News

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 20:18:37 AEDT

The department is working with the Ministry of Health to monitor and respond to the unfolding international novel coronavirus situation.

Get up-to-date information about the department's response to novel coronavirus.

Are you #Ready2020?

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 15:38:05 AEDT

Hints, tips and resources to make a great start to the new school year – whether it’s your first day of high school or you’ve been here a while.

We work hard to make sure every student is known, valued and cared for – even before they walk into the classroom on Day 1, Term 1.

We’ve got great advice and resources for high school, no matter what year you’re heading into...

For families of students starting Year 7:

download our Getting ready for high school booklet
read our top tips for a smooth transition.

For families of returning students:

visit the back to school checklist to make a hassle-free start to the year
download the 2020 calendar to stay organised all year
check out our hints for setting up a study space.

Video – #Ready2020: First day at high school

Duration – 1:00

Staying healthy into the new school year

Tue, 07 Jan 2020 12:48:56 AEDT

Immunisation is a simple, safe and effective way to protect your family from harmful diseases this holiday season and into 2020. Visit your doctor for general health and vaccination advice.

Immunisation not only protects you and your family but also others in your community, by reducing the spread of preventable diseases.

Children starting school in 2020 must have up-to-date immunisations to enrol.

These vaccinations help protect children from highly infectious and severe diseases including whooping cough and measles.

Travel health

If you’re travelling overseas during the school holidays, you may need vaccinations or medication – both for general health protection and for region specific diseases.

If you’re travelling to the Northern Hemisphere, you may even need a flu shot.

Find out more about staying healthy while travelling.

2019 Premier's Award Winner

Sun, 17 Nov 2019 11:55:28 AEDT

NSW schools respond to bushfires

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 16:59:25 AEDT

Many schools are responding to the catastrophic fire rating that is affecting communities across the state this week.

We are continuously updating the School safety page with a list of government and non-government schools, as well as TAFE NSW campuses that are currently non-operational.

While some schools are temporarily non-operational due to localised fires, many others in high-risk areas are non-operational as a precautionary measure.

Schools in some areas are being used as emergency evacuation centres at the direction of the Rural Fire Service.

For schools that are currently operational, school pickups and dropoffs will continue as usual. If your school is currently non-operational, it will likely remain so tomorrow.

Large scale distressing events affect our school communities in many ways. Headspace’s mental health support resource (PDF 100.52KB) is available to help students, teachers and school staff respond to the bushfires.

Visit the School safety page for updates. The department’s Facebook and Twitter accounts will also provide updates during this period.

2020 school travel applications now open

Mon, 21 Oct 2019 10:09:19 AEDT

Applications for student travel in 2020 are open.

Students progressing to Year 7 no longer need to re-apply if they:

are continuing at the same school
are residing at the same address
have not been sent an expiry notification from Transport for NSW.

Where a student meets the new distance eligibility, the system will automatically update their entitlement. If they do not meet the new eligibility, they will receive an expiry notification via email.

Students who have an entitlement approved under a medical condition which is due to expire will receive a notification advising them to re-apply.

Term Bus Pass holders will receive a notification to re-apply.

If students need to update their information or re-apply, they should go online to https://apps.transport.nsw.gov.au/ssts/updateDetails

Applications need to be submitted before 31 December 2019 to ensure student entitlements are updated and their current entitlement/card is not cancelled. If their application is submitted after 31 December 2019, the system will automatically cancel an entitlement/card and a new one will need to be issued.

Students in the Opal network applying for an SSTS or Term Bus Pass entitlement for the first time will receive their card at their nominated postal address. Cards will be mailed out from January 2020.

Students residing in Rural and Regional (R&R) areas should receive their travel pass at the commencement of the new school year from their nominated operator, this may be distributed via the school or sent directly to their address. Note: some R&R operators do not issue travel passes. Students/Parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.

Grab a ticket to Schools Spectacular 2019

Thu, 24 Oct 2019 11:01:43 AEDT

Will you be joining us at Schools Spectacular 2019? Tickets are on sale now. Experience our live show featuring a cast of thousands of public school students from across metropolitan, rural and remote regions of NSW.

