Learning

Gledswood Hills High School students access a well-rounded curriculum that meets the requirements for all NSW public schools in line with the Education Act 1990, the NESA syllabuses, credentialing requirements, obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005.

Our teachers use effective evidence-based teaching strategies to help students achieve their goals.

Why choose us for your child’s learning?

Strong foundations

We focus on the skills your child needs to succeed in school and beyond. This helps them feel confident and prepared for the future.

High-quality education

We offer a range of subjects to match what students enjoy and want to learn about. Our skilled teachers support every student to find what they love, do their best and succeed.

Inclusive and personalised learning

Our teachers adjust how they teach to suit your child’s needs, interests and learning pace. We make sure every student feels confident and supported.

Extension opportunities

Some students are ready for more challenges. We offer open-ended tasks, enrichment programs and support. We help all students to reach their full potential.

What students learn

Students learn a wide range of subjects in the NSW curriculum. They build skills, think creatively and prepare for life beyond school.

Explore how we teach the NSW curriculum through key learning areas.

High potential and gifted education

At our school, we give the right support to help advanced or talented learners grow and do their best.

We notice these students early. They may learn quickly or show strong skills in creativity, leadership, problem solving or sport. We help them stay challenged with lessons and activities that match their strengths.

English

Students develop skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. They study a wide range of texts, including novels, poems, media, and digital content, to explore ideas, cultures, and perspectives. Using interactive tools and resources, students learn to communicate effectively and critically, strengthening their ability to express themselves clearly and confidently. Students develop creativity, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of how language shapes the world.

Mathematics

Students will explore the basics of number, algebra, geometry, and data. They will build a strong foundation in mathematical reasoning, learning to apply their skills to solve problems in everyday life. Students will work with numbers, shapes, and measurements, developing strategies for critical thinking and problem-solving. This will help them become confident, independent thinkers, ready to tackle more complex mathematical concepts as they progress through high school.

Science

Students will investigate the world around them through experiments and hands-on learning. They will study topics such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Science, using the science laboratory to explore scientific concepts through inquiry-based activities. Students will learn how to conduct experiments, collect and analyse data, and draw conclusions. They will also understand how science helps us solve real-world problems, from health to the environment, and appreciate its role in shaping our future.

HSIE

Students study History and Geography. They explore the past, understanding how societies have developed and how global events shape our world today. Using digital tools and interactive lessons, students gain skills to research, analyse, and critically think about social, political, and environmental issues. With a focus on real-world contexts, they understand their role in society and develop the ability to engage with the world thoughtfully and informedly.

TAS

Students engage in hands-on learning in Design, Construction, and Food Technology. Using our technology workshop and kitchen, they design and build projects, explore new technologies, and develop practical skills. They learn how technology solves problems and improves lives, while gaining confidence to create and innovate. Through collaborative projects, students develop problem-solving, critical thinking, and technical skills, preparing them for advanced technology courses in the future.

Creative Arts

Students begin their journey in our art studio and music room. They will explore different forms of creative expression, experimenting with various media, instruments, and performance techniques. Students learn how to communicate ideas through their art and reflect on the work of others. These subjects encourage creativity, self expression, and confidence, helping students discover their artistic passions and talents while developing a deeper appreciation for the arts.

Languages

Students will start learning a second language and explore new cultures. They will develop skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in their chosen language while discovering how language connects us to people around the world. Using interactive language tools and engaging activities, students will build their vocabulary and grammar, enabling them to communicate effectively. Studying another language will help students understand the world from a different perspective and open up opportunities for further study.

PDHPE

Students focus on building healthy habits, both physically and mentally. They engage in physical activities in the GrHPS hall and outdoor sports facilities to improve fitness, coordination, and teamwork. Students also learn about nutrition, mental health, and positive relationships. The curriculum equips them with knowledge and skills to make healthy choices and take responsibility for their wellbeing, fostering resilience, confidence, and a strong sense of self.

Learning for Change

A key feature of our Learning for Change Integrated Curriculum model is the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), fostering global awareness and responsibility. Through real-world projects and cross-disciplinary learning, students explore key issues like sustainability, equality, and innovation, developing the knowledge and skills to contribute positively to their communities and the wider world. Information on the SDG’s can be found at: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainabledevelopment-goals/

GHHS Learning Dispositions

We have created Growth Learning Dispositions, these are the framework through which we want to develop essential skills in students like critical thinking, ethical understanding, and personal responsibility.

Our learning dispositions—Awareness, Point of View, Perspective, Agency, and Empowerment— purposefully integrate ACARA's General Capabilities into the curriculum, enabling students to apply these capabilities in real- world contexts and through reflective practice. Students are empowered to build the skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.

What does it look like in student learning?

Awareness of content, self, and others enables students to connect new ideas with prior knowledge, enhancing their ability to engage with and apply learning in diverse contexts.

Point of view helps students recognise how their beliefs, values, and experiences shape their understanding, encouraging them to think critically, reflect, and engage with new information in a deeper way.

Perspective fosters the ability to evaluate ideas critically, allowing students to appreciate diverse viewpoints and challenge their own thinking, leading to a more nuanced understanding of the world around them.

Agency encourages students to make informed choices, set selfdirected goals, and take responsibility for their learning, helping them develop the resilience and drive needed to achieve continuous growth.
Empowerment nurtures confident global citizens who advocate for themselves and others, promoting social responsibility and the ability to drive positive change in their communities.

Our learning approach

At Gledswood Hills High School, learning is underpinned by explicit teaching and evidence-based practice, ensuring clarity, consistency, and high expectations in every classroom and for every learner.

As a new school, we embrace innovative approaches that blend the Science of Learning (explicit teaching principles) with future-focused practices, preparing students for success in a rapidly changing world. This means we are clearly telling students what they are learning, why it is important and how to do it step by step. This helps students understand new ideas by breaking them into smaller parts.

Learning at our school is student-centred, inclusive and practical. Guided by our values of Growth, Respect, Integrity and Teamwork, we foster resilient, curious, and capable learners who are ready to contribute confidently to their communities and beyond.

Our approach to learning includes:

real-world learning:  hands-on tasks, group work and exploring new ideas

cross-curricular connections:  to help students deepen their understanding and build transferable skills

embedding growth learning dispositions: developing essential skills in students like critical thinking, ethical understanding, and personal responsibility.

co-teaching practices:  teachers team-teaching, strengthening student engagement

supported learning: providing differentiated and personalised support for students, including opportunities for extension and additional help.

community connections:  through excursions and local programs.

Helping students progress

We support every student’s academic progress by:

checking their progress and giving clear and timely feedback
setting learning goals with each student
giving extra help with personalised plans and support from specialist staff
reporting on each student’s learning progress so parents and carers know how their child is doing

providing targeted literacy and numeracy support in small groups
making wellbeing part of everyday learning
working with families to support learning at home and school
helping students through transitions, like starting school or moving to a new stage of learning.

Learn more about additional learning support at our school.

Want to know more about our subjects?

We can connect you with the right teacher or staff member.

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Student opportunities and activities

Discover clubs, sports and other activities your child can enjoy at school.

Our principal and staff

Get to know our principal and staff, who work together to create a positive school culture.