Creative Domain
This domain involves originality, inventiveness, and the ability to generate and express novel ideas. Students with creative potential display fluency and flexibility in thought, and often excel in areas such as visual and performing arts, design, writing, and innovation.
NHS Approach: Newcastle High School supports creative potential, nurtured through a range of programs that emphasise design thinking, expressive mediums, and artistic experimentation. Students have access to dynamic opportunities in visual arts, music, drama, creative writing, and media, where imagination is celebrated and individuality encouraged through both curricular and co-curricular platforms.
Key Programs & Opportunities
Good Food & Wine Show / Catering
TAS
Students develop culinary skills by catering for high-profile events (e.g., Ronald McDonald House, Mother’s Day stall). Opportunities to work alongside professional chefs offer real-world creative industry exposure.
Hiragana Club
LANGUAGES
A lunchtime club exploring Japanese language and culture through anime, calligraphy, and creative language tasks. Offers extension for students passionate about languages.
Writing Competitions
ENGLISH
Students are encouraged to enter national and state-level competitions such as the Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards and ABC’s Heywire, promoting expressive writing and original thought.
Theatre Sports
CAPA
Students participate in improvisation-based drama activities during sport time. The program enhances creativity, collaboration, and confidence in performance.
Free Expression Friday - Visual Arts Club
CAPA
A weekly club focused on extending students’ skills in visual art techniques, styles, and mixed media. Students explore personal projects and participate in group critiques and exhibitions.
Visual Arts Excursions
CAPA
Visits to galleries and workshops across NSW allow students to interact with professional art environments and deepen their appreciation of diverse visual art practices.
Creative Arts Expo
CAPA A large-scale creative industries event held at Newcastle Town Hall, offering student workshops in Dance, Music, Drama, Art, and Technology. This allows for students to connect with industry experts.
NHS Newbald Portrait Prize
CAPA
An in-school portrait competition for Years 7–12, encouraging originality and technical skill development in painting and drawing.
National Art School HSC Intensive Studio Practice
CAPA
Year 11 students work in professional studios with practicing artists, producing advanced works to support their HSC Visual Arts portfolio. Entry is selective and endorsed by NESA.
Bush Studio Art Camp
CAPA
A residential program for gifted Year 7 and 8 art students to explore visual arts in a natural setting, supported by professional artists and educators.
First Class Visual Art Exhibition
CAPA
Celebrates high-performing HSC Visual Arts students across the region. NHS students are regularly selected for exhibition, showcasing excellence in artistic expression.
Visual Arts Competitions
CAPA
A range of competitions throughout the year provide opportunities for students to display their work publicly, receive feedback, and build confidence in their artistic voice.
Enrolment at CHC
COOKS HILL CAMPUS
Students in Stage 4 can be considered for their suitability for CHC enrolment in Y9-12. Cooks Hill Campus is a highly personalised educational environment that requires students to be able to communicate their passions/interests/strengths and weaknesses. Students must be able to self-direct their learning and work independently. As each student is working on a unique personalised learning plan, they will need to work independently most of the day. Students will set their own goals each day and need a level of personal organisation to ensure they remain on track with learning.
Learning
Find out about our approach to learning and supporting students to progress.
Travel to School
Learn about local transport options and how to get here safely.