Highlands School

Highlands School is a publicly funded School for Specific Purpose (SSP) located in Renwick, near Mittagong in the Southern Highlands. The school currently caters to an enrolment capacity of 42 students from the Wollondilly and Goulburn Networks, specifically designed for those in Years 5-10 who exhibit challenging behaviours, emotional disturbances, or autism spectrum disorders (ASD), as well as the impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE).

Facilities and Resources

The school is situated in a semi-rural setting and is well-equipped with various learning and recreational facilities. These include a Science Laboratory, an industrial kitchen and café, a basketball court, a school hall, a playing field, a music room, an art room, and a STEM room. Additionally, the school features a Yarning Circle surrounded by indigenous plants, many of which are edible, facilitating an enriching environment for indigenous culture.

Educational Approach

Highlands School provides access to the full NSW curriculum, tailored to meet the individual literacy, numeracy, and social needs of students. Teachers collaborate with families and census schools to develop personalised learning plans, integration plans, and support strategies. The school operates six classes, each consisting of seven students, along with a Student Learning Support Officer and a teacher to foster an effective learning atmosphere. The primary goal is for students to achieve the Record of School Achievement (RoSA) by the end of Year 10, ensuring they are well-prepared for reintegration into mainstream education or other pathways.

To prepare every student to become a valued and productive citizen in the community.

To engage every student in their education, transitioning them to a mainstream school, training facility, workforce or alternative setting.