Ku-ring-gai Creative Arts High School offers a wide range of opportunities for learning in a supportive and co-operative environment. The uniqueness of our bushland setting and expansive grounds provides a wonderful environment for learning.
The ethos of our school is to foster a strong community between students, teachers and parents based on mutual respect and a desire to facilitate high achievement and deliver the best opportunities for our students.
Ku-ring-gai Creative Arts High School (KCAHS) – an innovative, co-educational comprehensive high school where students enjoy the unique benefits of a fully-rounded traditional education, enriched by a diverse co-curricular program and a broad spectrum of creative opportunities.
Set amongst 10.8 hectares of tranquil bushland adjoining the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, our school is committed to developing the "whole student" by offering a range of experiences to extend their skills and confidence in every field - from academic rigour to the creative arts, sports and music, to leadership and vocational training.
We are extremely fortunate to enjoy outstanding support from staff, parents, students and our community which promotes a culture that thrives on mutual respect, participation and facilitating achievement. A website can only hint at the true school environment, and I therefore invite you to contact us for further information, enrolment details or to make an appointment to visit us and see Ku-ring-gai Creative Arts High School in action.
Our school is set amongst 10.8 hectares of beautiful bushland adjoining the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and its protected stands of native turpentines. Our students derive significant benefit from these natural, tranquil surroundings as they provide a relaxed atmosphere in which to learn and socialise.
The Margaret Preston Hall
Named after Margaret Preston, a local resident of the Berowra area, and one of Australia's foremost female painters, this multi-purpose facility adapts to a variety of functions from meetings to sport and dramatic performances. Its unique Binishell design was advanced technology at the time of construction. It is a reinforced concrete thin-shell structure that was lifted and shaped by low air pressure and this technology was invented in the 1960s by Dr. Dante Bini.
Catherine Jinks Library
Our library is dedicated to acclaimed author and former KCAHS student Catherine Jinks, whose 30+ books for children, youths and adults have been translated into many foreign languages.
The Catherine Jinks library is a user-friendly learning resource centre available to all students, staff and parents/care-givers of the school.
Our dedicated librarian works with teachers and students to improve learning outcomes for all students and to foster a love of life-long learning.
The air-conditioned teaching and learning areas include three separate lounge areas where students can relax and read, as well as seminar rooms that are suitable for small group activities and senior study areas. Library computers are available for student use and are connected to the school's computer network with internet access available at all terminals.
As well as fiction and non-fiction texts, the library offers daily newspapers and audio-visual materials such as DVDs which teachers use extensively to further enhance students' learning experiences. Photocopying and laser printing services are available.
The library is open from 8.30am to 3.30pm Monday to Friday (other times by arrangement).
Science Laboratories
The recently refurbished science laboratories are well equipped with separate areas for practical and theoretical work. The labs are wired for data projector and computer connection, with acoustic ceilings and display boards installed to minimise noise. New roller blinds have been installed to allow each lab to be darkened for optics experiments.
Student work benches have water, gas, electricity and modern fume cupboards which allow chemistry demonstrations to be conducted safely. Preparation rooms and the chemical storeroom have been refurbished to facilitate efficient organisation of equipment and lesson materials.
Hospitality Kitchens
Two semi-commercial kitchens with a fantastic outlook over the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park ensure our hospitality students enjoy the perfect environment for practical and demonstration lessons all year round.
Recently upgraded with stainless steel benches, new tiles and flooring, and fully-ducted exhaust systems, the kitchens are extremely well resourced. Commercial cookery equipment includes gas ovens, chargrill, large flat grill, salamander, deep fryers, mixers and a variety of saucepans, frypans and other essential items.
Art Facilities
There are three purpose built art classrooms: one featuring a kiln for glazing or jewellery making; an art cottage for painting classes as well as a dark room; and a dedicated digital computer lab for digital photography and design projects.
Sporting Facilities
Sports fields are in abundance and include: a full sized synthetic grass hockey pitch; a full sized and mini soccer fields; two outside basketball courts; two tennis courts; a multi-purpose oval adjacent to the Margaret Preston Hall; and practice cricket nets.
Technology
The school has over 100 computer work stations, four computer labs, wireless networking to 95% of school buildings, 25 interactive whiteboards in classrooms, and a full time technical support person to manage student laptops in Years 9, 10 and 11.
School Canteen
The canteen is open every school day, and staffed by managers and volunteer parents. Our canteen has happily adopted the Department of Education and Training's Healthy Canteen Guidelines, and offers breakfasts and weekly specials, as well as a wide selection of healthy food options. The canteen provides an excellent means for parents to interact with students on a daily basis.
