Hurlstone Agricultural High School
Hurlstone Agricultural High School
Hurlstone Agricultural High School (HAHS), known as Hurlstone Ag, is a prestigious government-funded co-educational academically selective and specialist secondary day and boarding school situated in Glenfield, a vibrant suburb in the Macarthur region of New South Wales, Australia. With a rich history, HAHS proudly holds the distinction of being the oldest government boarding school in the state.
Renowned for its academic excellence, Hurlstone Agricultural High School has established itself as the leading academic institution in the Macarthur region. In the highly competitive landscape of education, the school achieved an impressive 11th position in the NSW top 200 list for the 2012 academic year. This outstanding performance is attributed to the remarkable achievements of its students, with 148 distinguished achievers, 13 making it to the state's top achievers' list, eight recognized as all-rounders, and three students securing the top spot in a particular course.
Enrolment into Hurlstone Agricultural High School is highly sought after and requires students to successfully complete the Selective High Schools Test in Year 6. This rigorous selection process ensures that only the most talented and dedicated students are granted entry into the school. Typically, the entry mark falls between 205 and 215 in the Selective test, which has a total score of 300. Additionally, students have the opportunity to gain admission by undertaking a similar examination in other grade levels.
Programs in Hurlstone Agricultural High School
Future-focused learning is designed to equip Hurlstone Agricultural High School students with the skills and capabilities necessary to thrive in an ever-changing and interconnected world. It fosters curiosity and connects students to their learning experiences.
Teachers who embrace future-focused learning understand the unique needs and talents of their students. They possess flexibility and utilize a wide range of effective teaching strategies to cater to diverse learners.
Within future-focused learning environments, students are inspired to become leaders of their own education. They collaborate with peers, employ critical and creative thinking to solve complex problems, and develop a global mindset.
The Great Teaching, Inspired Learning initiative acknowledges the importance of teachers employing a variety of strategies and skills to enhance the learning process.
The Australian Curriculum's general capabilities and the learning across the curriculum content in Hurlstone Agricultural High School syllabuses encompass the knowledge, skills, behaviors, and dispositions that empower students to shape their future actively. Students develop these capabilities when they confidently and effectively apply their knowledge and skills in complex and evolving contexts, both within and outside the classroom.
STEAM education encompasses Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. It enhances students' learning experiences through engaging curricula that incorporate integration, inquiry, and project-based learning. By applying knowledge and deepening their understanding within authentic contexts, students cultivate high-order thinking skills essential for pursuing future careers that require STEM competencies.
Hurlstone Agricultural High School is committed to delivering quality STEAM education by:
- Elevating expectations and enhancing the quality of STEAM learning for all students
- Cultivating excellence in teaching and leadership within the STEAM domain
- Exploring innovative approaches to delivering STEAM education
Active engagement in authentic and challenging STEAM learning experiences, along with the creation of environments that foster innovation and creativity, are fundamental to the success of STEAM education. Integrating STEAM learning allows teachers to prioritize the development of general capabilities such as critical and creative thinking, information and communication technology proficiency, and personal and social capability.
Cross-curriculum content enriches and complements learning areas, providing greater depth to Hurlstone Agricultural High School students' educational journeys. In NSW, it is possible to engage in different cross-curriculum priorities, such as history, culture and sustainability. It includes Torres Strait Islander history, Asia and Australia's engagement with Asia, as well as Aboriginal histories. Additionally, general capabilities encompass critical and creative thinking, ethical understanding, information and communication technology capability, intercultural understanding, literacy, numeracy, and personal and social capability. Further learning across the curriculum areas cover civics and citizenship, difference and diversity, and work and enterprise.
To assess student learning, Hurlstone Agricultural High School teachers employ a variety of strategies. They observe students' classroom work, closely examine their tasks throughout the year, and formally assess their achievement based on syllabus outcomes.
Parents and carers receive written reports twice a year, providing a comprehensive overview of their child's achievements and capabilities.
In Years 7 to 10, the common grade scale is used for reporting, while in Year 11, the Preliminary grade scale is employed.
Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses are assessed based on the attainment of competencies, and Hurlstone Agricultural High School students receive detailed information about assessment expectations and requirements.
For students who leave the school before completing the HSC, The Record of School Achievement (RoSA) is awarded. It documents a student's grades from the end of Year 10 until their departure.
The internationally recognized Higher School Certificate (HSC) is awarded to Hurlstone Agricultural High School students who successfully complete Years 11 and 12 in NSW.
Selective high school placement is available for eligible students, and the Premier's Anzac Memorial Scholarships offer selected Year 10 and 11 students the opportunity to visit significant overseas sites associated with Australia's wartime involvement.
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award - Australia provides a self-development program for individuals aged 14 to 25, allowing them to undertake voluntary and challenging activities with international recognition.
School Life in Hurlstone Agricultural High School
Adjustments in the Higher School Certificate (HSC) aim to ensure that every student has a fair opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and abilities during exams. These practical arrangements are specifically tailored to meet the individual needs of students who may face challenges in traditional exam settings.
The type of adjustments granted is determined based on the impact they have on the student's exam performance. These provisions may include braille papers, large-print papers, the assistance of a reader and/or writer, as well as additional time or rest breaks.
At Hurlstone Agricultural High School, the Head Teacher of Teaching and Learning, along with the Student Learning Support Officers, work closely with the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) to organize suitable provisions for students undertaking the HSC. To apply for these adjustments, students will need to complete an online application, which may require supporting evidence such as medical reports, writing samples, and teacher feedback.
As a NSW public school, Hurlstone Agricultural High School is committed to providing safe and nurturing learning environments that promote the well-being of all students. The Department of Education is dedicated to offering high-quality educational opportunities that support the holistic development of children and young people. These opportunities foster positive and respectful relationships, instill a sense of belonging within the school and community, and contribute to the overall well-being of students.
The Wellbeing Framework for Schools serves as a guiding resource to help Hurlstone Agricultural High School create an environment that nurtures the cognitive, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual growth of students. It enables students to establish connections, achieve academic success, and thrive throughout their educational journey.
Accommodation
Hurlstone Agricultural High School is a prestigious boarding school that caters to students from rural and remote areas, providing them with a unique and enriching educational experience. The boarding facilities are well-equipped, offering spacious rooms, comfortable common areas, a games room, a cinema, and a large dining and kitchen complex.
To ensure the well-being of boarding students, Hurlstone Agricultural High School has registered nursing staff available at the dedicated well-being center. This ensures that students have access to professional medical support when needed.
The boarding school itself is an exceptional environment where Hurlstone Agricultural High School students can expand their horizons and enhance their educational opportunities. It serves as a nurturing home for students, where they acquire essential life skills while fostering strong connections with their peers. Located in a rural setting just 40 minutes away from the bustling city of Sydney, the boarding school brings together students from both urban and rural backgrounds, offering a unique blend of experiences.
Boarding students at Hurlstone Agricultural High School enjoy direct access to various facilities, including the farm, dining room, sports field, tennis courts, music rooms, technology labs, and library. With its proximity to Sydney, students also have easy access to a wide range of additional opportunities and experiences.
The boarding school operates with the support of a dedicated staff welfare team, led by a boarding deputy principal, two head teachers in charge of welfare, and a team of support staff. Their collective efforts ensure the well-being and success of the boarding students.
At Hurlstone Agricultural High School, students take great pride in the school's rich history and are committed to upholding its cherished traditions. These traditions encompass the school's anthem, war cry, emphasis on lifelong learning, the cultivation of leadership skills, and the concept of the "Hurlstone family." Both current and former students hold a deep sense of pride and affection for the school, guided by its legacy and vision for the future.
Future Prospects
As an active member of 'Study Work Grow', Hurlstone Agricultural High School has established a comprehensive Careers Hub, dedicated to providing valuable resources and information for the students. The Careers Hub serves as an invaluable first point of contact for students seeking career-related guidance and support tailored specifically to Hurlstone Agricultural High School.
In case, if you need help with Guardianship, Homestay and Welfare Services for international students in order to study in Hurlstone Agricultural High School or other schools in Australia, please fill in application below or contact us directly.