There are a number of reasons we stand out.
Our facilities
Riverside GHS, though an old school, boasts an outstanding array of up to date facilities while retaining the charm of an Edwardian style façade.
In addition to its 34 acre riverside site, the school consists of :
- Specialty visual arts, technology, wood and metalwork rooms
- commercial kitchen with combi oven
- 600 seat Auditorium
- gym
- tennis courts
- multi-media specialty rooms
- healthy canteen
Unique facilities
- Cragg centre – specially equipped professional learning space for staff
- music performance space
- music practice rooms
- music rehearsal room
- environmental study area
- bush garden
- tropical garden
- undercover eating area
- access to Gladesville park sports fields
Our values
Our attractive and spacious setting on the Parramatta river provides a peaceful, relaxing and friendly environment where students feel safe and secure. This learning environment supports the development of our 4 key values: respect, responsibility, resilience and reflection.
A school of outstanding opportunity
At Riverside Girls High School, students benefit from:
- In Year 7, a week long swimming, survival, lifesaving and resuscitation program
- Year 9 and 10 are offered leadership positions within these programs in the form of coaching, umpiring and as instructors.
- acceleration programs for high achievers
- extra-curricular technology programs such as STEAMPUNK at UTS; girls in property workshops through the Property Council of Australia; entrepreneurship programs with the hatchery at UTS.
- the mock trial competition to develop students’ skills in Legal Studies
- the tournament of minds to develop talented students’ lateral thinking and group work skills.
- debating and public speaking and participation in the School spectacular with the Arts Unit
- camps in Years 7, 8, and 11 and also with the City Country Alliance (links between city and rural schools)
- trips to Wee Waa HS our partner school
- senior students have opportunities to support younger students through the peer support program
- developing their leadership skills through the student representative council, Duke of Edinburgh award scheme and the Epping Club max potential leadership program
- a Year 9 ski camp
- a biennial rural music tour where the jazz ensemble and orchestra play to primary and secondary audiences in rural schools.
Developing talents in the creative and performing arts
Riverside Girls High School has a proud history of success in developing knowledge and skills in the creative and performing arts.
All students are encouraged to be part of Riverside’s tradition of excellence in Music through the school’s orchestras, choirs, ensembles and concert bands. Dramatic and artistic skills are fostered through performing arts programs and girls have the opportunity to participate front or back stage in school productions which occur every two years.
Music and drama students are provided with many opportunities to perform, including variety nights, performance evenings and community events and the biennial school musical.
Our visual arts courses engage students in a range of creative activities, such as painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, photography and graphics arts. The parents and citizens association have purchased a second kiln and students are using 3D printers and a laser printer to create outstanding projects.
We enter exhibitions and eisteddfords and receive many awards including highly commended for the orchestra in the 2018 Ryde eisteddford .
We are one of only 5 high schools in the state with a photography darkroom which is used by photography and digital media students in the junior years and photography and visual arts students fo their HSC major works.
Social justice
Our girls gain an understanding of the significance of the positive contribution they can make within their own community and the global community. Our teachers raise the girls’ awareness of important social and humanitarian issues and provide them with opportunities to serve the community.
Our aim is to help students become young women who are able to exercise sound judgement in ethical issues and who are willing to serve the wider community. At Riverside they are given the opportunity to create the skills to recognise, and act on their values.
High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE)
We offer a special HPGE class in Year 7 and 8.
This class is provided with an enriched curriculum where each student is extended in all subjects and is encouraged to use higher order thinking, creativity and inquiry based learning.
Where applicable, the curriculum will be compacted. This ensures students are not simply repeating work they already understand, and leaves the teacher free to provide enriched learning opportunities according to student need and interest.
We believe it is imperative that ALL students are extended. Potential has no limits. Every one of our expert teachers has completed professional learning in differentiating the curriculum to ensure our talented students in mixed ability classes have access to an extended curriculum to meet their needs. Understanding how to personalise learning is a priority of the school's professional learning program.
International students at Riverside Girls High School
Riverside Girls High School provides a dynamic, caring and positive learning environment for all students. Our school enrols students from countries including China, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam.
Riverside Girls High School is proud of its outstanding quality education programs which offer a secure pathway to a career or to further study including Australian and overseas universities.