Mudgee High School

Mudgee High School is a large comprehensive, co-educational country high school of approximately 1000 students. As a Centre for Excellence, we have been recognised for the high quality of our teaching. Students access a wide range of academic, sporting, social and cultural opportunities. Through the Cudgegong Learning Community students have the opportunity to collaborate with other local public schools in academic, sporting and arts programs and staff are able to share  joint school professional learning programs. The core values of the school are the empowerment of student to achieve their best in a safe, stimulating and inclusive environment. All students are expected to work hard and to demonstrate respect and responsibility towards their school, their peers and their community. This is achieved through having high expectations of students and staff, through buidling the capacity of staff, students and the community and  through organisational effectiveness. Programs for gifted and talented students foster a love of learning and capacity to strive for excellence. Recently upgraded science laboratories, a Trade Training Centre, creative and performing arts facilities, gymnasium, technology workshops and a state of the art library, make Mudgee High School an environment for all students to explore their talents and potential. Students have easy access to the internet for learning and are able to bring their own devices to enhance their learning. The highly regarded student welfare policy focuses on strong relationships with families, positive behaviours of students and recognition of achievement. The extensive curriculum allows access to a wide range of courses for both university and non-university pathways as well as VET and TAFE. Junior elective courses are vertically integrated and semesterised to maximise student choices. Mudgee High School enjoys a strong relationship with our very supportive community. This includes an active School Council and Parents and Citizens Association, who contribute to school governance and new initiatives. Year 12 students raise funds for a local charity each year as part of a culture of giving back to the community which nurtured them. Local businesses and industries suport teaching and learning through providing expertise in specific curriculum areas and workplace learning opportunities. This translates into a strong focus on providing pathways for students which lead to employment in the local area through vocational education courses, scholarships and school based traineeships and apprenticeships. Flexible learning opportunities are provided for students with special needs who also have the resources of a special education unit and additional support in mainstream classes. This enables all students to maximise their potential and to obtain their Record of School Achievement and Higher School Certificate. The special education programs are strongly supported by the community through work experience and transition programs and include farm skills, TAFE courses as part of the curriculum and individual learning plans. The development of strong links with the Aboriginal community is a priority. Programs such as local history and YARNUP provide opportunities for local Aboriginal expertise to be integrated within the curriculum. Additional resources targeting Aboriginal students are provided through the NORTA NORTA program which supports students in developing literacy and numeracy skills and reaching their goals. The experienced teaching staff work together in a collegial atmosphere to challenge and motivate students to achieve high expectations. Support staff enhance the provision of individual learning programs for students. Targeted professional learning ensures the continual upgrading of staff skills and qualifications to meet changing needs of students. Outcomes at the Higher School Certificate and in the wide range of curriculum both academic and practical within the junior school demonstrate the quality of the teaching and learning in every classroom. Mudgee High School achieves results far above expectations in academic, cultural and sporting areas. Evaluation of all programs includes feedback from parents, students and staff. All members of the school community are able to contribute to planning and the development of school targets through wide ranging consultation and analysis of data from local, state and national sources as part of the school planning and school improvement processes. Visitors are welcome to meet the principal and by appointment be given a tour of the school and its facilities. Ex-students and those considering enrolment are encouraged to make use of this opportunity. Contact information is available on our website.