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.
The English and Drama Faculty inspires students to explore ideas, stories, and language in ways that spark curiosity and creativity. English is studied from Year 7 through to Year 12, where students can choose a senior course that suits their strengths and future pathways, including English Studies, Standard, Advanced or Extension. Our programs nurture a lifelong love of reading, sharpen writing skills, strengthen grammar and punctuation, and build confidence in self-expression. We place a strong focus on broadening the perspective of young minds, developing both critical and creative thinking skills, equipping students to analyse deeply, problem-solve effectively, and generate original ideas. We pride ourselves on fostering a culture of excellence where every student can thrive.
Beyond the classroom, we celebrate language and imagination through excursions and activities, including the Byron Writers Festival and Bell Shakespeare. In every context, we aim to empower students to think deeply, communicate powerfully, and see the world through new perspectives.
We also lead the Drama program, engaging all students in Drama in Year 8 before providing opportunities to study Drama through elective programs from Year 9. Students also participate in events such as State Drama Camp and have opportunities to collaborate with Lismore High Campus performance productions throughout the year.
Our dynamic, highly skilled, and passionate staff are the driving force behind the faculty’s success. With extensive experience as English educators, including HSC markers, our teachers bring a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and enthusiasm to their classrooms—inspiring excellence and supporting every student to reach their full potential.
Subjects: English, English Studies, English Standard, English Advanced, Extension 1 and 2, Drama.
Mathematics is a core subject that is mandatory from Year 7 to Year 10. Many students continue their mathematical studies in Years 11 and 12, choosing from a variety of course options to suit their interests and abilities. We offer a comprehensive range of HSC Mathematics courses, catering to all levels of student ability in Years 11 and 12.
Our Mathematics Faculty is made up of fully qualified and experienced teachers who maintain high expectations of all students. For a number of years our school has been engaged with the Mathematics Growth Team (MGT) program which consists of school-based expert mathematics secondary teachers who are embedded in schools. They support, challenge and improve the teaching and assessment practices of mathematics educators in our secondary context. Their goal is to improve student learning outcomes in mathematics and redefine the mathematical mindsets of children, parents and communities.
By studying mathematics, students learn to work mathematically – developing fluency, understanding, problem-solving, reasoning and communication skills. This strong foundation fosters advanced mathematical thinking, inspires creativity in problem-solving, and prepare students for more complex mathematical concepts.
Subjects: Junior Mathematics, Numeracy, Mathematics Standard, Mathematics Advanced, Mathematics Extension 1 and 2.
Science is a core subject that is mandatory from Years 7 to 10. Many students continue their science studies in Years 11 and 12, choosing from a variety of course options to suit their interests and abilities. Science is a dynamic, collaborative, and creative human endeavour arising from the desire to make sense of our world. It provides an empirical way of answering interesting and important questions. Through science we provide students with the opportunity to explore the unknown, from the unseen world of the atomic nucleus to the inconceivable vastness of space. Students will investigate universal phenomena, make predictions, and solve problems about the changing world they live in.
The Science 7-10 syllabus builds knowledge, skills and understanding to provide a solid foundation for further learning in Stage 6 and beyond. The practices of science are embedded in the Science 7-10 syllabus and provide useful skills for all students regardless of their chosen vocation.
Our Science Faculty is made up of fully qualified and experienced teachers who maintain high expectations for all students. Through their commitment and our varied curriculum, students gain a strong grounding in practical, real-world science while developing a lasting passion for scientific inquiry.
Subjects: Junior Science, Marine Studies, Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Physics.
The study of Human Society and its Environment critically engages students with our world, differing perspectives and ignites curiosity for further inquiry. With the world as our classroom, real world experiences allow students to apply knowledge through fieldwork, excursions and incursions with experts in the classroom.
Students learn specific historical and geographical concepts and skills in history and geography. They also have an opportunity to learn more about people and the societies and environments in which they live through elective subjects.
We also lead the Languages program, introducing Japanese in Year 7 and offering Japanese Beginners as an elective for the HSC.
Subjects are brought to life by passionate educators using quality learning materials and methods that enable all students to access the course and improve their knowledge and skills.
Subjects: Junior History and Geography, Commerce, Aboriginal Studies, Ancient History, Business Studies, Modern History, Society and Culture, Work Studies and Extension History, Japanese.
The PDHPE Faculty is dedicated to the holistic development of our students, focusing on their physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual wellbeing. Our programs aim to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to lead healthy, active, and responsible lives.