Students from different ages, cultures and backgrounds will share the spotlight as they dance, play and sing for you. Choose from one of our four massive performances at Qudos Bank Arena on Friday 22 November and Saturday 23 November.

This year's events will feature:

more than 380 schools
5,500 performers
a 3000-strong choir
2,300 dancers
an 80-piece symphony orchestra
a world-class stage band.

Group bookings

Need to make a group booking for over 10 people? Complete the Schools Preview Order Form 2019 (PDF 110KB) to attend the discounted 11am Friday matinee. The Friday matinee is discounted for school students and accompanying teachers.

If you’d like to grab a spot at one of the other three remaining shows complete the Group Booking Form 2019 (PDF 110KB).

Tickets for you and your family and friends

Save you and your family a spot online or by phone on 132 849.

Video – Schools Spectacular 2019

Duration: 0:26

Book yourself in for Reading Hour

Thu, 12 Sep 2019 12:12:12 AEST

This Australian Reading Hour, encourage your child to discover or rekindle their love of a good book. Take the time to learn, escape and relax on Thursday 19 September and read for one hour.

Reading has been shown to reduce stress by 68% more than listening to music, going for a walk, or having a cup of tea.

Take the Book Swap Challenge

We all have favourite books that we come back to again and again.

To help celebrate Reading Hour take our Book Swap Challenge. We want students, teachers, staff and parents to try reading something new on the day. To get involved, simply pair up with someone and swap your favourite books.

Take a photo and tag it with #ReadingHour so we can see how you got involved.

Video – Ben Law asks students about their favourite author

Duration: 1:18

Author and #ReadingHour ambassador Benjamin Law talks with some of our students about their favourite books.

How to be smart and safe on social media

Thu, 05 Sep 2019 11:27:16 AEST

Use our new Digital Citizenship toolkit to empower your child to understand how their online behaviour affects themselves and others.

You and your child can find information on:

how to ‘be positive’ by understanding online behaviour and its effect
'be smart’ by thinking critically and being digitally aware
'be safe’ by protecting your security, privacy and wellbeing.

A toolkit to empower you and your child

You can find articles and videos to equip and empower your child to minimise the risks and maximise the opportunities in our digital future.

We’ve partnered with leading researchers to produce a curated toolkit – aligned to the curriculum – which teachers and you can share with the young people in your lives.

Guide your child through important concepts such as:

managing privacy settings in social media
collaborating online
avoiding scams and hoaxes
understanding the law when it comes to online speech
Internet banking, shopping online and much more.

Keep your child safe and happy online

Visit and bookmark the Digital Citizenship website. We’ll continue to add articles and resources to ensure the best possible tools are available to help you guide your child to be positive, smart and safe online.

What’s next after high school?

Fri, 30 Aug 2019 11:25:34 AEST

Is your child in Year 9 to 12 curious about their career choices? Now they can use LifeLauncher, a free online tool to explore and simplify their career choices.

Your child can explore courses and careers in-depth, at their own pace, anytime, anywhere and on any device. The tool includes 4,000 careers and 1,500 course options, all in one place.

How does it work?

Encourage your child to jump online and complete the 5-minute personality and subject quizzes to be matched to a range of career options that suit their passions and strengths.

If they take both quizzes, they’ll get more refined suggestions. They can even create free online pinboards to shortlist the courses and jobs that interest them.

When your child creates an account, they can save their searches and build a real understanding of the opportunities and pathways open to them.

What can your child learn about their career options?

Your child can explore the weekly salary of the career options they’re interested in. They’ll also find the employment and growth rates of those careers and the number of workers currently in those fields in Australia.

Each career option shows them the education they need as well as other related careers. They can follow links to other sites to find out more about a course to help them find the best provider for them.

Launch into the future today

Use this tool to chat with your child about their post-school options in a meaningful way.

Inspire your child to find their career match today at LifeLauncher.nsw.gov.au.

Online library

Thu, 29 Aug 2019 10:08:34 AEST

Over the next few months, we will have access to an online library of e-books and audiobooks.

Within this e-library are functions to help students love reading such as dyslexia filters and the ability to change font style and size to make reading easier for students as well as the ability to listen to books rather than reading them.

