Cocos (Keeling) Islands District High School is without doubt one of the most unique educational environments in Australia. Situated on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands it is the most westerly of Australia's territories, lying in the Indian Ocean approximately 2900 kilometres northwest of Perth and 2600 kilometres west of Darwin. Its nearest neighbour is Christmas Island situated 900 kilometres to the northeast.
Cocos (Keeling) Islands District High School is a Commonwealth School that is operated by agreement between the Commonwealth and State Governments. This agreement allows the Department of Education to deliver education programs to students at Cocos (Keeling) Islands District High School in a manner that is similar to those delivered in comparable mainland Western Australian communities
The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are made up of 27 small islands that form a horseshoe shaped atoll around a central lagoon, which is 8 kilometres wide. The total area of these islands is 14 square kilometres; the majority of this is taken up by West Island and Home Island. These two islands house a population of approximately 550 adults and children with the remaining islands being unpopulated. The population is made up of 90 mainland Australians that provide administration and other services to the Islands, with the remaining population being Australians of Cocos Malay descent living on Home Island. Since the 'Act of Self Determination' in 1984, a whole-island decision to integrate as an Australian Territory, the islands have modernised while maintaining many of the traditions and values associated with the Cocos Malay people and their religion.
Strong student focus and staff collaboration are the cornerstones of education at Cocos (Keeling) Islands District High School. This platform enables the school community to develop a shared vision that encompasses Western Australian Department of Education priorities and enhances professional delivery of a dynamic and appropriate curriculum. Mindful of the unique situation of Cocos (Keeling) Islands, the school is committed to the ongoing health and well-being of all, through an inclusive pastoral care culture. This school aims to maintain a vibrant, positive and flexible team who focus their energy in a united direction to achieve agreed targeted outcomes.
Staff have a commitment to ongoing professional development, including annually updated E.S.L. and Surf Lifesaving qualifications, which, given our geographical location, allow us to utilise the natural environment for student activities.
Cocos (Keeling) Islands District High School comprises two campuses. The Home Island campus caters for Home Island Kindergarten to Year 6 students. The West Island campus, operates a Kindergarten to Year 6 primary school for West Island students and also houses the secondary school, Year 7-10. The majority of secondary students travel the 8 kilometres across the lagoon by ferry to and from school each day. At present, students continue their post-compulsory education at mainland schools. Comprehensive careers advice is provided to all students, and is complemented by work experience programmes both on and off-island.
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