Killarney Heights High School has a proud tradition of high academic results within a caring and connected community. Our HSC results have steadily improved over the last 10 years, we are now the best co-educational, comprehensive high school on the Northern Beaches.
Our English results are consistently outstanding, being among the very top schools in the state. In 2021, the whole cohort of Advanced English was 4th in the whole state, ahead of government and all selective schools and in 2023, we were 2nd in the entire state, once again in 2024 we continued our excellent results coming 10th in the state, and 4th out of all Government comprehensive schools
However, it is not just in English that Killarney Heights High School excels, for example last year the average mark in the HSC exams was 81, an incredible result. Our combined band 5 and 6’s has increased by 54% since 2015, with Killarney Height High School now having the majority of students gaining the top 2 bands in almost every subject. We are proud of our students and our outstanding teachers who can assist students to not only reach their potential but go beyond their expectations.
At Killarney Heights High School, we cater to the whole child—the academic, the physical and mental wellbeing. In addition to this, we help develop skills that will enable your child to make the most of the future, with critical thinking skills which will carry forward into life beyond the classroom.
To enhance academic success for all students, we have several strategies—the first is to ensure that the teachers are equipped with the latest research in what works in the classroom. We all know the importance of a quality teacher and what this can mean for your child, so my main aim is to work with teachers to improve their knowledge and skills in the explicit teaching techniques that bring about the greatest learning for students in the classroom.
This is important for students at all levels of academic ability. For the brightest students, it means that we use research to inform teachers of what works best for these students. At Killarney Heights High School we have extension classes (X and S) in every year, allowing like-minded students to work together, giving them more opportunities to aspire to excellence.
For students who struggle in some areas, we offer support. We have a program, QuickSmart, developed by the University of New England to assist students in both literacy and numeracy.
Our French language program follows on from Killarney Heights primary school with French for both Anglophones and Francophones taught from Year 7. Our large language program is taught by experienced teachers including native speakers. In 2023, Diane Luong was 1st in the state in Extension French, demonstrating not only the dedication of Diane but the quality and commitment of our teachers.
We are a school that is underpinned by the principles of positive psychology and restorative practice, that is, we build on students' strengths and reinforce these at every opportunity. Our welfare team has come up with three words that encapsulate what we do—"Respect, Connect and Aspire". They have developed models of good behaviour using these themes in every setting—in the classroom, in the playground and in the community. Disruptive behaviour inhibits learning, which is why we are serious about ensuring students understand the impact of negative behaviour on others. All teachers have been trained, ensuring a consistent approach throughout the school.
To prepare students for the future, we carefully plan assessments to reinforce communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking. We aim to improve student's skills and experiences through a wide range of subjects and extra-curricular activities. A further aim is to increase engagement which will enhance academic outcomes in other areas.
Our extra- curricular program is extensive, with a very strong band program, sporting teams, homework club, a Duke of Edinburgh program, art and many more. The program is constantly changing, with these advertised on our website.
Hayley Emmerton BSc, MEd (Computing), M. Ed (Instructional Leadership)