Students have access to this library through the link https://westwalls-h.wheelers.co/

Students can log in with their usual DET login and password. We are trialling this system so if you enjoy reading, get on and borrow some books to make it worthwhile!

If you have any questions or concerns, please speak with Mrs Somner.

Awards celebrate outstanding achievement in public education

Wed, 28 Aug 2019 14:31:47 AEST

West Wallsend High School has been the recipient of the 2019 Secretary’s Award for Excellence.

The annual awards showcase NSW public school students, teachers, staff and parents who have made major contributions to their school communities and serve as role models to their peers. They also acknowledge schools that have embraced innovative programs to turn around school results and are changing the way education is delivered within the government system.

West Wallsend High School was one of a handful of schools recognised.

The school executive team and staff have been instrumental in increasing student HSC success. They have embraced a vision for school improvement targeting specific initiatives with relentless focus. Of critical importance has been the engagement in an extensive suite of internal and external professional learning offered over the last five years. The HSC improvement, evidenced in data is a testament to the strategic focus building professional capacity of staff to enhance opportunities for all students. The learning community’s commitment to innovation is to be commended.

Department of Education Secretary Mark Scott said the awards celebrated excellence within the State’s public education system by showcasing those who had made major contributions as role models to their peers, their schools and the wider education community.

The Public Education Foundation’s executive director David Hetherington said the Foundation was proud to host the Awards on behalf of Education Minister Sarah Mitchell and Department Secretary Mark Scott AO.

“The event is always the highlight of the education calendar, showcasing the wonderful people and extraordinary talent across NSW public education – schools, students, teachers, school staff and parents,” Mr Hetherington said.

Congratulations West Wallsend High School learning community.

Dr Fiona Walsh

Education Week – Every student, every voice

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 12:53:36 AEST

We are celebrating our students and their powerful voices this Education Week Monday 5 August to Friday 9 August. Every year Education Week celebrates the achievements of public schools, our students and the value of public education.

This year, the theme is Every student, every voice.

Join us for #EdWeek19 as we celebrate our students and their power to shape the world.

Video – #EdWeek19 – Every student, every voice

Duration: 0:34

STEM Innovation + Defence Program

Fri, 26 Jul 2019 11:50:10 AEST

Last night saw 8 teams from 4 different schools take part in stage 5 of the STEM innovation + defence program. Students showcased their innovative projects and also participated in a business pitch where they were judged based on innovation of product, identified market and overall presentation.

Jake Muller and Zahnee Bridge proudly presented the concept of the SAVI vest (sensory assistant for the visually impaired) and were announced winners of the pitch event. This sees them receive an invitation to travel to Sydney in November with 10 of the best business pitch teams from the Hunter region to pitch to industry and investors.

MS Readathon

Mon, 01 Jul 2019 12:37:55 AEST

Register Now and Support Kids living with a parent with MS

You can register now at

WWHS MS Readathon

Throughout August, our school is taking a magical quest filled with adventure and mystery, and it is all for one incredible cause. Our school will be reading as many books as possible in August and raising funds for kids who have a parent living with MS. Funds raised by the MS Readathon go toward sending kids on awesome Family Camps where they can learn about MS and have fun with their family.

A great reason to spend some time reading, come and check out some of the great new books that have arrived in our school library. If you have any questions, please see Mrs Somner in the library.

Thank you for supporting our school’s MS Readathon adventure!

Senior Student Support

Thu, 27 Jun 2019 15:20:20 AEST

Part of our support and mentoring program enjoyed by senior students ar WWHS is a series of workshops with external provider Elevate Education. Presenters from Elevate are high achieving HSC students currently at university, who share the tried and tested techniques they used for their HSC with our students.

This workshop focused on:

Time management
Procrastination
Distractions

In order to improve their marks students were encouraged to do some extra work based around the following:

Note taking
Practice tests/questions
Extra reading on a topic

Just 15 minutes a week on each subject can make a big difference to the marks achieved.

