CPAHS is a specialist performing arts high school with a broad, comprehensive curriculum. A full range of performing arts courses is offered, including dance, drama, music, theatre, and circus skills. The school operates some classes under a vertical curriculum allowing cross-age learning groups. The school receives funding through the Schools in Partnership program, is an Indigenous Youth Leadership Program provider and a Microsoft Innovation School.
Facilities: Sports fields, assembly hall, recording studio, library, tennis, creative and performing arts buildings, performance workspace, lighting, sound, film and AV areas, technology building, three computer labs, three design and technology learning spaces.
Electives Years 11 and 12: The school offers board courses in Music, Dance, Drama, Visual Arts, Computing, Technology, HSIE, and a range of Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, offered both at school and TAFE, and including the VET Entertainment certificate.
Sport: A wide range of traditional and recreational sports is available, including rugby league, touch football, basketball, netball, soccer, aerobics and gymnastics.
Extracurricular activities: A choir, bands and ensembles perform in many venues beyond the school, including regional and state festivals, the Schools Spectacular and community events. Sports groups compete in gala days, knock-out competitions and carnivals. The school is recognised for its excellence in Performing Arts, Aboriginal Education, teacher professional learning and the integration of information and communication technology.
Welfare and personal development: Each student is placed in a Year-based pastoral care group whose teacher is responsible for individual student welfare, curriculum choice advice and assisting with study skills and other matters that enhance school performance. Students remain in the same group throughout their school career. There is a whole-school merit system that rewards good behaviour and monitors and supports students in need of assistance. An active SRC and a senior leadership team represent students’ views and aspirations. Uniform is compulsory and is strongly supported by parent groups and the SRC. The P&C and Friends of the Performing Arts provide strong community support to the school.