Making the transition from primary school to high school can be a challenging one - and not just for the students.
Students and their parents both need to be sure they are in an environment that will not only see them thrive academically, but socially as well.
And that’s the aim of Deniliquin High School.
For current Year 7 students Archie Beehag and Harper Taylor, being a student at Deni High has a number of advantages.
“I’ve been making lots of new friends, learning instruments and music and meeting all different teachers in all different classes,” Harper said.
“All my friends go here and live here, so that makes it easier to see them after school, too.”
The new “mates” he has made since starting high school has also been a highlight for Archie.
“I also like the teachers, and the subjects we learn are different, and we learn a lot more about them,” he said.
Both listed the high school’s music program as one of their favourite things about the school, with Archie also talking up the science and PE programs.
Art is Harper’s other favourite subject.
Both Archie and Harper have older siblings at the school, and Harper’s parents Jesse and Alisha Taylor said choosing Deni High for their children’s educations was an easy one.
“Alisha and I are both products of Deniliquin High School, and our siblings and some cousins, and both of us have prospered in our chosen fields,” Mr Taylor said.
“A lot of that is to do with our upbringing, the teaching Deni High provided and the facilities at the school.
“Aria is in Year 10 and Harper is in Year 7, and Mannix is soon to finish Year 5 so is not far away from high school himself.
“Going to the local high school from local primary schools has given them a change of scenery and facilities, different friends groups and more opportunities to explore a broad range of subjects offered.
“The ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank) scores that have come out of the school over many years demonstrates that Deni High offers a quality education.”
Mr Taylor said attending secondary school in your home community also helps forge relationships with a broad range of people, not just your direct peers.
That in turn leads to well-rounded individuals with a connection to their community.
“The teachers and staff are all local too, and often you socialise with them outside of the school - through friendships, through sporting clubs or other ways.
“That means our children know and trust someone in the school if they need help.
“We’re also seeing a great generational connection, where teachers who taught Alisha and I are now teaching our children.
“And there’s just something great about being born here, and living, working and being educated locally.”
If you wish to enrol your child at Deniliquin High School in 2025, go to deniliquin-h.schools.nsw.gov.au and click on the enrolment tab at the top of the page.
If you need assistance with enrolment, call the school on 5881 1211.