The benefits of working in small groups (3/4) and splitting tasks were explained:

Each group members takes one task and works on it independently
The group then meets to feedback and share results/work
Using the meet swap and teach technique, each group member teaches the rest of the group what they have learned
Being in a group makes you more accountable

Students were asked why they procrastinate:

Motivation
Overwhelmed
Not enjoying a topic/subject

Things they can try to cope with these feelings:

Lack of motivation - find a good reason to care about the subject, make it personal and write it down
Feeling overwhelmed - break tasks down as soon as you receive them, make a list of the tasks with some easy ones at the top - the satisfaction of crossing them off is satisfying and there motivating
Dislike a topic -use the group technique and work with friends, more enjoyment and a different perspective and you spend less time on the topic for the same result.
Incentives can help, schedule rewards for yourself when you finish a task component.

Distractions

Students have to deal with a high level of distractions today compared with 20 years ago. Social media particularly is a huge distraction when trying to memorise information. There are many apps available that can be used to minimise the distraction by restricting access during your scheduled study periods, for example, the Forest App encourages users to spend time away from their phones, by growing virtual trees and earning coins, which can then be saved up and used to help plant real trees in five countries in Africa — Cameroon, Kenya, Senegal, Uganda, and Tanzania. For laptops, there are 'Cold Turkey', 'Stay Focusd' Mindful Browsing, Freedom and many more apps.

NAIDOC Week Competition

Wed, 26 Jun 2019 13:56:42 AEST

WWHS NAIDOC Week Student Competition

Creative and Active Kids vouchers now available

Fri, 14 Jun 2019 11:27:51 AEST

Creative kids can now put a $100 voucher towards extra-curricular creative activities outside of school.

Together with Active Kids, this program aims to encourage more NSW children to participate in a range of extra-curricular activities such as coding, languages, circus, performing arts and visual arts.

Parents can apply for one $100 voucher for each child enrolled in school on the Creative Kids website and use it towards the cost of registration, participation or tuition. You just redeem the voucher with a registered provider in your area when making your payment.

This is a great opportunity for your child to become involved in a range of activities that will build on their education, growth and development.

Service NSW is working with industry bodies to deliver the program.

For more information, contact Service NSW on 137 788 or creativekids@service.nsw.gov.au.

The Game Changer Challenge is back

Fri, 31 May 2019 11:42:10 AEST

It’s not too late to become a Game Changer with applications for the Education Week challenge due by 7 June.

The Game Changer Challenge brings 16 teams from public schools across NSW – eight from primary and eight from secondary – to Sydney during Education Week in August for a three-day, intensive design-thinking workshop.

The Game Changer workshops, which start on Tuesday 6 August, includes teacher training in the use of design thinking as a teaching methodology and its application for school planning.

It also includes a team competition where schools will work under the guidance of experts from industry and academia to develop a solution to this year’s critical question: How might we humanise technology?

Department of Education Secretary Mark Scott has encouraged students and teachers to get behind the event as it highlights the critical thinking students will need to develop to succeed in the future.

“The Game Changer Challenge is an exciting initiative that helps educate and inform our students and teachers on how to integrate the problem-solving methodology of design thinking into the classroom,” Mr Scott says.

“It embraces the 21^st century skills our students will need to thrive in a globalised world such as collaboration, creative thinking and communication.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our students at all levels to be involved in discussing and addressing a real-world issue that will affect their future lives. I encourage every school to get involved.”

The challenge is designed to make strong learning and teaching connections to the NSW syllabus specifically in the area of developing general capabilities such as critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, communication and problem-solving.

The challenge also provides teachers with an opportunity to gain exposure to the design thinking process and includes teacher resources to introduce this creative problem-solving methodology into the classroom.

Finalists will be selected based on a 60-second video that showcases your team’s vision around the question of humanising technology.

For more information email edweek@det.nsw.edu.au or visit the Game Changer Challenge page.

Burn 2 Learn

Fri, 24 May 2019 15:02:59 AEST

High-Intensity Interval Training introduced for Year 8 Middle School and Drive Students.

Mother's Day Bookstall

Mon, 13 May 2019 08:54:08 AEST

The English faculties Mother's Day Bookstall was very popular with students.

Your NAPLAN questions answered

Thu, 09 May 2019 15:57:06 AEST

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a point in time assessment for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. The tests assess the foundational skills in reading, writing, spelling and numeracy that are essential for every child to progress through school and life.

