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Norwood International High School

Australia, Adelaide

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees A$760
Ages 12 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1667
Type Co-educational
Opened 2022
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (MYP), IB (DP), Australian Curriculum
Taught languages German, Mandarin, Italian, Japanese
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, STEM
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Middle School, Secondary School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction

Norwood International High School is a public secondary school on the Magill campus in eastern Adelaide. It delivers the International Baccalaureate across the Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme and also offers the Australian Curriculum for students aged 12 to 18. The school operates within the South Australian Department for Education and enrolls around 1,700 students from diverse cultural backgrounds. A $53.1 million capital works program completed in 2022 brought Years 7-12 onto one site with new learning spaces, a Performing Arts Centre, specialist science facilities and a dedicated Year 12 study centre known as The Loft. The IB framework sits alongside SACE pathways, with Year 11-12 students able to choose from more than 125 Stage 1 and Stage 2 subjects, including the option to undertake the IB Diploma Programme. A comprehensive co-curricular program includes rowing, STEM and Visual Arts activities, supporting collaboration, leadership and real-world learning for global readiness.

The Essentials

Norwood International High School has 1,667 pupils, instruction in English.

Location

505 The Parade, Magill, South Australia 5072, Australia. Located in the foothills of eastern Adelaide. The school has about 1,700 students from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Stages

Years 7-12

Type

Public high school

School day structure

The school day opens at 8:15am. On Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, a Connect period runs 8:45am–9:00am, followed by lessons from 9:00am to 3:20pm with a recess from 11:00am–11:30am and a lunch break from 1:30pm–2:00pm. On Wednesdays, a Professional Learning Communities block runs from 8:40am–9:55am, followed by a Connect period from 10:05am–10:20am and then resumption of the timetable.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement

The school requires a uniform for all students. Middle school (Years 7-9) and Year 10 wear the sports uniform on days with physical activity; Years 11-12 wear the full school uniform and change into the sports uniform only for sports-related lessons in the change rooms. UMS is the uniform supplier; uniforms can be ordered online or at the Firle store, with fittings recommended for new families.

Food Options

Rory's School Lunches supports canteen services at Norwood International High School. The canteen offers a rotating menu with items such as pastas, curries, stir-fries, wraps, subs, burgers and hot dogs, prepared with fresh ingredients and without preservatives to extend shelf life. Orders can be placed via the Qkr! app (deadline up to two weeks in advance) or at the canteen with full EFTPOS facilities available.

House System

There are four houses: Morialta, Lofty, Murray and Torrens. The house system links students and staff through various activities and events, and each house has student representatives who lead their activities; students and staff belong to a house and compete for points throughout the year.

Governance and Ownership

The school is a Department for Education (South Australia) government school with a Governing Council. The Governing Council determines strategic objectives and budgeting priorities and comprises 16 members: the Principal (ex-officio), 12 elected Parent Representatives, 2 Community Representatives, 2 Student Representatives (with voting rights) and 3 Nominated Staff Representatives; the Council meets twice per term.
Fees

Annual tuition at Norwood International High School ranges from AUD 760 for 2026/27.

Materials & Services (tuition) charge (annual)
- The official Materials & Services charge for 2026 is AUD 960 per student. The State government announced a AUD 200 reduction for government school fees in 2026, so the net amount payable for 2026 is AUD 760.

Tuition by year group and per term
- The Materials & Services charge is a single, school-wide annual charge that applies to all students (Years 7–12) at Norwood International High School; the same annual amount applies across year groups. Suggested instalment dates are provided rather than a separate fee scale by year.
- When expressed on a per-term basis (for budgeting purposes only), the 2026 payable amount of AUD 760 divided across four school terms is approximately AUD 190 per term (calculation shown as an approximation of the annual charge divided by four). (This per-term figure is an arithmetic division for convenience; the school issues a single annual invoice or instalment schedule.)

