The Henry Lawson High School

1. Overview The Henry Lawson High School is a public high school serving Grenfell and the surrounding rural communities in New South Wales. It offers a comprehensive, inclusive education within the NSW Department of Education framework, focusing on academic growth, wellbeing, and strong community connections. The school operates as a small-to-medium rural campus with a welcoming, close-knit atmosphere that supports students to try new activities and develop confidence. Class size tends to be mid-small, with cohorts typically around 20–25 students per class. The culture emphasises a nurturing, inclusive environment where students are encouraged to participate, support one another, and strive for personal and academic best. 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: Broad curriculum with emphasis on English and STEM-related subjects, alongside practical and hands-on learning opportunities that connect classroom learning to real-world contexts. - Special programs: The school may offer targeted programs for accelerated learning or gifted and talented students, along with pathways that support lifelong learning. Check with the school for current offerings. - NAPLAN / trends: National assessment trends for rural NSW schools show year-to-year variability; the school focuses on targeted literacy and numeracy support to improve overall performance. - Student-teacher ratios: Typical ratios align with NSW public high schools, providing regular access to teachers and support staff. - Support for diverse learners: Access to support for diverse learners, including assistance for students with English as an Additional Language (EAL) needs and students with special educational needs (SEN). 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: A range of sports commonly available at NSW rural high schools, such as football (soccer), rugby, netball, basketball, athletics, cricket, and cross-country, with opportunities to participate in local and regional competitions. - Strong teams or achievements: Participation and achievements vary by year; the school supports student sports development and competes in local/regional events where possible. - Music, arts, drama: Active programs in music, performing arts, and theatre, with opportunities to perform in school and community events. - Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other STEM or literacy-focused clubs are typically encouraged to develop skills beyond the classroom. - Partnerships: Connections with local community groups and regional competitions help extend opportunities in sports, arts, and STEM activities. 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Whole-school anti-bullying policies and practices to promote a safe, respectful environment. - House system: House or pastoral groups help foster belonging, healthy competition, and leadership opportunities. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school counsellors or wellbeing staff to support students' emotional and social health. - Transition support: Induction programs, buddy systems, and targeted transition supports assist new students adapting to the school environment. 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: On-site playing fields and outdoor spaces for physical education and sport. - Libraries: A dedicated library resource for information literacy, reading for pleasure, and research. - Science labs: Science facilities to support experiments and practical learning. - Music/performing arts centers: Spaces for music practice, rehearsals, and performances. - Tech/innovation labs: Computer and technology spaces for coding, robotics, and digital learning. - Cafeteria: On-site canteen or cafeteria providing meals and snacks. - Updated playgrounds: Safe, modern outdoor spaces for recreation and break times. 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: A focus on respect, responsibility, integrity, and inclusion within a supportive community. - Leadership style: Student voice and leadership opportunities through student councils, clubs, and peer mentoring. - Behaviour expectations: Clear expectations prioritising respectful behavior, safety, and positive conduct; consistent, fair discipline and support. - Community reputation: A close-knit rural school culture with active community involvement and parent engagement. - Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to an inclusive environment that welcomes students from diverse backgrounds. 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: General daily hours follow NSW public school schedules (typical daytime hours with a clear start and finish); specifics available from the school. - Before/after school care: Some arrangements may be available; check with the school regarding supervision and care options. - Uniform requirements: School uniform policy in place with specified attire; details provided by the school. - Transport (train/bus routes): Regional bus routes and school transport arrangements are offered where available; check local schedules. - Canteen availability: On-site canteen or food service with options suitable for students. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Public high schools generally have low to moderate discretionary costs (uniforms, activities, excursions); exact fees are confirmed by the school. 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - To enrol, families typically complete an enrolment form and submit required documents (proof of identity, residency, immunisation status, and any other NSW Department of Education requirements). The school will provide a timeline for submission, assessment, and the enrolment decision, along with information about orientation activities. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Some rural schools may operate a waiting list if capacity is limited. Enrolment decisions are often prioritised by space availability, with the school communicating timelines and next steps to families on the waiting list. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - NSW public high schools generally place emphasis on completed documentation and eligibility rather than entry tests. Some schools may conduct brief information sessions, discussions, or tours for prospective students; specifics are confirmed by the school. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are possible if there is space and appropriate documentation. Parents should contact the school as early as possible to discuss availability and the transfer process. 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A public, rural high school with a supportive community, small-to-mid student body, and a focus on well-rounded development, strong pastoral care, and opportunities across academics, sports, and arts. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who value a close-knit, supportive environment, smaller class sizes, and a balanced mix of academics, sport, and arts; those who benefit from strong wellbeing and community connections. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Access to a broad curriculum, potential for leadership and enrichment activities, participation in sports teams and arts programs, plus clubs such as robotics, coding, debating, and more—subject to current offerings. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Through newsletters, emails, parent-teacher meetings, school apps or portals, and regular updates from teachers and administration. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Student-centered learning with differentiation, literacy and numeracy support, and opportunities for practical, real-world applications. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Learning support staff, targeted literacy/numeracy initiatives, and pathways to further assistance within the school or via external services. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Access to tutoring, class adjustments, and coordination with teachers, counselors, and learning support staff to develop individual plans. - How does the school communicate with parents? - See above: regular updates via multiple channels, with opportunities for formal meetings and informal contact as needed. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes are generally mid-small for a rural NSW high school, allowing more teacher interaction and individualized support than larger urban schools. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A range of sports and arts programs, along with clubs such as robotics, chess, coding, and debating; offerings vary by year and are announced by the school. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, canteen, and updated outdoor areas. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of ICT in learning, with computer/tech spaces and digital platforms to support learning, collaboration, and creativity. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Regional bus routes and school transport where available; accessibility details provided by the school. - What are typical school fees or additional costs? - Public high schools have low to moderate discretionary costs (uniforms, excursions, materials); specifics are provided by the school. 10. Short Pros & Cons list Pros - Public, rural high school with a close-knit community - Supportive wellbeing and pastoral care - Balance of academics, sports, and arts - Moderate class sizes enabling more teacher attention Cons - Fewer elective options than larger urban schools - Transport times can be longer for some families - Availability of certain programs and facilities may vary by year If you’d like, I can tailor this further with more precise, up-to-date details directly from the school or NSW Department of Education resources.