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?
Strong foundations
We focus on the skills your child needs to succeed in school and beyond. This helps them feel confident and prepared for the future.
High-quality education
We offer a range of subjects to match what students enjoy and want to learn about. Our skilled teachers support every student to find what they love, do their best and succeed.
Inclusive and personalised learning
Our teachers adjust how they teach to suit your child’s needs, interests and learning pace. We make sure every student feels confident and supported.
Extension opportunities
Some students are ready for more challenges. We offer open-ended tasks, enrichment programs and support. We help all students to reach their full potential.
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.
Explore how we teach the NSW curriculum through key learning areas.
At Maclean High School, SRE for Years 7-10 is delivered fortnightly at various times and on various days throughout the school week.
Mr Mark Ohlmus is employed by the Lower Clarence Christian Education Association to provide religious instruction for students at Maclean High School.
The approved provider of SRE teachers at Maclean High School is: Presbyterian Church of Australia in the State of NSW. Presbyterian Youth NSW
View the curriculum here: Think Faith Scope and Sequence
During the time that SRE classes are being held, students not attending will be located in a separate space and will participate in meaningful activities which may include reading, private study or completing homework.
You can update your preference by writing to the school, completing the paper participation form available at the Front Office or through the online form.
For more information, visit the department’s website or contact us.
Engagement and Enrichment Classes - Year 7
Year 6 students enrolling at Maclean High School are invited to tender an application to join our Engagement and Enrichment Year 7 classes composed of others who have shown excellent achievement in their junior school and have additionally committed themselves to working hard and showing the best attitudes to study. These classes are in addition to the separate Gifted and Talented program that runs at Maclean High School. Entry to these classes is based on three criteria:
• The student’s academic results
• The student’s commitment to working hard
• Recommendation by your current school.
Those who are unsuccessful in their application are placed on a waiting list to join the class if and when a place becomes available.
Placement in the class will be subject to regular review. Students who do not show the academic rigour expected, will be replaced by those on the waiting list to join the class.
The program covers all core subjects.
To gain entry into these classes in Year 7, students need to complete an application package that includes:
• Latest School Report
• NAPLAN Results
• Completed nomination form
To be nominated for the Engagement and Enrichment 2026 Year 7 classes, your child needs to return their completed application package to Maclean High School before Friday 17th October, 2025. A panel will review each application and successful students accepted into the classes will be notified in writing. The Year 6 teachers of your child’s present school will be contacted by Maclean High School and also asked for a recommendation.
Gifted and Talented Program
Maclean High School offers a Gifted and Talented Program in Year 7 & 8, for students who are gifted across several areas of the curriculum. The program is in addition to the separate "Engagement and Enrichment Classes-Year 7. " Students are initially recommended by their primary schools with further groups identified during the year. The program allows the students access to a range of supplementary activities they would not usually participate in within a regular classroom. The program complements the existing curriculum with many challenging and thoughtful individual activities and group projects.
Contact us to learn more about how we support high potential and gifted learners.
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.