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.
Why choose us for your child’s learning?
Diverse and Inclusive Community
Riverstone High School is a vibrant community on Dharug land, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the area. With 45% of students from non-English-speaking backgrounds, 25% learning English as an additional language, and 11% identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, our school fosters respect, understanding, and global awareness.
Comprehensive, Future-Focused Curriculum
We offer a broad curriculum from Years 7 to 12 designed to equip students for the future. Stage 6 students can choose from a wide range of subjects including Vocational Education pathways and access programs through Nirimba Collegiate, expanding academic and career opportunities.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Our rich extracurricular program develops leadership, creativity, teamwork, and personal growth through sports, cultural activities, music, performing arts, debating, and more. These opportunities help students build confidence and lifelong skills in a supportive environment.
Inclusive Education
Riverstone High School’s Inclusive Education Department supports all students with personalised assistance, promoting inclusion and independence. Our team, including School Learning Support Officers, provides tailored programs and specialised help for EAL/D students, working with families and staff to ensure every student thrives in an inclusive environment.
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.
Religion and Ethics
NSW public schools offer special religious education and special education in ethics, delivered by approved providers wherever available.
During enrolment, you can choose a special religious education option for your child from the school’s available approved providers. You can withdraw your child from special religious education by selecting alternative meaningful activities, or special education in ethics if it’s available.
You can update your preference through the online form, or by writing to the school.
Visit the department’s website for more information about religion and ethics.
At Riverstone High School, Combined Christian SRE (Scripture) is delivered on Wednesdays.
- Year 7 and 8 have Scripture once per week. This class is delivered across different periods over the term to minimise disruption for all students and teachers.
- Year 9 and 10 have Scripture once per term.
Scripture is provided by a qualified Scripture teacher from New Light Anglican Church Riverstone (Anglican Diocese of Sydney) who is supported by other Churches in Riverstone. These classes are free and open to all students.
You can see the Scripture curriculum taught here.
Students will not miss out on assessments or syllabus progression during Scripture class. This Department of Education policy states:
- No academic instruction or formal school activities will occur during time set aside for SRE.
- Students not attending SRE will be provided with supervised alternative meaningful activities such as reading, private study or completing homework – they cannot participate in school curriculum lessons or other extracurricular activities during this time
Other activities of a religious nature
Riverstone High School has an open Christian lunchtime group every Wednesday, run by the Scripture teacher and some qualified helpers. Contact the school to find out more information.
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 principal and staff
Get to know our principal and staff, who work together to create a positive school culture.