Blaxland High School is committed to being a school of excellence, opportunity and success.
Blaxland High School is a vibrant learning community for both students and teachers, where learning is characterised by intellectual quality, quality learning environments and significance of learning. There is a commitment to developing active, independent and collaborative learners who:
- are fluent in problem solving
- think logically, critically and creatively
- are effective communicators who productively use technology
- show initiative
- can manage their own learning now and into the future.
Our role at Blaxland High School, is to equip our students with the knowledge, values and skills necessary for them to succeed in a rapidly changing world. In partnership with parents, carers and the community, we build on the work of our primary school partners and support our young people to flourish and transition successfully, not only into future learning and employment opportunities, but also into their roles as family and community members and active and informed citizens.
Blaxland High School exists to provide quality educational and social outcomes for all students. Prominent areas of achievement are academic, performing arts, sport and social contribution. The major cultural feature of our school which promotes this achievement is a very strong bond between students and teachers. Our school's goals are heavily promoted and supported by very strong community participation in the school. The school curriculum emphasises breadth of choice, vocational education, student leadership and socialisation.
Underpinning the learning is support for the development of the emotional, mental, social and physical wellbeing of students. They will emerge with a sense of self-worth and resilience and be able to form and maintain healthy, respectful relationships with others.
Blaxland High School is characterised by a culture of continuous and sustained improvements in leadership, management, school capacities, educational outcomes and learning and teaching practice. Strategies such as reflection and analysis of research and evidence is employed to inform improvement in all aspects of the school. It is a school where staff pursue excellence by implementing best practice in the delivery of curriculum, providing opportunities for all students to engage and experience growth and success in school and in their learning.
Blaxland High School is a comprehensive, co-educational high school that services the educational needs of the community of the lower Blue Mountains from Lapstone to Warrimoo. Student enrolments have increased over recent years with 990 students enrolled in 2015. The school includes an autism support unit of 3 classes. Aboriginal students are approximately 4% of this enrolment. On the whole literacy and numeracy of students is above the state average as is attendance with a high proportion of students attaining a Higher School Certificate (HSC).
The community values learning, effort and achievement at all levels. Parents have high aspirations for their children and high expectations of the school in delivering quality educational programs in a safe and respectful environment. This is underpinned by the school's positive behaviour for learning expectations of safe, respectful learners.
Blaxland High School enjoys a reputation for outstanding academic, performing and creative arts and sporting achievements at local, national and international levels. It provides a broad curriculum, including academic extension programs, diverse electives and vocational programs. It has a sports centre with 2 full size basketball courts, a dedicated performing arts centre, and a senior café. It is well known for its comprehensive transition programs and actively engages with the premier's sporting, reading and debating challenge programs. A key initiative is the implementation of a mental fitness model of student wellbeing which includes a transition program for students with anxiety.
The school has forged productive relationships as part of the lower Blue Mountains learning community and the Penrith learning alliance of secondary schools as well as with the University of Western Sydney through its fast forward program. Strong relationships with many and varied organisations in the community and business sector have been developed to enhance and support teaching and learning programs.