This year NAPLAN takes place between 14 and 16 May for paper tests and between 14 and 24 May for schools participating in NAPLAN Online.

NAPLAN data is used to help monitor student progress over time against a national measure and to identify areas of strength and improvement. It is used in combination with other school assessments to guide and support student learning.

Watch students ask an expert the tough questions about NAPLAN.

Excursion to the Nicholson Museum

Wed, 08 May 2019 12:14:16 AEST

Year 12 students in the majestic grounds of the prestigious University of Sydney.

A Message from Dr Walsh

Thu, 02 May 2019 09:36:57 AEST

Since 2014, West Wallsend High School has undergone significant change driven by best practice to ensure that all students are known, valued and cared for. Through strategic planning, students, staff and the community have been integral in shifting the mindset around HSC achievement, in particular, academic performance and rigour.

It is my absolute pleasure to share with you a letter received from Murat Dizdar, Deputy Secretary, School Operations and Performance, NSW Department of Education, recognising outstanding HSC improvement and performance.

I would like to acknowledge the hard work of all members of staff at West Wallsend. Congratulations to our amazing students who have and will continue to achieve outstanding results. I would like to sincerely thank all the parents and carers who have also made this success possible for our students. Your ongoing support is greatly appreciated and valued.

YMCA NSW Youth Parliament

Thu, 02 May 2019 15:01:42 AEST

Three Year 11 students met up with 80 students from across NSW, QLD & the ACT during the school holidays when they attended the YMCA NSW Youth Parliament Training Camp.

At the camp, they began planning bills that they will present to parliament in Sydney next school holidays. Some of the topics they discussed included the use of science and innovation to make lab-grown meat, and the banning of the single-use plastic bag.

The students had a fantastic time, making friends with like-minded, politically active peers and are excited about their camp next school holidays. Congratulations to Zahnee, Jake & Felicity for representing WWHS with pride and excellence!

Apply now for My Community Project funding

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 15:12:05 AEST

Do you have a great idea to improve your area?

My Community Project is a new NSW Government funding program that is all about local ideas, local projects and local decisions.

You can apply now for grants from $20,000 - $200,000 for projects that will make a difference to your community. Projects could include new playground equipment, sports facilities, paths or ramps to improve access, public art or a community service.

The local community can vote for their favourite projects in July and successful projects will be announced in September.

Project applications close 15 May 2019.

Apply for My Community Project funding

Bring back memories, not measles

Thu, 11 Apr 2019 14:21:32 AEST

With school holidays just around the corner, it’s time to visit your doctor to check that you and your family are fully protected against measles, before you travel overseas.

Measles is a serious, highly contagious, viral illness that is easily spread through the air when an infectious person coughs, sneezes or breathes. If you and your family are not fully vaccinated, or have never been vaccinated, you are at risk of contracting measles.

Not sure if you’re fully protected?

In Australia, the measles vaccine (MMR) consists of 2 doses. If you’re not sure whether you’ve had 2 doses of the measles vaccine, visit your doctor. It’s safe to receive another dose.

Children born in Australia

If your children were born in Australia, they may have received the measles vaccine at 12 months old and the second dose at 18 months, in accordance with the National Immunisation Program.
If you have a baby under 12 months old, consult your doctor about getting their measles vaccination.

Adults born in Australia

Born before 1966 – you were most likely exposed to measles as a child and are generally considered to be immune. If in doubt, ask your GP.
Born between 1966 and 1994 – you may not have received 2 doses. Talk to your doctor about the free vaccine if you’re unsure.
Born after 1994 – the National Immunisation Program offers 2 doses, and you can check your vaccination status using the Australian Immunisation Register.

For more information about the measles vaccination, visit NSW Health or consult your local doctor.

Softball Stars

Mon, 04 Mar 2019 13:42:04 AEDT

Follow your heart, not the herd

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 13:23:57 AEDT

We spoke with a group of Kindergarten students to find out what they had to say about going against the herd. They had some wise words for us on how we can care, respect and support each other in our schools.

Let’s start the year off right and prevent student bullying happening in our playgrounds, classrooms and online. If a group of 5-year-olds know the difference between right and wrong, shouldn’t everyone?

