Located in a beautiful Blue Mountains setting with natural bushland forming part of the school grounds, Katoomba High School has been on its current site since 1960. The school serves the unique upper Blue Mountains community and challenges each student to succeed by constantly broadening academic and social horizons.
Facilities: Library, gymnasium, sporting fields, school hall, special education unit, independent learning centre, drama and visual arts studios, a covered outdoor learning area, computer labs, sensory and indigenous food gardens.
Electives Years 8 to 10: Computing Studies, Commerce, Dance, Drama, Physical Activity and Sports Studies, Food Technology, French, Graphics Technology, Industrial Technology — Electronics, Industrial Technology — Metal, Industrial Technology — Multimedia, Industrial Technology — Timber, Information and Software Technology, Music, Spanish, Textiles Technology, Visual Arts, Visual Design.
Electives Years 11 and 12: Aboriginal Studies, Ancient History, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Community and Family Studies, Dance, Construction Drama, Earth & Environmental Science English Advanced, English Standard, English Extension 1, English Extension 2, Exploring Early Childhood, Geography, History Extension, Hospitality, Information Processes and Technology, Legal Studies, Mathematics, Mathematics General, Mathematics Extension 1, Mathematics Extension 2, Metal & Engineering Modern History, Music, PD/Health/PE, Physics, Society and Culture, Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation, Textiles and Design, Visual Arts, Beauty Therapy TVET, Outdoor Recreation TVET, Information Technology (TVET).
Sport: Katoomba High actively promotes participation in a wide range of sports and activities, and regularly has representatives at inter-district and state level. Competitive and recreational sports are programmed. The school takes advantage of the facilities of the nearby indoor sports centres and of the natural environment.
Extracurricular activities: Drama, Debating, Gifted/Talented mentor program, Mock Trial, Environmental, RAW Rock Eisteddfod, Choir, musical instruments groups. Students may also make use of computing, video and photography facilities. The school has a performance program each year to showcase the diverse talents of its students. Students participate in a range of environmental programs.
Pastoral care and personal development: Welfare is focused on supporting the leadership and learning needs of students and the recognition of a breadth of achievements. The school has won regional awards for pastoral care and literacy programs. The new uniform encourages positive identification with the school community. A feature of the school is the support faculty and the integration of students with physical or intellectual disabilities. Gifted and talented programs include enrichment and mentor programs.
Special features: The school has a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere that values the diversity of everyone in the community. It is also committed to quality, creativity and high expectations; challenging all students to produce their best.
Famous ex-students: Dr Doug Bryden, Clive Robertson, Peter Tonkin, Gerald Harvey, Ken Done, David Noble.