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.

Our subjects

Explore how we teach the NSW curriculum through key learning areas.

Stage 6 Subject Selection (Years 11 & 12)

Stage 5 Subject Selection (Years 9 & 10)

Stage 4 Subjects (Years 7 & 8)

Mathematics
English
Science
HSIE - Geography and History
PDHPE and Sport
Visual Arts (Year 7)
Music (Year 8)
Languages (Year 8)
Wellbeing Curriculum
Renaissance Reading (Year 7)
Numeracy (Year 7)

Religion and ethics

At our school, students can take part in Special Religious Education (SRE) 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 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.

The following SRE is available at our school:

Catholic SRE is provided by the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney. Catholic SRE Scripture teachers (also known as Catechists) are authorised by the local Catholic parish and trained by the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney. The Catholic SRE curriculum is approved by the Archbishop in liaison with religious education experts. Lessons include activities that are fun and inclusive for students, whilst also providing them with opportunities to critically explore the Christian faith in depth and to pray and reflect. Catholic SRE teachers engage young people in hearing the Good News of Jesus Christ and learning the key elements of our Christian life and culture. For more information about Catholic SRE, including the authorised curriculum, see:

https://www.sydneycatholic.org/education/#scripture

Combined Christian SRE is provided by SRE teachers from different Christian denominations and churches. The approved providers in this combined arrangement are Anglican Diocese of Sydney, Australian Christian Churches, Baptist Union of NSW, C3 Church Australia (NSW), Christian Reformed Churches, Churches of Christ in NSW and ACT, Fellowship of Congregational Churches, Hillsong Church Australia Ltd, Lutheran Church of Australia, Presbyterian Church of Australia in NSW, Smithfield Baptist Church, Uniting Church in Australia (NSW&ACT Synod), The Salvation Army. All Christian SRE teachers are authorised and trained by an approved provider. The Christian SRE curriculum is authorised by Baptist Union of NSW. Christian SRE engages students in conversations as they question life, explore values and discover faith. 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://bibleperspectives.net/overview.

Islamic SRE is provided by the Islamic Charity Projects Association. For more information about Islamic SRE, including the authorised curriculum scope and sequence, please visit the Islamic Charity Projects Association website:

https://www.icpa.org.au/islamic-scripture/

For more information, visit the department’s website or contact us.

High potential and gifted education

At our school, we give the right support to help advanced or talented learners grow and do their best. We notice these students early. They may learn quickly or show strong skills in creativity, leadership, problem solving or sport. We help them stay challenged with lessons and activities that match their strengths.

Talent Development Opportunities

Partially Selective

Prairiewood High School is a partially selective high school with a maximum of 60 selective students enrolled in each year group.

Entry into Year 7 Selective Stream

Applications for Year 7 are managed through the High Performing Students Unit of the NSW Department of Education.
The process involves the Selective High School Placement Test, which is conducted statewide by the Department.
Placement is determined by performance in this test along with other eligibility requirements set by the Department.

Entry into Years 8 to 11 Selective Stream

Students wishing to enter the selective stream after Year 7 must apply directly to Prairiewood High School.
Applications open between late June and late July each year for placement in the following academic year (Years 8–11).
Selection is based on academic merit and the documentation provided.

Required Application Documents (PDF format)

School Reports: Semester 1 report from the current year.
NAPLAN Results: Most recent NAPLAN report.
Certificates/Awards: Evidence of academic excellence or outstanding achievement.

Additional Information

Visa conditions may apply to students who are not Australian citizens, permanent residents, or New Zealand citizens. Applicants should review the “Visa subclasses and enrolment conditions” guidelines carefully.
Vacancies in Years 8–11 depend on availability and are not guaranteed each year, as they rely on the number of selective students leaving the school.

Our learning approach

Our school promotes explicit teaching. This means students understand 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 evidence-based 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
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
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.

Want to know more about our subjects?

We can connect you with the right teacher or staff member.

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Student opportunities and activities

Discover clubs, sports and other activities your child can enjoy at school.

Our principal and staff

Get to know our principal and staff, who work together to create a positive school culture.