We promote lifelong involvement in physical activity and foster positive wellbeing by developing in each student a sense of self-esteem and wellbeing, movement skill and personal fitness, and an ability and commitment to make and act upon informed health decisions. In doing this, our PDHPE programs seek to cater for the many and varied learning styles and interests and the social, emotional and cultural needs of our students.
From Years 7 to 10, students engage in a mandatory PDHPE course that combines theory with practical activities, promoting self-awareness, positive relationships, effective decision-making, and lifelong participation in physical activity.
Our experienced and passionate PDHPE staff are committed to fostering a supportive environment that caters to diverse learning styles and promotes the wellbeing and success of every student.
Subjects: PDHPE, PASS, Child Studies, Sports Lifestyle and Recreation (SLR), Exploring Early Childhood, Health and Movement Science.
Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) provides a rich and diverse learning experience that nurtures creativity, skill, and artistic expression. In Years 7–10, students engage in mandatory Music and Visual Arts courses. From Year 9, students can select these courses as electives, allowing them to explore and develop their artistic interests.
Our senior students can choose from a wide range of Preliminary and HSC courses. These courses provide both academic and practical pathways, preparing students for tertiary study or careers in the creative industries.
Studying the creative arts, students learn to appreciate, compose, listen, make and perform. Each art form has its own unique knowledge and skills, elements or concepts as well as a capacity to inspire and enrich lives. Beyond the classroom students have opportunities to participate in events and activities such as exhibitions, showcases and excursions in the local community and beyond. Across our college performance opportunities are embedded throughout the year.
The CAPA Faculty is made up of passionate, highly skilled teachers who inspire students to achieve excellence in their chosen art forms. With a commitment to high standards and diverse learning opportunities CAPA equips students with the skills, confidence, and creative vision to excel in the arts and beyond.
Subjects: Junior Music and Visual Arts, Ceramics, Visual Design, Music 1, Visual Arts.
The Technology & Applied Sciences (TAS) Faculty delivers a dynamic and diverse learning experience, focusing on practical skills, creativity, and hands-on experiences that prepare students for real-world applications. Our programs develop knowledge, understanding and skills through a comprehensive design and production process using a range of tools, materials and techniques in theory and practical lessons. Students are actively engaged through authentic, project-based learning that connects to industry and community and have opportunities to showcase work through exhibitions, competitions, and collaborative projects.
Our staff are highly experienced and passionate in their field, bringing industry expertise and genuine enthusiasm into every classroom. Whether a student aspires to a career in engineering, hospitality, design, construction, or creative industries, our staff provide meaningful pathways and opportunities including industry partnerships, skill-building workshops, and portfolio development that opens doors beyond the classroom.
Technology runs for every student in Years 7 and 8, providing a strong foundation across multiple TAS disciplines, with elective subjects available from Year 9 onward, allowing students to specialise and deepen their expertise in areas that ignite their passion.
Subjects: Junior Courses include Technology Mandatory, Food Technology, Textiles Technology, Industrial Technology, Agriculture, Computing Studies, iSTEM; Senior Courses include Textiles & Design, Industrial Technology, Software Engineering, VET Hospitality, VET Construction, VET Primary Industries.
Assessment Policies and Schedules
Our formal assessment programs are distributed to students at the commencement of Year 11 and Year 12.
They detail the number, type, components and weightings, and scheduling of tasks, along with the procedures for marking, recording, and reporting student achievement.
They also clearly outline the school's procedures associated with absence from an assessment task, late submission of tasks due to illness or misadventure, malpractice and invalid or unreliable tasks, as well as the procedure for student appeals against final assessment rankings and 'N' determinations.
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 Richmond River High Campus, SRE for Years 7-10 is delivered fortnightly at various times and on various days throughout the school week.
The approved provider of SRE teachers at Richmond River High Campus is: New Heights Christian Fellowship. The special religious education program (SRE) available at Richmond River High Campus is run by an authorised Special Religious Education Teacher, employed by the Religious Education Association of Lismore (REAL), a combined Christian Churches of Lismore arrangement of New Heights Christian Fellowship.
The curriculum for the SRE program can be found at https://www.nhcflismore.com/sre
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.
For more information, visit the department’s website or contact us.
At our school, we give the right support to help gifted learners to 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.
Contact us to learn more about how we support high potential and gifted learners.
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.
Want to know more about our subjects?
We can connect you with the right teacher or staff member.
Student opportunities and activities
Discover clubs, sports and other activities your child can enjoy at school.
Our staff
Get to know our staff, who work together to create a positive school culture.