Richmond High School
Location: Richmond NSW
Richmond High has a proud history being the first High School in the Hawkesbury region of Western Sydney. Its enrolment area consists of a combination of semi‐rural and suburban environments. Our school is a member of the Richmond Learning Community and the Hawkesbury Learning Community. This collaboration provides effective transition programs to high school.
Core values focus on producing safe, respectful learners. Student leadership and extensive community partnerships underpin these values. Wellbeing and social support programs promote harmony in a safe learning environment. Students access peer support, peer mediation and peer tutoring programs in literacy and numeracy. Students possess a strong sense of community spirit and passion for achievement.
Our staff are committed to continuous development through Professional Learning that focuses on Quality Teaching in literacy, numeracy, Aboriginal Education, innovation and the integration of technology. A Learning Centre with an expert staff provides personalised learning support for students of all ability levels. A Support Unit caters for students with intellectual disabilities and Autism.
The school delivers a diverse comprehensive curriculum including academic, competency based, sporting and performance based courses that provide post school educational opportunities including University. There is access to school based Apprenticeships/Traineeships, vocational courses and TAFE. The school has the main Hospitality facility for the Hawkesbury Trade Training Cluster and an upgraded metals facility.
Extra curricula programs equip students with the knowledge and skills to meet the challenges of a modern, culturally diverse and technological society.
These include links with a sister school in China, outdoor recreation, Duke of Edinburgh Scheme, Agriculture Show team, Hospitality team and Creative and Performing Arts team.
How has your school used its Gonski funding?
How has Gonski made a positive difference for students?
Students are able to access a broader curriculum through the employment of additional staff. This has led to positive outcomes for students who are passionate about the additional courses made possible and this in turn has allowed them to pursue their career aspirations at school. There has been a significant increase in the use of technology as a teaching and learning tool. This in turn has led to increased student engagement through students accessing the curriculum through the use of Google Classrooms. Literacy and numeracy results are beginning to show an upward trend towards the state mean. The school has achieved outstanding HSC results since the funding became available. The funding has increased the Professional Learning available within the school for staff. Students with a disability have been able to access in class assistance as required.
What could your school do with Gonski funding in the future?
Continue to fund the provision of additional staff to broaden the curriculum further and to provide in class and individual support for students with identified learning needs. With continued funding the school will continue to focus on improving Literacy and Numeracy skills with a focus on Professional Learning for staff and the development of strategies and resources to support this.
