Harrison High School
Harrison High School
Introduction
Harrison High School is a public secondary school located in the suburb of Harrison, within the Gungahlin district of Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT). It is part of the larger Harrison School, which is a unique preschool to Year 10 (P–10) institution. The school caters for students from early childhood through to the end of junior secondary education, with the high school component covering Years 7 to 10.
As one of the major schools serving the rapidly growing Gungahlin region, Harrison High School has become known for its inclusive approach to education, innovative curriculum, and strong sense of community. It provides students with the academic foundations, personal skills, and social confidence they need to transition successfully to senior secondary college and beyond.
This in-depth overview explores the history, structure, philosophy, curriculum, student wellbeing programs, extracurricular life, and community engagement that shape the identity of Harrison High School.
Part 1: History and Context
Establishment and Growth
Harrison School was established in 2007, during a period of substantial population growth in Gungahlin. The area was attracting many young families, and the ACT Government identified the need for a large, modern P–10 school to serve the region. From its inception, the school was designed with flexible learning spaces and contemporary facilities to support 21st century teaching and learning.
The high school section, which serves students in Years 7 to 10, was gradually developed as the initial cohorts progressed through the primary years. Today, Harrison High School is a vital part of the broader Harrison School community, and it accommodates a large and diverse student population.
Place in the ACT Education System
In the ACT, schooling is structured as primary (Kindergarten to Year 6), high school (Years 7–10), and college (Years 11–12). After completing Year 10 at Harrison, students move to a senior secondary college—such as Gungahlin College, Dickson College, or Hawker College—to complete their ACT Senior Secondary Certificate. This places Harrison High School in a key transition phase of education, preparing adolescents for the more independent learning environment of college.
Part 2: Educational Philosophy and Values
Vision and Mission
Harrison High School strives to provide a high-quality education in a safe, supportive, and stimulating environment. The school’s mission is to empower students to become confident, capable, and compassionate young people who are well prepared to contribute positively to their community. It emphasizes high expectations for learning and behaviour while fostering curiosity, resilience, and creativity.
Core Values
The school upholds a set of core values that guide all aspects of its culture:
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Respect – showing care and consideration for self, others, and the environment
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Responsibility – taking ownership of actions, decisions, and learning
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Excellence – striving for personal best in all pursuits
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Integrity – being honest, ethical, and accountable
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Inclusivity – embracing diversity and promoting equity
These values are embedded in classroom practices, student leadership programs, wellbeing initiatives, and community engagement activities. They help create a positive learning environment where students feel safe, valued, and motivated to succeed.
Part 3: Student Population and Community
Diversity and Inclusion
Harrison High School serves a culturally and linguistically diverse population, reflecting the multicultural nature of the Gungahlin region. Students come from many cultural backgrounds and speak a variety of languages at home. The school celebrates this diversity as a strength, integrating multicultural perspectives into the curriculum and hosting events that showcase cultural traditions, performances, and cuisines.
The school also supports students with additional learning needs, including those with disabilities or requiring English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D) support. Specialist staff provide targeted programs, and teachers differentiate their instruction to ensure all students can access the curriculum and achieve success.
Community Engagement
The school has developed strong relationships with parents, carers, and local organisations. It values parent involvement and maintains open channels of communication through regular reporting, parent-teacher interviews, newsletters, and information sessions. Local businesses, sports clubs, and community groups often collaborate with the school on projects, excursions, work experience, and mentoring.
Part 4: Curriculum and Learning
ACT Curriculum Framework
Harrison High School follows the ACT curriculum, which is aligned with the Australian Curriculum. Students in Years 7 and 8 complete a broad core program across eight learning areas:
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English
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Mathematics
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Science
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Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS)
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Health and Physical Education (HPE)
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The Arts
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Technologies
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Languages
This provides a strong foundation of general knowledge and skills while allowing students to experience a wide variety of subjects.
Elective Opportunities in Years 9 and 10
As students move into Years 9 and 10, they are able to choose from a range of elective subjects alongside their core studies. Electives may include areas such as media, drama, music, visual arts, food technology, design and technology, digital technologies, robotics, sports science, outdoor education, and more. This gives students the opportunity to pursue their interests, develop specialised skills, and begin shaping their future learning pathways.
Pedagogy and Learning Approaches
Teachers at Harrison High School use a range of evidence-based teaching strategies to engage students and support diverse learning needs. Lessons are designed to be interactive, collaborative, and inquiry-based, encouraging students to think critically and creatively. The school incorporates digital technologies widely, with students using laptops, tablets, and other devices to research, create, and collaborate on projects.
