Kambalda West District High School (4111)

School Overview

Kambalda West District High School is a friendly and caring school with dedicated and enthusiastic teachers that caters for both primary and secondary schooling in the Kambalda community. We value the support and participation of the community that partners the school to ensure the best possible outcome for every student. With a focus on Citizenship and Success, the core values of REACH (respect, excellence, aspiration, connection and harmony)are embedded in everything we do.

Kambalda is approximately 600 kilometres east of Perth and was discovered after a huge mining boom and the first modern settlement was located at the base of Red Hill in 1897. The original Red Hill settlement, on the banks of Lake Lefroy, was formed by Percy Larkin, a prospector who discovered gold in the area. Nickle mining took over as the main source of industry in the 1960s with the first Australian nickle mine being located in Kambalda. Kambalda is known to within the tribal land of the indigenous Galaagu people and comprises of two sites, Kambalda West and Kambalda East. Kambalda West Primary school and Kambalda West Senior High School were amalgamated in 1996 to become Kambalda West District High School. The population of Kambalda has fluctuated in recent years due to the mining industry instability. The school current caters for around 230 students.

District High Schools are truly unique environments where children are able to develop academically, socially and emotionally in a family environment with students from pre-kindy to Year 12. All students have access to well-equipped facilitates including computing, physical education, music and teaching areas. The transition between early childhood, primary and secondary schooling is seamless with a whole school approach being applied to all activities and learning across the school.

High school students are catered for with the Year 7/8 students having access to specialist teachers in the core and non-core learning areas. For a small Secondary school, Kambalda District High School is proud to offer these students Physical Education, Woodwork, Metalwork, Art, Food, Textiles and Information Communication Technologies. The Year 9/10 students also have access to specialist teachers in the core and non-core learning areas, with the further options to undertake courses that lead into Business, Hospitality, Metals and Engineering, Sport and Recreation or Horticulture at TAFE.

Senior Secondary schooling is supported by Cert II course at Central Regional TAFE and work placements in local business to ensure students graduate from Kambalda West with a WACE and strong chance of success in the future. A partnership with the local Shire of Coolgardie and local industry is supporting the students of Kambalda West District High School.

We are committed to a strong focus on Pastoral Care and Student Engagement programs incorporating breakfast club, lunchtime activities and external support from agencies such as BEGA, CentreCare and Headspace. We have Literacy and VET Leaders who support staff and students throughout the school. Both staff and students are actively engaged in the learning environment and have participated in making the grounds and school and fantastic and supportive place to learn and work.