Bowral High School

Bowral High School is a public school offering a broad and challenging academic and vocational curriculum that encourages all students to reach their potential. The school motto ‘Excelsior’, articulates a culture that promotes excellence in teaching and learning and provides exceptional learning opportunities for all. Effective assessment and feedback processes are an important aspect of school planning. School resources, including teacher time are managed strategically to enable structured and regular feedback to be provided to students. Students are challenged to succeed through enrichment programs offered in a range of areas including academic studies, sport and performing and creative arts. Students with special needs are supported by four dedicated support classes and a committed Learning Support team. All classes are taught by dynamic and experienced teachers who challenge students to be responsible and life long learners. Professional learning is a key priority in the school plan and all teachers have an individual professional learning plan that is closely linked to classroom teaching and the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers. The core values of the school, Respect, Responsibility and Fairness underpin the Code of Conduct and support Positive Behaviour for Success or PBS. PBS is a whole school, research based program that teaches student how to behave appropriately and model the core values. PBS is also supported by Vivo Miles, an online student reward system that staff use to reward students when they demonstrate positive behaviour. The school is part of a cohesive and supportive community of schools that meets regularly to plan and develop initiatives that support students as they move from Year 6 into the high school setting. The transition program includes taster days for each primary school that provide students with sample lessons in Visual Arts, Industrial Technolgy, Science and Home Economics. The transition plan features regular professional discussion and planning of targeted teaching and learning programs by the Bowral Community of Schools. Students in year 7 and 8 are supported to aim high through ASPIRE, an innovative program that uses the school's strong links with the University of Canberra and the University of Wollongong. Students and staff engage in an exciting program that includes campus visits, team teaching with university staff and students and professional learning. ASPIRE also places year 7 and 8 students into learning teams that connect the learning of their class to focus areas such as performing arts, sport or technology. Twice a year, student work and performance are celebrated in the Year 7 Showcase events that are attended by parents, staff and supporters of the school.  Bowral High School has a strong and effective Anti-Bullying plan and develops close links with parents and the broader community to ensure that the school environment is safe and supportive. The Performing Arts are strongly supported within the school community and students are given many opportunities to perform and succeed in music, drama and dance. Achievement of personal best and fairness in sport are also strongly encouraged and our students are regularly recognised for their successes in a broad range of sporting pursuits. An innovative hospitality program, supported by a student operated business,'Cafe Bowral', provides students with real work place experiences and a unique opportunity to develop skills in food and beverage preparation, as well as business operations. High quality learning environments and facilites including six new science labs, a Connected Classroom and several well resourced computer rooms support teaching and learning. Bowral High School offers extensive playground areas including two sporting ovals, a basket ball court and a large multi-purpose centre. The school also offers a well equipped performing arts space that is used by music, drama and dance classes.The student voice is provided through a cohesive and proactive student leadership team. Students particpate in programs that challenge them to succeed and work in the community such as Duke of Edinburgh, Student Volunteering and the Cambodia project. The school is highly regarded in the local area as a welcoming and caring learning centre that caters for the individual needs of its students.