Granville South Creative and Performing Arts High School (GSCAPAHS) has an enrolment of over 510 students including around 89% from language backgrounds other than English and 8 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
The school's main focus is on improving student learning outcomes through quality teaching practices underpinned by targeted whole-school teacher professional learning. We are committed to developing a learning culture which emphasises critical thinking and ensures students develop self-discipline in their study habits.
The school has been partially selective in the creative and performing arts (CAPA) since 2012. Students in our gifted and talented creative and performing arts ensemble classes undertake 5 hours of specialist extension workshops and perform with students from all stages at multiple school and community events. The school believes students with a talent in the creative and performing arts need to learn with like-minded children guided by teachers who have a commitment to excellence in teaching and learning.
Success in CAPA includes a student with his Higher School Certificate (HSC) major artwork included in the Art Express annual exhibition, 2 students selected as feature vocalists in the annual public education school spectacular, several students selected to participate in the public education arts unit talent development program, and selection through audition for our students to perform in dance and drama festivals and Our Spectacular at the Opera House. Each year students perform in our annual CAPA showcase at Parramatta Riverside Theatre.
The school also has a strong history of success in sports programs. GSCAPAHS students have the opportunity to participate in grade sport, knockout competitions, and representative sport. Several former students have gone on to play at elite levels, including representation for Australia.
Our wellbeing programs promote a safe, respectful and caring learning environment; encourage personal excellence; promote relevant learning experiences; and support student participation and success. A united approach to achieving these values resulted in the school receiving a South Western Sydney Region director's choice award for excellence in student welfare.
Our community of schools initiatives aim to increase our relationships with our partner primary schools. There is a strong emphasis on collegiality between the high school and primary school teachers. Examples of primary links programs include sports coaching and student leadership development.
The value-added performance of our Year 9 students in numeracy, reading, writing, spelling and grammar and punctuation for National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is at or above state growth rates. These positive learning outcomes demonstrate the success of our literacy and numeracy initiatives in targeting the learning needs of students.
The school has partnership programs with many organisations, universities and businesses to support the diverse learning and wellbeing needs of our students.
Examples include:
- Australian business and community network (ABCN), creating chances, Auburn youth centre
- Granville multicultural community centre, Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC), Woodville alliance
- Arab council Australia, community migrant resource centre
- University of New South Wales, Sydney University, and Western Sydney University.