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.
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 or fill out Special Religious Education Participation Letter.
At Narara Valley High School, SRE is delivered as follows:
- Catholic SRE: Catholic scripture classes are offered to all students, allowing them to engage with and understand the principles and traditions of the Catholic faith. This will be offered for all students at different times throughout the year. These providers are from:
- Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church
- Christian SRE: Christian scripture classes are available to all students at school, providing an opportunity to explore and learn about Christian teachings and values. This will be in the form of small group and whole school scripture opportunities. These providers are from:
- Narara Valley Baptist Church
Christian SRE is provided by SRE teachers from different Christian denominations and churches. The approved providers in this combined arrangement are Baptist Association of NSW & ACT (Baptist Union NSW) under the employment of Insight High school Ministries. All Christian SRE teachers are authorised and trained by an approved provider.
On enrolment parents/carers will be given the SRE participation letter to complete and return. After the initial enrolment, notification of changes to a child's enrolment in SRE should be given to the school office, in writing, or by emailing the school at nararavaly-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au
During the time that SRE classes are being held, students not attending will be supervised by their classroom teachers in their timetabled classrooms and will participate in meaningful activities including revision of previously covered coursework, reading or personal interest projects.
More information about the SRE classes that are offered at Narara Valley High School follows:
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The Christian SRE curriculum is authorised by Baptist Association of NSW & ACT (Baptist Union NSW) under the employment of Insight High school Ministries. The curriculum is based on Good News about Jesus Christ and learning the key elements of our Christian life and culture and can be found at https://nswactbaptists.org.au/resources/authorised-sre-curriculum/.
- Christian SRE engages students in conversations as they question life, explore values and discover faith.
Catholic SRE teachers (also known as Catechists) are authorised by the local parish and trained by the Diocese of the Catholic Church.
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The Catholic SRE curriculum is approved by the Bishop of the Diocese in liaison with religious education experts. Lessons include activities that are fun and inclusive for students, whilst also providing them the opportunity to critically explore in depth their faith and to pray and reflect. For more information about the Catholic SRE curriculum go to www.bbcatholic.org.au/CCD .
- Catholic SRE teachers engage young people in hearing the Good News about Jesus Christ and learning the key elements of our Christian life and culture.
For more information, visit the department’s website or contact us.
At Narara Valley High School, we are proud to offer three HPGE (High Potential and Gifted Education) Programs designed specifically for gifted and talented students entering Year 7. These programs provide an enriched learning environment that challenges and supports high-potential learners to reach their full academic, creative, and physical potential.
Our HPGE Programs focus on nurturing critical thinking, creativity, leadership, and specialised skills through tailored curriculum and opportunities that extend beyond the traditional classroom. We are committed to fostering a stimulating and inclusive environment where gifted students can thrive and be inspired.
- Student Targeted Enrichment Program (STEP): For academically advanced students, STEP provides an enriched curriculum with project-based learning that encourages deep thinking, creativity, and flexible learning choices.
- Targeted Sports Program (TSP): Focused on gifted athletes, TSP offers specialist coaching in Rugby League, Netball, Basketball, Soccer, and Touch Football, along with lessons on fitness and nutrition. Students attend regular classes and have dedicated sports sessions weekly.
- Creative and Performing Arts Program (CAPA): CAPA nurtures talents in Dance, Visual Arts, Music, and Drama through tutorials, performances, and participation in prestigious events, helping students develop lifelong creative skills alongside their academic studies.
For more information about these programs and how to apply, please contact the school office.
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
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Our principal and staff
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