Video – Wise at 5

Duration – 1:08

Mentor Support Network Educational Scholarships Presentation

Fri, 01 Mar 2019 09:33:32 AEDT

Year 10 student Rebekah Humphries is a very deserving recipient of a Mentor Support Network (MSN) Educational Scholarship.

The 2019 Educational Scholarship Awards were presented to 31 students from across the Hunter Region to facilitate their further education. These scholarships together with the work of MSN, are made possible thanks to the support of many.

As a school, we are lucky to have a dedicated team of mentors that work with selected students. Rebekah took part in the Plan-It Youth mentoring program in 2018.

Congratulations go to Rebekah for her eloquent speech - Rebekah was one of three scholarship recipients asked to respond on behalf of all the recipients.

Back to school

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 15:21:34 AEDT

The first day of high school and the return to school in the new year are busy times for your child – and for the entire family. To help you and your child get organised and enjoy the experience we've compiled some useful tips for each year group.

We want every student to be known, valued and cared for in our schools.

Family feedback about schools always welcome

Wed, 05 Dec 2018 16:13:29 AEDT

We know the quality of the relationship between families and schools has a direct impact on student wellbeing and educational outcomes.

There will be times when parents and carers want to ask a question, raise an issue or make a complaint about our schools and it can be hard for families to know where to start. Families have told us that it can be difficult to find the right person to talk to, or don’t know what steps to take to bring an issue to someone’s attention.

A short video, produced in consultation with schools, is helping families find the right person if they have a question or want to raise an issue, make a complaint or provide a compliment. The video encourages families to contact their school or the department early and in a positive way to help resolve any issues together.

The video complements information on our website and is an accessible way for families to find out about the complaints process. Positive feedback is also important and families are encouraged to let us know when something has gone well.

Visit the complaints, compliments and suggestions webpage for more information.

2019 school budget allocations

Tue, 13 Nov 2018 13:48:48 AEDT

Like all NSW public schools, this week we will receive a School Budget Allocation Report with our funding for 2019. The report will help us manage our total budget delivered through the Resource Allocation Model (RAM).

The RAM supports schools through needs-based funding to ensure a fair, efficient and transparent allocation of funds. Our school has the flexibility to make local decisions based on the specific needs of our students.

We will use our 2019 funding to support students and improve educational outcomes. The school executive will continue to work with the school community as we implement the school plan using this needs-based funding.

Learn more about the 2019 RAM funding.

Hunter Disability Expo

Tue, 06 Nov 2018 18:27:05 AEDT

Free event see website for ticket registration.

School leaders for 2019

Fri, 12 Oct 2018 11:33:45 AEDT

School Captains Lavinia and Angus, Vice Captains Emma and Daniel and Prefects Makenzi, Aiden, Jacob and Hayley . The 2019 leadership team guided by Year Adviser Stacey Cross will step into their new roles after their investiture at the end of last Term, we wish them every success in their exciting year ahead.

Today's schools creating tomorrow's world

Wed, 08 Aug 2018 11:32:23 AEST

Education Week kicks off on Monday, August 6, with a simultaneous launch at Parramatta and Kiama public schools livestreamed on youtube so all government schools and their communities can join in.

This year's theme, Today's schools – creating tomorrow's world, highlights how NSW public schools are equipping young people with the skills and capabilities they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

For the first time the Education Week launch will be hosted by primary school students and will feature a dancing robot, student performances and a film highlighting how schools are working with their communities to solve real-world problems.

A highlight of the week is the Game Changer Challenge, in which 16 teams of students from schools across NSW will compete in a three-day design program, working alongside leading industry professionals to create the school of the future.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said today's students were learning at a time of great change.

"From the far west to our metropolitan hubs and everywhere in between, our state's schools will celebrate not only what we've achieved, but the future we are creating," Ms Berejiklian said.

"We are living in a time when the traditional walls of the classroom are opening up to new worlds of learning, paving the way for students to connect and collaborate with their peers regionally and globally."

Education Minister Rob Stokes said there had never been a more exciting time to be involved in schools with technology reshaping the way students learn and billions of dollars being invested in new school infrastructure.

