, tutoring options, and ongoing teacher feedback to help students build confidence and skill. - How does the school communicate with parents? (Note: duplicate question across FAQ) - See above; multiple channels and regular touchpoints to keep families informed. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes are designed to support interaction and feedback; individual attention is facilitated by favorable student-teacher ratios and targeted support. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A broad range of sports, arts, music, clubs and competitions; opportunities to participate in inter-school events and community partnerships. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Modern facilities including sports grounds, libraries, science labs, performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, and on-site canteen. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of technology to support learning, with appropriate digital literacy instruction and access to devices as part of the curriculum. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Public transport options and school transport arrangements; accessibility considerations are discussed with families during enrolment. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees fall in a mid-to-high range for independent Catholic schooling; details are provided through the admissions team and current financial information. ⸻ 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Values-based Catholic education with a supportive community - Balanced focus on academics, wellbeing, and extracurricular opportunities - Moderate class sizes and accessible staff - Wide range of clubs, sports, and arts programs - Inclusive environment with EAL/SEN support - Cons / Considerations - Uniforms are required - As an independent school, fees apply and may be higher than public options - Availability of certain programs may vary year to year depending on staffing and enrolment - Transport options depend on local routes and schedules; families may need to plan accordingly ⸻