Grafton High School, established in 1912, is a rural co-educational comprehensive secondary school with a rich tradition of academic, cultural and sporting success.
Widely regarded as one of the best performed rural high schools, Grafton High School provides a dynamic, enriching and caring learning environment. It recognises and provides for the needs, differences and potential of individual students, consistently encouraging students to strive for excellence in all they undertake.

Our Values ...

At Grafton High School we value:

An inclusive and supportive environment which provides a positive image to the community.
Encouraging each student to reach their full potential in every area.
Individuals who take responsibility for their own actions by following clear and consistent guidelines.
The welfare of all members of the school community by creating a safe and secure environment for everyone.
The professional and diverse team of teachers committed to the holistic education of all students.
Open and respectful communication at all levels with ongoing consultation for evaluation of policies and their implementation.

Our Commitment ...

Grafton High School is committed to the provision of quality education so that all students are provided with challenges that enable them to realize maximum potential within a safe, supportive environment.

Our Goals ...

The staff of Grafton High School seeks to provide quality teaching and learning in a caring environment. We want Grafton High to be a friendly school; a school where the staff, students and parents feel comfortable, safe and happy to be involved. We believe that all students are learners, so we encourage students to pursue excellence to the fullest extent of their abilities. We encourage and teach students to be self-disciplined, responsible for their own decisions and actions. Our total school program provides a wide range of academic, cultural, sporting and social activities which focus on the development of the whole person so that each student is ready to play a productive role in society.

Our School Community ...

Grafton High welcomes and encourages the participation of parents and community members. We have an active Parents & Citizens group, a Ladies Auxiliary group and an Aboriginal Parent group (ASSPA).

Welfare & Discipline ...

Grafton High School offers an integrated Welfare/Discipline approach. A Levels System of discipline is supported at all points by an extensive Welfare network and an Awards Scheme which focuses on promoting student achievement. At the heart of this integrated approach is the School Code of Behaviour

Rights & Responsibilities of Students
1. The right to be treated fairly.
2. The right to learn to my full potential with dignity.
3. The right to express my opinion.
4. The right to expect my property be safe at school.
5. The right to a well maintained school.

As staff and students respect each others’ rights and strive to fulfil their responsibilities then an harmonious learning environment will grow and all will be free to pursue and achieve their potential.

Our Curriculum ...

The school provides a comprehensive range of courses for all students to complete the NSW School Certificate (Years 7 – 10) and the NSW Higher School Certificate (Year 11 & 12).
The curriculum is founded on a special focus on reading literacy. All students participate in a daily reading program. Senior students are trained to mentor students with reading difficulties.

Years 7-10
The Junior curriculum at Grafton High, as well as meeting all NSW Board of Studies requirements, offers special features. In Year 7 students are taught a range of skills including Edward De Bono’s Thinking Skills framework, typing and problem solving skills. This program aims to equip students with long term, cross curriculum skills to promote individual learning. In Year 8, students have access to an electives program which promotes fun and choice in the curriculum and allows students to pursue subject areas that are of particular interest to them. In Years 9 and 10, students continue the elective program, as well as having access to our very successful “School to Work” program. Talented students may also take part in our Gold Classes program that operates across the junior school.

Years 11-12
The Senior curriculum offers students an extensive selection of options by which they might satisfy the requirements for the HSC.

Pathway 1 offers a traditional academic selection of subjects that enables a student to meet the NSW Board of Studies (BOS) requirements for a HSC and a University Admission Index (UAI). Students are able to choose from a large range of subjects across the Key Learning Areas of English, Mathematics, Science, History, Human Studies and Its Environment, Languages Other Than English, PDHPE, Computers, Technological and Applied Studies, Creative and Performing Arts and Community and Family Studies.

The CareerLink Pathway i
The CareerLink Pathway is a partnership between schools, TAFE and local employers and allows students to study for the HSC, gain Tafe accreditation and possibly access paid on-the-job training (through a traineeship or apprenticeship). This pathway offers university access as well as vocational training.

Pathway 2 provides for a HSC that includes both general education and recognised Vocational Educational and Training components. Students selecting this pathway gain the HSC but not a UAI.

Pathway 3 provides for a HSC through Board developed Life Skills Courses, accompanied with vocational education and training.
VET Courses are particularly popular at Grafton High School and they make the school-to-work transition very smooth for many students. Grafton, South Grafton and Maclean High Schools work co-operatively to share courses to maximise curriculum offerings and use of resources.

Our Facilities ...

Grafton High School offers students access to all the facilities necessary in a modern comprehensive high school. The school is fully networked, providing students with access to the latest technology on both the PC and Apple platforms. Specialist areas including the MPC (gymnasium), Library, Visual Arts and Ceramics, Photography, Drama, Science, Hospitality, Textiles, Music, Industrial Arts and Sport are well equipped.

Sport and Culture
On the sporting field Grafton High has a fine record at all levels of competition. In recent years Grafton High has won state championships in Squash, Tennis, hockey and Cricket, while performing with distinction in Rugby Netball and Basketball.

How to Enrol

in Grafton High School ...

Please contact the school on 6642 3355 to make an appointment to speak with the Principal. He will be able to advise you on the availability of positions in each year and arrange for an interview.