"The NSW Department of Education is continually striving for improvement and innovation so that the young people in our care learn in a world-class education system," Mr Stokes said.

"The NSW Government is supporting that vision through a record $6 billion in funding to build the classrooms and schools of the future."

The Secretary of the Department of Education Mark Scott said ensuring today's students had the skills they would need to "not just survive, but thrive" in the future underpinned the department's evidence-based approach to learning.

"I am incredibly proud of the innovative teaching and learning that is being done across our State's public schools to ensure that every student can perform to their full potential," Mr Scott said.

"We don't know what the future will hold, but we do know that we are focused on equipping today's students with the skills and knowledge they will need to lead fulfilling lives in the future."

Gamechanger challenge finalists announced

Wed, 08 Aug 2018 11:32:24 AEST

Superfast scooters to transport students between classes, time travel excursions to key moments in history, sustainable schools that are self-sufficient in power, water and food and real-time brain scans to track student learning and wellbeing.

These are just some of the futuristic visions that helped propel 16 NSW school teams into the finals of the Game Changer Challenge which will be held in Sydney during Education Week from August 6—10.

The inaugural Game Changer Challenge aimed to showcase the theme of this year's Education Week, today's schools — creating tomorrow's world, with students and teachers working together to co-design the school of the future.

The finalists — eight teams each from NSW public primary and secondary schools — were selected from more than 99 entries, who each submitted a 60-second video outlining their vision for a school of the future.

Armidale High School teacher librarian Jessica Brennan helped coordinate a joint entry with Duval High School as the two schools will amalgamate into one campus from next year.

To select their entry, the schools ran their own competition with six teams of students from both high schools collaborating on their visions.

The winning entry was selected by the school community after they were presented during a film night that included popcorn and lolly bars.

"We are so thankful we got involved," Ms Brennan said. "This has been project-based learning at its most authentic."

The combined Armidale-Duval High team will join the other 15 finalists for a three-day, intensive design-thinking workshop in Sydney.

The workshop includes teacher training in the use of design thinking as a teaching methodology and its application for school planning.

It will also include a team competition where schools will work under the guidance of industry professionals in fields as diverse as technology, creative design and foreign affairs to design the school of the future.

The challenge winner will be selected after a Shark Tank-style pitch to industry and education experts, including Department of Education secretary Mark Scott.

The finalists in the primary section are:

Lidcombe Public School
Ingleburn Public School
Oakhill Drive Public School
Cherrybrook Public School
Cudgegong Valley Public School
Alstonville Public School
Thirroul Public School
Menindee Central School

In the secondary section finalists are:

Chatswood High School
Lurnea High School
Beverly Hills Girls High School
Armidale High School
Hurlstone Agricultural High School
Campbelltown Performing Arts High School
Gloucester High School
Carenne School SSP

More new classrooms, preschool places and teachers in $17.3 billion education budget

Wed, 08 Aug 2018 11:32:24 AEST

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet, Education Minister Rob Stokes and Early Childhood Minister Sarah Mitchell outlined a range of new initiatives funded by the $17.3 billion education budget in 2018—19.

The Government will be investing $6 billion over the next four years to deliver more than 170 new and upgraded schools, including planning for more than 20 new projects.

"We are proud to be making this unprecedented investment into the future of our children," Mr Perrottet said.

"This year's NSW Budget takes our already record school building program to another level — a massive 170 schools new and upgraded schools over the next four years.

"That brings our total schools building program to 230 new and upgraded schools since 2011."

"The NSW Liberals and Nationals Government's strong financial management has allowed us to invest so heavily in our schools and education system."

Mr Stokes said communities right across NSW will benefit from this record investment into education.

"NSW is experiencing an increase in school enrolments and we have in place an unprecedented program of investment in new and upgraded schools to meet this demand," Mr Stokes said.

A staged investment of $500 million is being allocated to provide cooling for schools, while improving the indoor environmental quality, through the installation of smart and sustainable air conditioning systems powered by solar energy.

In another landmark initiative, NSW will become the first Australian state to provide universal access to community preschool for three years old under a $197.8 million program.

"Because of this historic investment, average daily fees will decrease significantly and the savings will go directly back into the pockets of hard working families," Mrs Mitchell said.

