Student opportunities and activities

Work skills education

A range of enterprise activities are undertaken by students to promote the development of pre-work skills. In-school activities have included coffee club, gardening and our Courtyard Cafe.

Our CHANCES program involves students producing and selling a range of hand-made products including soy candles, sensory necklaces, key rings, lanyards, earrings, cards, car scents and tie-dyed items.

Students gain a range of skills in planning, production, budgeting, and sales. Activities are conducted weekly with all proceeds going towards improving students' experience at school.

Chances - Online Ordering

Chances

NSS mini woolies

A collaboration between the Department of Education, Woolworths Supermarkets and Fujitsu has created a Mini Woolworths Program which allows students to get hands-on training and experience in a safe, authentic, and interactive environment so they can be better prepared for the workplace and post-school life.

Newcastle Senior School are fortunate to have their own Mini Woolworths on site which was opened in August 2022.

The program is incorporated into everyday learning activities for the students and supports our Food Technology and Work Skills Education programs.

Music and arts

Music and art lessons are conducted weekly, with each class participating on a fortnightly rotation.

Students enjoy exploring music concepts through singing, body percussion and a wide variety of instruments.

Our arts teacher uses a variety of mediums to encourage our students to express themselves.

Community access

The school has access to four school buses acquired through Variety the Children’s Charity, Friends of Newcastle Senior School and various grant applications. These vehicles allow us to take large and small groups into the community to support a range of Key Learning Areas and class programs. Students access the community for shopping and living skills, curriculum based practical experiences, sporting activities, special events and excursions.

Food technology

Newcastle Senior School is fortunate to have a teaching kitchen where students experience a range of opportunities in weekly class cooking programs to develop their taste repertoire, food preparation and independent living skills. This may support teaching and learning in Food Technology, Geography and PDHPE, or be a component of work skills education.

High potential and gifted abilities (HPGA)

At Newcastle Senior School we are proud to support all our students, including those with high potential and gifted abilities (HPGE). We believe every student should have the chance to learn and grow in ways that excite them. One way we do this is through our Hive dance program. This class happens every Monday afternoon. It is a fun and creative space where students can express themselves through dance, learn new moves, and build confidence.

We are committed to making sure every student feels included and supported. Our HPGE dance program is just one example of how we provide exciting opportunities for our students to shine and grow.

Deadly Seniors

The Deadly Seniors Group meet once a week to work on Aboriginal projects, build connection, wellbeing & learn about their culture. The group is excited to have some parents and families involved to ensure all students are given the opportunity to be culturally engaged.

The school host regular BBQ Yarn Ups with our community and Deadly Get Togethers with our Junior and Middle Schools.

If you would like more information about our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) follow this link

Swimming

Newcastle Senior School has an indoor heated mineral salt pool with mobility access via a railed ramp and hoist. Classes access the pool as part of ther PDHPE program. This promotes water safety skills, physical activity and personal care routines.

Permission notes to use the pool must be received prior to students accessessing the pool.