Learning
At our school, we teach the NSW curriculum and offer many different subjects to support each student’s learning. We know that development of skills in literacy and numeracy are the building blocks for learning and for everyday life. Our teachers use effective teaching strategies to help students achieve their goals.
Our faculties
Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) at Blaxland High School provides a rich and diverse learning experience that nurtures creativity, skill, and artistic expression. In Years 7–10, students engage in mandatory Music and Visual Arts courses, along with opportunities to study Drama and Dance through elective programs. From Year 9, students can select from a variety of creative electives, allowing them to explore and develop their artistic interests.
Our senior students can choose from a wide range of Preliminary and HSC courses, as well as VET courses. These courses provide both academic and practical pathways, preparing students for tertiary study or careers in the creative industries.
Beyond the classroom, Blaxland High School offers extensive extracurricular opportunities. Our vibrant school musical is staged every second year and involves students across multiple disciplines. The school hosts dynamic dance companies, with specialist groups in Hip Hop, Contemporary, Jazz, and Pom. Our Junior and Senior Vocal Ensembles provide students with exceptional opportunities to develop their singing skills and perform in a variety of settings. Students also participate in prestigious events such as ArtExpress, State Dance and State Drama Showcases, the Schools Spectacular, and the Archibald Prize competition. Our Transition Band provides a supportive entry point for emerging musicians, and performance opportunities are embedded throughout the year.
The CAPA faculty is made up of passionate, highly skilled teachers who inspire students to achieve excellence in their chosen art forms. With a commitment to high standards, diverse learning opportunities, and strong industry connections, CAPA at Blaxland High School equips students with the skills, confidence, and creative vision to excel in the arts and beyond.
Subjects: Ceramics, Visual Design, Photography, Music, Brass and Ukulele (BUK), Vocal Ensemble, Music 1, Music 2, Music Extension, Visual Arts, Photography, Video and Digital Imaging, and VET courses such as Entertainment Industry and Assistant Dance Teaching.
The English and LOTE Faculty at Blaxland High School inspires students to explore ideas, stories, and language in ways that spark curiosity and creativity. English is studied from Year 7 through to Year 12, where students can choose a senior course that suits their strengths and future pathways, including English Studies, Standard, Advanced or Extension. Our programs nurture a lifelong love of reading, sharpen writing skills, strengthen grammar and punctuation, and build confidence in self-expression. We place a strong focus on developing both critical and creative thinking skills, equipping students to analyse deeply, problem-solve effectively, and generate original ideas. We pride ourselves on fostering a culture of excellence where every student can thrive.
We also lead the Languages Other Than English (LOTE) program, introducing Italian in Year 7 and offering it as an elective in Years 8–10, with pathways into Italian Beginners or Italian Continuers in the senior years. From Year 9 in English, students can expand their creativity and critical thinking through engaging electives.
Beyond the classroom, we celebrate language and imagination through Book Week festivities, the collaborative challenge of Write a Book in a Day, and the spirited competition of debating. In every context, we aim to empower students to think deeply, communicate powerfully, and see the world through new perspectives.
Our dynamic, highly skilled, and passionate staff are the driving force behind the faculty’s success. With extensive experience as English educators, including HSC markers and syllabus writers, our teachers bring a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and enthusiasm to their classrooms—inspiring excellence and supporting every student to reach their full potential.
Subjects: English, Imaginative Writing, The Art of Film and Media Studies, English Studies, English Standard, English Advanced, Extension 1 and 2, Italian, Italian Elective, Italian Beginners, and Italian Continuers.
The study of Human Society and its Environment critically engages students with our world, differing perspectives and ignites curiosity for further inquiry. With the world as our classroom, real world experiences allow students to apply knowledge through fieldwork, excursions to significant sites, museum, court visits and incursions with experts in the classroom.
Subjects are brought to life by passionate educators who are committed to developing both knowledge and skills in their classroom, through ongoing learning and professional networks. Providing students with the tools to express their understanding is a key focus in delivery and students are actively supported to develop their writing with live feedback and application.
Subjects: Junior History and Geography, Commerce, Elective History, Aboriginal Studies, Ancient History, Business Studies, Legal Studies, Modern History, Society and Culture, Studies of Religion and Extension History.
Mathematics is a core subject that is mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10. The vast majority of students at Blaxland High School continue their mathematical studies in Years 11 and 12, choosing from a variety of course options to suit their interests and abilities. Blaxland High School offers a comprehensive range of HSC Mathematics courses, catering to all levels of student ability in Years 11 and 12.
In Years 7 and 8, we offer Extension classes for high-achieving students. These classes aim to develop advanced mathematical thinking, foster creativity in problem-solving, and prepare students for more complex mathematical concepts. In Years 9 and 10, selected students may participate in the Accelerated Mathematics Program, enabling them to complete the HSC Advanced Mathematics course by the end of Year 11. Their performance has been outstanding, with many achieving top rankings, including 1st place or tied for 1st in the course.
Our Mathematics faculty is made up of fully qualified and experienced teachers who maintain high expectations of all students. Many of these teachers have experience as HSC markers or in coordinating HSC marking. This strong foundation, combined with a diverse curriculum, has consistently led to outstanding student achievement in HSC Mathematics at Blaxland High School.