This brings total spending on early childhood education to $474.3 million in 2018-19.

Other education investment in the 2018—19 NSW budget includes:

$160 million to be spent in 2018—19 to continue its blitz on planned school maintenance, part of a record $747 million investment over four years;
$71.8 million to implement the Literacy and Numeracy Strategy in NSW schools;
$50 million in additional flexible funding will be provided to government schools to implement the School Leadership Strategy - freeing up principals and school leaders from administrative work;
$3 million for the first comprehensive review of the entire school curriculum since 1989;
$2.8 million to encourage the preservation and study of Aboriginal languages;
$30 million to continue to deliver greater access to green space and sports facilities in public school playgrounds through the Share Our Space program, and;
Funding for around 900 extra full-time equivalent teaching positions in NSW government schools.

The NSW Government will also invest $1.3 billion on non-government schools, an increase of 7.5 per cent on 2017—18. This includes a $32 million increase in the Building Grants Assistance Scheme over four years for capital works projects to support enrolment growth in non-government schools.

The record $17.3 billion investment in education allocates $15.7 billion for recurrent expenses and $1.6 billion for capital investment in 2018—19.

Education week will be a game changer

Wed, 08 Aug 2018 11:32:24 AEST

Excursions to the moon, teleporting between classes, face recognition roll call or a school without bell times or walls . The school of the future is only limited by your imagination.

That is the message from the organisers of an exciting new challenge being launched today in the lead up to Education Week 2018.

The inaugural game changer challenge will showcase the theme of this year's Education Week, today's schools are creating tomorrow's world, which highlights how NSW public schools are equipping young people with the skills and capabilities they need to thrive in a rapidly changing, globalised world.

Under the game changer challenge students and teachers will work together and co-design the school of the future.

Based on a sixty second video application, 16 teams from public schools across NSW. Eight from primary and eight from secondary will then be selected to take part in a three-day, intensive design thinking workshop in Sydney.

The workshop includes teacher training in the use of design thinking as a teaching methodology and its application for school planning.

The challenge winner will be selected after a Shark Tank-style pitch to industry and education experts, including Department of Education Secretary Mark Scott.

For more information visit education webpage.

Education week 2018 — theme and dates announced

Wed, 08 Aug 2018 11:32:23 AEST

This year's education week will be held from Monday 6 August to Friday 10 August 2018 (Term 3, Week 3).

The theme for education week is 'todays schools - creating tomorrow's world'.

This theme communicates how NSW public schools are equipping young people with the skills and capabilities they need to thrive in a rapidly changing, globalised world.

Resource allocation model funding for 2018

Wed, 08 Aug 2018 11:32:23 AEST

In October 2017, all NSW public schools will receive a 2018 planned school budget allocation report. The report will assist with the management of the total budget delivered to schools through the resource allocation model (RAM).

The resource allocation model (RAM) methodology distributes funding based on the individual needs of students and schools. This gives schools greater flexibility to make local decisions.

Learn more about the 2018 funding by visiting the department's website or watch a short animation about managing the total school budget in NSW public schools.

Talk to your principal to find out how the school is planning to use its 2018 funding to support students to improve educational outcomes.

Test Creative and Performing Arts Showcase

Tue, 29 May 2018 11:22:10 AEST

Year 10 students perfoming at our Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) showcase

Year 10 photograph excursion TEST

Tue, 29 May 2018 11:50:33 AEST

Year 10 students visit a cemetry for inspiration

Hunter Dance Festival Success TEST

Tue, 29 May 2018 11:42:33 AEST

Year 8 and 9 students have been accepted into the Hunter Dance Festival 2018.

DUX 2017 - Brendan Daley

Sat, 19 May 2018 05:01:33 AEST

Congratulations to Brendan Daley DUX 2017 and the other high achievers who were recognised at our Academic Excellence Assembly

The next steps are exciting for Year 12, 2017 with students going on to study degrees in Computer Science, Education, Visual Communication Design, Information Technology, Arts & Linguistics, Environmental Science & Management, Social Science & Criminology, Animation. Others are undertaking traineeships and apprenticeships, joining the defence force and entering the world of work. They are an inspiration to our younger students and we wish them every success in their future careers.