Rooty Hill High School was established in 1962 to cater for students in Years 7 to 12 and, in 2002, celebrated 40 years of outstanding educational service to the local community. Students enjoy a school with high standards of academic performance, a uniform, and involvement in sports and the performing arts. In addition, the school has consistently won awards for its leadership and participation programs.
Facilities: The school has excellent grounds and access to a variety of local sporting facilities including pools, squash courts, tennis courts and cricket ovals. There is a full complement of specialist rooms for computing studies, the arts, dance, drama, and technical subjects. The library has been modified for the use of technology and includes a senior study, parent study and Internet cafe.
Curriculum: The school’s curriculum follows the NSW Board of Studies curriculum for Years 7 to 12. There is a wide range of course offerings in Years 11 and 12, including a full academic program preparing students for university, vocational education subjects and access to distance education and online learning. Each student’s program is planned individually to match his or her interests, abilities and career aspirations.
In Years 9 and 10, students study an academic core of subjects and can choose two electives from a wide range of traditional electives and more recent additions such as Multimedia Studies and Graphic Design. Years 7 and 8 study a program designed to give them an experience of a range of courses and the ability to develop the skills for further study.
In Year 7, all students complete a program of technological studies based on the International Computer Driver’s Licence.
In addition, from Years 7 to 12, the school teaches and reports on 10 key competencies designed to develop meta-cognitive skills and life-long learning. These include literacy, numeracy, technology, thinking skills, leadership and teamwork. These competencies were chosen for the curriculum by the school community.
Special features: The school’s extracurricular programs are extensive, with students having the opportunity to participate in up to 200 activities during their time at the school. In addition to the academic reports issued each semester, each student receives a customised portfolio at the end of Years 8, 10 and 12, identifying both the activities and the skills developed. The portfolios and the student competencies complement a student welfare process that is focused on student responsibility, negotiation and personal growth. The expectations of student behaviour and performance are set at a high level and supported by a code of student rights and responsibilities.
A strong SRC developing a culture of student leadership is a focus of the school.