Kempsey High School

Kempsey High School commenced in 1930. Its students and staff have contributed to a rich history of academic, civic, business, artistic and sporting achievement. The school seeks to instil a sense of personal worth, integrity and responsibility in students, who are challenged and supported to produce their best. A school code focusing on cooperation and responsibility is taught and rewarded to build a respectful environment for students to grow intellectually, culturally, physically and socially. Student leadership is enabled through a student council which leads service, environmental and civic initiatives. The school staff seek to live the country values of friendliness and cooperation in their relationships with parents and the community. Teaching programs in Years 7 and 8 emphasise literacy and numeracy. In Years 9 to 12 a wide choice of courses is taught in small classes. Enhancement programs including an after school homework program, HSC tutor program and a Year 12 tutorial program are provided. The Enterprise Centre engages students with employers in an award-winning series of projects that teach employability skills through hands-on learning. The school is renowned for the quality of its programs in Agriculture, Visual Arts and Drama. Both Agriculture and Primary Industries are offered in the senior school. Curriculum options also include music, dance, photography and vocational education courses in hospitality, construction, business studies, primary industries and animation. Students complete an additional 100 hours of Personal Development, Health and Physical Education over Years 7 to 10 to enhance their physical and social health. Highly trained and experienced teachers, administrative, learning support and Aboriginal education officers, counsellors and a chaplain team to support student learning. Parent participation in the learning process is expanding because of its close relationship to improved student learning. The school continues to deepen its links with businesses and community organisations. A strong transition to high school program exists is being expanded and builds curriculum links with schools in the Macleay Educational Community of Public Schools. The Gooris On The Job and Gooris In Business programs lead the school's efforts to provide strong cultural programs for Aboriginal students. Partnerships with the Dunghutti community have been enhanced through Barrunba Ngundakang - the Aboriginal Centre. It provides a special place to build intercultural understanding across the school community. Modern science laboratories, a dance and performance workshop, music and sound recording studios, photography laboratory, visual arts workshops, marine studies, agriculture-rural studies, food technology, textiles, wood and metals technology facilities are fully utilised. The Hospitality Trade Training Centre houses the Red Onion Cafe - an onsite hospitality training facility. A new Language Centre is enhancing the Japanese exchange program.