Girraween High established in 1975 is a medium-sized academically selective high school. Life-long learning is emphasised with a priority on academic excellence. The HSC results of its students have established it as one of the leading schools in Western Sydney. The selection process for Year 7 entry is controlled by the selective schools unit of the Department of Education. Applications for Years 8 to 12 are controlled directly by the school and required by mid-year for entry the following year. Prospective students are required to sit for a test. The enrolment committee examines the applications and test results and determines which students will be placed on the reserve list. Students on the reserve list are offered a position at the school when a vacancy occurs.
Facilities: Large library, up-to-date computer facilities, well-equipped science laboratories, two ovals, covered tennis, volleyball, netball and basketball courts, gymnasium, cricket training nets, darkroom for photography, music rooms, drama room, outdoor covered learning area, farm.
Electives Years 7 to 10: History, Geography, Food Technology, Japanese, Drama, French, Commerce, Industrial Technology, Music, Visual Arts, Visual Design, Information and Software Technology, Physical Activity and Sports Studies.
Electives Years 11 and 12: Maths (Extension, 1, 2), Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Senior Science, Engineering Science, Software Design, Food Technology, Ancient History, Modern History, Economics, Geography, French, Japanese, Music, Drama, PD/Health/PE, Visual Arts, Legal Studies, Information Processes and Technology, Sport Lifestyle and Recreation, Photography, Studies in Religion. Extension courses are offered in History, Music, English, Mathematics, and Japanese.
Sport: Soccer, volleyball, tennis, squash, basketball, hockey, athletics, softball, cricket, cross-country, European handball, netball, indoor cricket, touch football, swimming, circuit training, table tennis, tenpin bowling, and weight training. There are interschool sport competitions and gala days throughout the year.
Extracurricular activities: The school offers leadership in the form of a student council, prefects, house leaders, peer support, the High Resolves Program and community services. Other activities include Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, Model United Nations, an extensive band and ensemble music program, debating, choir, photography club, chess, Tournament of Minds, Streamwatch, Mathematics Challenge for Young Australians. Students also take part in advanced programs organised by universities and scientific organisations.
Welfare and personal development: Strong pastoral care network with a highly effective and supportive welfare team. The school offers work experience to Year 10 students and has a full-time careers adviser. Students wear school uniform with pride.
Special features: The school offers a prestigious Science Acceleration Program beginning in Year 9. Mathematics is studied at the advanced level in Years 7 to 10. All subjects are studied at the highest level. The school has had much success in national competitions such as Australian Schools English, Maths and Science Competitions, as well as similar competitions for languages, computing, geography and business studies. Girraween has a sister-school agreement with Hisai High School in Japan for the purpose of interschool visits and exchange of information.