The Woonona High School Difference - Why choose us?
Creative and Performing Arts
Creative and Performing Arts
Creativity is at the heart of who we are. Our vibrant Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) programs, accelerated art opportunities, and dynamic band, musical, and theatre productions allow students to express themselves with confidence and imagination. From the studio to the stage, students develop a lifelong love of learning, innovation, and teamwork, discovering their unique voice and the power of creative expression.
Woonona High School has a proud tradition of excellence in the Creative and Performing Arts, offering extensive opportunities for students across all CAPA disciplines, including Aerial Circus, Dance, Drama, Music, Technical Production and Visual Arts. We are the only Illawarra school with professional aerial apparatus in our performance space (including silks, trapeze and lyra) plus a Visual Arts acceleration program for students to complete the HSC course whilst in Year 11. Our students are supported to participate in a wide variety of regional CAPA initiatives, such as Southern Stars, Pulse Alive, Schools Spectacular and the ISE Performing Ensemble, along with the annual Every Artist Was First An Amateur Exhibition at Project Contemporary Artspace, local gallery displays, and the Wollongong City Council Photography Competition. We also hold an annual ARTCH-i-bald Portrait competition and organise various CAPA excursions each year. Our strong alumni network fosters the next generation through ongoing support and inspiration.
Recent highlights include outstanding HSC results across Dance, Drama, Music and Visual Arts, including nominations for ArtExpress, Callback, Encore and OnStage. In 2025, our Stage Band was invited to perform at the prestigious Proudly Public! Education Awards in the Sydney Town Hall and one of our South Coast Dance Festival items was selected for the NSW Public Schools Dance Festival. During the last ten years, our popular Year 7 CAPA Enrichment Class program has provided a creative, caring and challenging environment for HPGE students in all areas of CAPA to enhance their skills and collaborate with their peers. Since 2012, our Community of Schools Primary Band has allowed students from Years 4-6 to begin learning an instrument or join Junior Band if they already play. We also offer affordable music tuition and instrument hire, and our Stage, Junior and CoS PS bands regularly perform at school and community events. Our focus on inclusion and support enables all students to participate fully in CAPA activities.
Over the years, our students have been involved in Battle of the Bands, Songmakers and Kools Skools recording projects, Music Count Us In and WotOpera songwriting workshops, plus more. We present regular performances and art exhibitions each year including Unplugged concerts (Term 1-3), CAPA showcase (Term 2), HSC Showcases (Term 3) and Variety Night (Term 4). Our teaching spaces include purpose built art, dance, drama and music studios, as well as an outdoor maker space for visual arts, and our hall is equipped with industry level AV equipment. All students can take part in our extra curricular programs including: circus, dance companies, drama club, junior/stage bands, vocal and guitar ensembles, art workshops, CAPA camp and regular performances. We usually stage a full musical theatre production biannually and past shows have included Battle of the Bands, Bats, Jungle Fantasy, The Wiz, High School Musical, Wicked, Matilda JR and The Addams Family. Get ready for “We Will Rock You” in July 2026!
Please contact our office for more information or to apply for any of these exciting opportunities.
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Why families choose us
A Thriving, Community-Focused Learning Environment
Woonona High is a comprehensive, co-educational school serving the northern Illawarra. We deliver excellence in teaching and learning through strong community partnerships, innovative environments, and dedicated staff who help students become confident, creative, and responsible global citizens.
Seamless Transition and Peer Support
We offer an extensive transition program, including a Peer Support initiative where Year 10 students mentor Year 7s through multiple one-hour sessions. This builds resilience, confidence, problem-solving and leadership, setting young students up for success from the start.
Diverse, Modern Curriculum with Real Outcomes
From traditional academic subjects to Vocational Education and Training (VET) pathways and junior electives, our curriculum caters to varied interests and strengths. Combined with high expectations, this ensures consistent HSC performance and strong pathways to university or TAFE.
Easy to access
Located in Woonona, our school is easy to access by public transport, walking or driving. This makes every day at school more convenient for our families.
"Great, caring teachers with wonderful students!” — Peter, a parent of Woonona High School
What we can offer your child
Holistic Student Wellbeing and Leadership
Our Learning Support Team, counsellors, and wellbeing leaders provide personalised care and academic monitoring. A merit-based recognition system helps motivate students, while leadership opportunities, including a vibrant Student Representative Council empower them to lead and belong.
- participation in a range of competitions
- success in life beyond school
- active community members
- striving for personal improvement.
Enriched Co-Curricular Experiences and Sporting Success
Students engage in co‑curricular opportunities such as music, dance, sport, debating, academic competitions, and volunteering. Many earn state-level recognition, and our athletes represent NSW and Australia across multiple sports.
- excursions
- incursions
- extra-curricular activities
- a wide variety of subjects.
Tailored learning support
We know every child learns in their own way. That’s why we provide tailored learning support to help each student do their best. Our programs meet different student needs. This includes high potential and gifted students, students with additional needs or disability, and those who need wellbeing support. At our school, your child will get the support they need to succeed.
- student learning support officers (SLSO) in the classroom
- teaching and learning adjustments
- extension activities for students who need extra challenge
- wellbeing and counselling support.
A welcoming community
Our school is a place where students from all backgrounds feel safe, respected and part of the community. We value diversity and fairness. Your child will learn and grow in a school that celebrates who they are. We prepare students to be confident, well-rounded global citizens.
- supporting students learning English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D)
- celebrating Harmony Day
- incorporating culturally inclusive school events
- ensuring cultural safety for all students.
Stories and highlights
Hear about stories, wins and proud moments from our staff and students.
Policies and reports
Discover our local school policies, reports and plans.