Assessment includes both formative tasks, which provide feedback to guide learning, and summative tasks, which evaluate achievement against curriculum standards. Students are encouraged to reflect on their progress and set goals for improvement.
Part 5: Wellbeing and Pastoral Care
Student Support Structures
Harrison High School places a strong emphasis on student wellbeing, recognising that emotional, social, and mental health are essential for effective learning. Each student belongs to a pastoral care group with a designated teacher who acts as a mentor and first point of contact. Pastoral care sessions cover topics such as goal-setting, study skills, resilience, respectful relationships, and digital citizenship.
Counselling and Additional Services
The school has a wellbeing team that includes school counsellors, youth workers, and learning support staff. This team works proactively to support students experiencing personal, social, or academic challenges. They also collaborate with external agencies to provide specialised services when needed. The school promotes anti-bullying strategies, restorative practices, and positive behaviour frameworks to maintain a safe and supportive environment.
Transition Support
Recognising that the shift from primary school to high school can be daunting, Harrison runs transition programs for incoming Year 7 students. These include orientation days, peer mentoring by older students, and introductory lessons to build confidence and friendships. Similarly, the school helps Year 10 students prepare for the move to senior college by providing career counselling, course advice, and information sessions on post-school pathways.
Part 6: Extracurricular Life
Arts, Culture, and Creativity
Harrison High School offers a wide range of extracurricular activities in the arts, including school productions, drama clubs, choir, instrumental music ensembles, visual art exhibitions, and media projects. These programs provide students with opportunities to develop their creativity, collaborate with peers, and showcase their talents to the school community.
Sport and Physical Activity
Sport plays an important role in student life. The school fields teams in various sports such as soccer, netball, basketball, rugby, athletics, and swimming. Students compete in local and interschool competitions, and the school promotes physical activity through fitness clubs, recreational programs, and outdoor education experiences.
Leadership and Service
Students are encouraged to take on leadership roles through the Student Representative Council (SRC), peer mentoring, house captains, and various committees. Leadership programs help students develop communication, organisation, and teamwork skills. The school also promotes service learning, with students participating in community service projects, charity fundraisers, and environmental sustainability initiatives.
Part 7: Facilities and Learning Environment
Harrison High School is located on a modern campus with contemporary facilities designed to support flexible and collaborative learning. Key features include:
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General learning areas equipped with digital technology
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Science laboratories for practical experiments and research
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Specialist rooms for art, music, drama, design, and technology
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Food technology and textiles rooms
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A well-resourced library and research hub
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Gymnasium and outdoor sports fields
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Spaces for student wellbeing, counselling, and support services
The physical environment is designed to be welcoming, inclusive, and adaptable to a range of learning styles.
Part 8: Pathways and Future Success
Preparing for Senior Secondary College
Harrison High School’s ultimate goal is to prepare students for success in the next stage of their education. Teachers and careers advisers work closely with Year 10 students to help them select appropriate courses at senior secondary college, based on their interests, abilities, and career aspirations. Students develop skills in independent learning, time management, study techniques, and self-advocacy, which are crucial for college.
Career Education
The school provides career education through workshops, guest speakers, industry visits, and work experience placements. Students explore different occupations, learn about post-school options, and build employability skills. This helps them make informed decisions about their future and develop a sense of purpose and direction.
Part 9: Culture and Community Impact
A Positive School Culture
Harrison High School is known for its inclusive and respectful culture. Teachers build strong relationships with students and encourage them to take responsibility for their learning and behaviour. The school celebrates student achievements in academics, the arts, sport, and citizenship through assemblies, awards, and exhibitions. It promotes student voice and agency, allowing young people to contribute to school decisions and initiatives.
Role in the Gungahlin Community
The school is an important hub in the Harrison and wider Gungahlin community. It participates in local events, cultural festivals, and environmental campaigns. Many families have strong connections to the school, and alumni often return to share their experiences and mentor younger students. This sense of community contributes to a supportive and welcoming atmosphere.
Conclusion
Harrison High School plays a vital role in the educational landscape of the ACT, serving as a key stepping stone between primary school and senior secondary college. It offers a broad and engaging curriculum, a wealth of extracurricular opportunities, and comprehensive wellbeing support. Its inclusive culture celebrates diversity and encourages students to become responsible, resilient, and motivated learners.
Through its commitment to high expectations, innovation, and community partnership, Harrison High School continues to equip young people with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to thrive in further education and in life.
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