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?

  • RAM funds are dedicated to school leadership through the provision of two Head Teacher positions. This includes a Head Teacher - Teaching and learning who leads Literacy, Numeracy and Curriculum programs as well as a Head Teacher Administration who leads wellbeing initiatives in improving student attendance and in providing consistency in curriculum delivery when staff are absent.
  • The use of technology throughout the school in delivering the curriculum is supported through the employment of a Technical Support Officer. This ensures our network and software systems are functioning on a consistent basis. Our Technical Support Officer is also involved in the introduction of new technologies and provides Professional Learning support for staff.
  • Funding is dedicated to additional teaching staff to broaden the curriculum delivered. This includes being able to offer a STEM elective in Years 9 & 10, Drama classes in Years 9, 10 and 11 and an Enrichment Program in the senior years to support students prepare for their HSC. One additional SLSO is employed to work with students in mainstream classes and through the Learning Centre providing in class support to students with identified learning needs.
  • Aboriginal Education programs are funded to employ a teacher tutor who assists students in Year 10, 11 & 12 with study skills, organisational skills and planning for their futures beyond school. A Learning Support Officer is employed through the funding to provide in class support for students as well as provide individual assistance through the Schools Learning Centre.
  • Wellbeing programs are funded include boys education, girls education, health education, resilience building and student leadership programs.
  • Enrichment programs based on an entrepreneurial learning model cater for our Gifted and Talented students are also funded.

    • 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.

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