Bourke High School

Bourke High School (BHS) serves a small isolated community in the far north west of NSW. The school's student population is approximately156, of whom 70 percent identify as being Aboriginal. The school is a comprehensive high school providing a quality education in a caring and supportive environment.The school features a strong vocational education and training focus in Years 9 -12. BHS offers an inclusive academic curriculum while still providing sporting, social and cultural opportunities for students. The school has a positive welfare focus with programs in place to address students' social, as well as educational needs. The school rules: Respect, Safety, and Learning have been developed to reflect this and underpin all activities. The stated aim of the school is that all students can achieve success and ultimately leave school to enter employment or further education and training. The school is currently renewing its focus on literacy, numeracy, technology and improving attendance. The school includes a Tutorial Centre and integrated IM support program. Many students come from disadvantaged low-socio economic backgrounds. The school is characterised by innovative and capable staff who are committed to increasing academic achievement through teaching excellence, teamwork and strong pastoral care programs. BHS operates with low teacher/student ratios. Teaching programs are child-centred and encourage flexibility and variety, including Gifted and Talented Programs, VET, Life Skills, mentor programs and clearly articulated expectations. The Clontarf Foundation operates a boys' football academy at BHS. The Academy supports some forty Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander boys. BHS was identified as a Connected Communities High School late 2012. 'A new approach is needed if we are to address the educational and social disadvantage experienced by Aboriginal children and young people living in a number of complex and disadvantaged communities throughout NSW.' The strategy was implemented in fifteen NSW public schools and is dependent on: effective leadership, good governance and genuine community partnerships.