Information for new students
Here's a quick summary of most of the things you will need to know to get started in Year 10 at James Meehan High School:
COMING SOON - UPDATED BOOK
Student Handbook
This is a more detailed version of policies, procedures and rules at James Meehan High School. It's how we look after your wellbeing, and keep the school running smoothly.
COMING SOON - UPDATED BOOK
Wellbeing
Wellbeing for schools is a strengths-based approach across all NSW public schools, so that every student can connect, succeed and thrive at school and beyond.
Student wellbeing has always been a top priority at James Meehan High School.
Find more about the Department of Education Wellbeing initiatives here: Wellbeing for Schools DoE
Vocational Education and Training
We actively promote the training and career aspirations of our students by providing early commencement of Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses for all Year 10 students.
Students start these courses in Year 10 and complete the HSC component of the course in Year 11, including any HSC examination they may choose to complete. During Year 11, students may elect to study an additional VET course at school for completion during Year 12.
Courses currently offered include:
- Hospitality - Kitchen Operations Certificate II
- Hospitality - Food and Beverage Certificate II
- Retail Studies Certificate III
In addition students are able to undertake various opportunities from industries within the Sydney area and complete pre-apprenticeship training with industries such as: Endeavour Energy, Aviation at Bankstown airport, RSPCA, Tip Top bakeries and ING Direct Bank.
Preparing for further study and careers
A number of organisations (see Our Supporters) partner with the school to inspire our students to think about opportunities for careers, workplace experience and tertiary studies, long before they leave school.
Aspire, through the University of NSW, encourages students to aim high and to consider options for university study.
Through the Beacon Foundation, Year 10 students enjoy the experience of Speed Careering in which mentors from business and industry come along to talk about their career stories. Beacon also supports the Mock Interview program in which students prepare for and experience a job interview with representatives from a number of businesses.
Record of School Achievement (RoSA)
Eligible students who leave school before receiving their Higher School Certificate (HSC) will receive the NSW Record of School Achievement (RoSA). This credential replaces the School Certificate, which is no longer issued.
The RoSA is a cumulative credential in that it allows students to build upon their academic results until they leave school.
The RoSA records completed Stage 5 (Years 9-10) and Preliminary Stage 6 (Years 11-12) courses and grades, and participation in any uncompleted Preliminary Stage 6 courses.
It is particularly useful to students leaving school prior to the HSC.
The BOSTES website has all the details at RoSA.
Courses
Students in Year 10 must study mandatory courses in a number of Key Learning Areas. They also have the opportunity to study elective courses based on their interests and plans for careers and further study. The school offers a range of electives based on student interests and staff availability.
Students should ensure they are prepared to pay any fees for materials and equipment in their elective courses. The school office can provide a list of subject contributions for different courses.
Assessing student achievement
Teachers use a variety of ways to assess the knowledge, skills and understanding of their students. They may look at work in class, tests and assignments.
Assessment tasks are compulsory tasks that teachers use to judge achievement in a course. All students in a course will be required to do equivalent assessment tasks. As such, it is important that students complete tasks on or before the due date, and to the best of their ability.