Subjects: Junior Mathematics, Accelerated Mathematics, Mathematics Standard, Mathematics Advanced and Mathematics Extension 1 and 2.
Science at Blaxland High School is a core subject that is mandatory from Years 7 to 10. Many students continue their science studies in Years 11 and 12, choosing from a variety of course options to suit their interests and abilities. In Years 7 and 8, we offer extension classes for high-achieving students. These classes aim to develop advanced scientific thinking, encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving, and preparing students to apply their scientific knowledge to new and unfamiliar contexts. In Year 9, we offer two elective courses called Doctor Blaxland and Marine Studies. Additionally, selected Year 9 students may participate in the Accelerated Science Program, enabling them to complete the HSC Chemistry course by the end of Year 11.
Our Science faculty is made up of fully qualified and experienced teachers who maintain high expectations for all students. This dedicated team, combined with a diverse curriculum, has consistently led to outstanding student achievement in HSC Science at Blaxland High School.
Subjects: Junior Science, Accelerated Science, Doctor Blaxland, Marine Studies, Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Investigating Science, Physics and Extension Science
The PDHPE faculty is dedicated to the holistic development of our students, focusing on their physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual wellbeing. Our programs aim to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to lead healthy, active, and responsible lives.
From Years 7 to 10, students engage in a mandatory PDHPE course that combines theory with practical activities, promoting self-awareness, positive relationships, effective decision-making, and lifelong participation in physical activity.
Our experienced and passionate PDHPE staff are committed to fostering a supportive environment that caters to diverse learning styles and promotes the wellbeing and success of every student.
Subjects: PDHPE, High Performance Sport, Sports Coaching, PASS, Sports Lifestyle and Recreation (SLR), VET Sports Coaching, VET Fitness
Technology & Applied Sciences (TAS) is a diverse learning area that contains a variety of different learning pathways from Home Economics to Industrial Arts, there is something for every student. The TAS Department delivers a diverse learning experience focusing on practical skills, creativity and hands on experiences.
Mandatory Technology is runs for every student in years 7 and 8, with elective subjects from year 8 on.
Subjects: Technology Mandatory; Food Technology; Textiles Technology; Industrial Technology in each of the following: Wood, Metal, Engineering, Multimedia, Timber Products & Furniture Technology or Automotive; Digital Media and Computer Science Discoveries; Child Studies; Design & Technology; Engineering Studies; Textiles & Design; Community & Family Studies; Computing Applications; Exploring Early Childhood; VET Construction, VET Metals and Engineering
Why choose us for your child’s learning?
Strong foundations
We focus on the skills your child needs to succeed in school and beyond. This helps them feel confident and prepared for the future.
High-quality education
We offer a range of subjects to match what students enjoy and want to learn about. Our skilled teachers support every student to find what they love, do their best and succeed.
Inclusive and personalised learning
Our teachers adjust how they teach to suit your child’s needs, interests and learning pace. We make sure every student feels confident and supported.
Extension opportunities
Some students are ready for more challenges. We offer open-ended tasks, enrichment programs and support. We help all students to reach their full potential.
What students learn
Students learn a wide range of subjects in the NSW curriculum. They build skills, think creatively and prepare for life beyond school.
At our school, students can take part in special religious education (SRE) or special education in ethics (SEE) classes, depending on what’s available. These classes are delivered by approved providers.
When enrolling your child, you’ll be able to choose an option from the approved providers offered at our school. Students not attending SRE or SEE are given supervised alternative meaningful activities.
You’re welcome to change your choice at any time. Just let us know in writing or use the online form.
For more information, visit the department’s website or contact us.
At our school, we give the right support to help advanced or talented learners grow and do their best.
We notice these students early. They may learn quickly or show strong skills in creativity, leadership, problem solving or sport. We help them stay challenged with lessons and activities that match their strengths.
Contact us to learn more about how we support high potential and gifted learners.
Our learning approach
Our school uses explicit teaching. This means we clearly tell students what they are learning, why it is important and how to do it step by step. Explicit teaching helps students understand new ideas by breaking them into smaller parts.
Learning at our school is student-centred, inclusive and practical. We are committed to equity and access. We support all learning styles and needs. Our teachers use proven teaching strategies. They take part in ongoing professional development to stay up to date with best teaching practice.
Our learning approach includes:
- real-world learning: hands-on tasks, group work and exploring new ideas
- technology: to help students learn and build digital skills
- flexible teaching: the right support for each student, with a focus on wellbeing
- community connections: through excursions and local programs.
Helping students progress
We support every student’s academic progress by:
- checking their progress and giving clear and timely feedback
- setting learning goals with each student
- giving extra help with personalised plans and support from specialist staff
- reporting on each student’s learning progress so parents and carers know how their child is doing
- providing targeted literacy and numeracy support in small groups
- making wellbeing part of everyday learning
- working with families to support learning at home and school
- helping students through transitions, like starting school or moving to a new stage of learning.
Learn more about additional learning support at our school.
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Student opportunities and activities
Discover clubs, sports and other activities your child can enjoy at school.
Our principal and staff
Get to know our principal and staff, who work together to create a positive school culture.