Frequently Asked Questions
We are often asked questions about the day-to-day at Hills. Below are some of these questions and answers. If you have a question that is not listed, feel free to ask, using our enquiry form.
How many students in the school?
The School has approximately 950 students from Kindergarten to Year 12. The Early Childhood Education Centre offers the equivalent of 40 full time places for the two Pre-Kinder years which means approximately 65-70 children gain admission.
How many in each class?
Our class sizes are generally smaller than most with approximately 20 students in Kindergarten and Year One, 22 in Year Two and around 24 in Years Three - Six. The Senior School varies depending on the subject and level. It is not unusual for Year 11 and 12 students to be in classes of 4-15 students and generally would not exceed 24.
Do you teach religion?
There is no formal religious instruction offered. However, our school values of Acceptance, Accountability, Excellence, Fairness, Honesty, Integrity, Respect and Service are learned and lived throughout the Academic, Wellbeing and Co-curricular Programs.
How does it work with no bells?
Very effectively! Except for a brief trial of a ‘musical bell’ in the late 80s, the school has operated peacefully and efficiently without ‘industrial noise’. The students are expected to class within a certain timeframe at change of period and each teacher makes sure they are let out on time.
What time does school start and finish?
The Early Childhood Centre opens at 7am and closes at 6pm with the structured program operating from 9am to 3pm.
In Kindergarten the children start school at 8.50 and finish at 3.00pm.
In Years One to Six, it’s 8.50-3.10pm
In Year Seven to Twelve, it’s 8.50- 3.20pm
Academic enrichment programs, co-curricular activities (sport, music, creative and spoken arts, leadership and service) are often held before and after school.
What times does your library open?
Nexus is opened from 7am to 8pm Monday- Thursday and until 5pm on Fridays. Teacher mentors and undergraduate alumni staff the study sessions from 5pm until 8pm for Years 10-12.
What about scholarships?
Scholarships are available for students in Years 7-11. Applications are made online via the School’s website. Academic, All-Rounder and Music scholarships are available. All applicants sit an examination during March the year before they commence. Music applicants also are required to audition later in the year.
What are the School’s strengths?
There is no emphasis on particular subjects or faculties. We aim to place equal and high importance on all subjects offered at all levels including extension courses.
In public, formal examinations such as the HSC, the School has exhibited strengths in subjects across the board, topping the State in Latin, Mathematics, Ancient History, Extension 1 English, Information Technology and places regularly in the SMH top 100 schools. Selection into Art Express, On Stage and InTech is a regular occurrence.
What about transport?
The School is serviced by two bus companies, Hillsbus and Hawkesbury Valley Bus Co. THGS also has a dedicated bus service for students. VIsit our transport information page to find out more
Are the younger children denied access to any websites not appropriate for their age?
The School has a filter on inappropriate websites but teachers are also conscious of monitoring the students' access to ensure they are viewing age appropriate content. Staff will assess websites as a regular part of their programming and where appropriate, student access will be enabled for educational use.
Do you have a bullying problem here and what is the procedure?
Bullying by any member of the school community is unacceptable. This behaviour which contravenes our School Community Code and Values Framework must be challenged. Our policy and management of these situations is continually being updated and improved.
Children occasionally have disagreements which need to be managed by our Pastoral team but these are rare. Children engage in a daily Wellbeing Program that develops each child’s confidence, resilience and ability to get along with others.
If a student feels that there has been an incident of bullying,
- The incident is reported to teacher and the Head of House is advised
- Students are interviewed and all parents are advised
- Preliminary findings are made and put to the alleged offender who has the right of reply
- Final findings are made
- Disciplinary action taken - this can include a range of responses – cautions, mediation, counselling, apologies, detention, internal/ external suspension, enrolment review, expulsion
There is ongoing communication throughout the procedure with all parents and students involved.
How much homework do they have in the junior years?
Homework begins in Kindergarten with home reading and sight words. In Infants, children have approximately 10 minutes Spelling and Mathematics homework each night as well as their home reading and sight words.
In Primary homework is a consolidation of in class learning, and students may be asked to complete some research for projects. The Homework Grid recognises all aspects of a child’s development and is modified for the needs of each student.
Are the children able to hire instruments from the school if having music lessons?
In the private music tuition program, instrumental hire is recommended through local providers. Instruments are provided by the School for some programs including Kindy Violin, Year 2 Violin, Year 3 Cello, Year 4 Brass/Woodwind and Year 5 Guitar.
Are the children able to learn more than one language?
All students learn French from ECEC to Year 6. In Year 7 they can choose to continue with French or Japanese. The Honours students do Latin as well as one other language in Years 7 and 8. These students can chose to continue with both in Years 9 and 10.
When students commence at Hills during the year, do they have a buddy to look after them?
All children starting at THGS are buddied with children from the same class to ensure they have a support network. Buddies help new students find their way around the campus and play with them at break times.
This will happen for at least the first 2 weeks and can be arranged for longer. Class teachers in the Junior School are in constant contact with the parents via the diary which is signed every day.
In the senior school the House Tutor will keep the Head of House informed of new students’ progress and a settling in report is sent home to parents within the first four weeks of arrival.
How many of your students continue onto university?
Most of our graduates aim to enter tertiary studies soon after leaving school. The School’s career counselling service aims to offer students from Years 10-12 assistance in seeking information about a range of tertiary options. Graduates can enter their next phase of study and career options with confidence, responsibility, sound values and life skills. They are well versed in career options whilst at school and learn the many ways to arrive at the desired tertiary outcome.
What career paths do your students take?
Our graduates span the full spectrum of career paths and vocations. Every year we have students focussed on attaining the highest possible marks for specific university courses such as Law, Medicine and Vet Science. Many others are aiming for a personal best to allow for a variety of options from the Sciences to Business, Arts and the Humanities. Gap years are becoming popular where graduates defer their courses or re-apply on their return from a year abroad or working. There are several high profile graduates who have pursued medical, media, acting and musical careers. We are proud of all our graduates and maintain contact through the past student network – TOHGA (The Old Hills Grammarians Association).