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Invoices for school fees and related charges are processed and distributed in mid-January each year. The school requests prompt payment and offers instalment arrangements.
- The school publishes a suggested instalment schedule for 2026: 1st instalment AUD 255 due prior to 12 February 2026; 2nd instalment AUD 255 due prior to 12 March 2026; 3rd instalment AUD 250 due prior to 14 May 2026. Accounts with outstanding invoices after the final instalment date are referred to the Department for Education Recovery Unit for debt collection.

Application / enrolment fees
- No general non‑refundable application fee is listed for standard local enrolment. Special Interest Curriculum Pathway applications (where applicable) do not require a separate application fee for those pathway applications. International student placement is managed through the Department for Education / International Education Services and may have separate international application/enrolment processes and fees administered at the Departmental level.

Boarding fees
- Boarding is not applicable. Norwood International High School operates as a day public (government) secondary school and does not publish boarding rates.

Other costs and fees
- Required Laptop Program: All students must use the school-prescribed device (Lenovo L13 or 13W) purchased through the school's nominated vendor. Families who provide an alternative device and are approved to use it are invoiced an annual network and service fee of AUD 200 to cover administrative and servicing costs. A school-facilitated purchase/interest-free payment option is available through the vendor.
- Subject or co-curricular activity charges: Some subjects and co-curricular programs carry additional costs. Examples include modest subject materials charges (e.g., Food & Hospitality may list additional material costs) and program-specific charges such as the Pedal Prix participation fee (example: AUD 300 for participation in that program, plus optional extras). These charges are additional to the Materials & Services charge and invoiced as required.
- Uniform: Uniform items are purchased through the school's supplier (UMS); uniform purchase is an additional family cost and pricing varies by item and size.
- Camps, excursions and voluntary charges: School camps, excursions and some elective activities are charged separately and invoiced when consent/payment is required. The school issues camp and excursion invoices in line with the annual invoicing schedule.
- Building Fund: A voluntary Building Fund donation option is available; contributions are tax-deductible.

Refund information
- No specific, detailed public refund schedule for the annual Materials & Services charge is published in the school fee summaries. The school handles fee administration through its Finance Office; unpaid invoices are referred to the Department for Education Recovery Unit if instalment dates are not met. Queries about refunds or fee adjustments are managed directly by the Finance Office.

Fee payment options
- BPoint (online): accepts Mastercard and Visa.
- Qkr! App (Masterpass): for canteen and activity payments.
- Direct Debit Arrangement: complete and return the school's Direct Debit form to the Finance Office.
- Phone payments: Visa or Mastercard by calling the Finance Office.
- Post: cheque or money order payable to Norwood International High School (postal address provided on accounts).
- In person: cash, EFTPOS or cheque at the Pay Station in Student Services.

Key finance contact details (for payments, instalments or refund queries)
- Finance Office phone and invoicing email are used by the school to manage accounts and payment arrangements; the Finance Office issues invoices and handles payment plans and queries.
Academics

Norwood International High School teaches IB (MYP), IB (DP), Australian Curriculum for students aged 12 to 18.

Curriculum

IBMYP is studied by students in Years 7–10 with content aligned to the Australian Curriculum. In Years 11–12, students study the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) and have access to over 125 Stage 1 and Stage 2 subjects. Year 11–12 students can apply to undertake the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). The 2026 Curriculum Guide is now live. Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses run during school or after school as part of SACE, with opportunities to gain industry-recognised certificates.

Higher Education Progression

The Diploma Programme prepares students to get into university. The Diploma Programme offers six subject areas at higher (HL) and standard levels (SL) with core components: the extended essay, Theory of Knowledge, and Creativity, Activity and Service, developing knowledge, critical thinking and intercultural understanding needed for tertiary study. The SACE is a two-stage senior secondary qualification, and the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is used for university admissions and is calculated by SATAC.

Gifted and Talented

Special Interest Curriculum Pathways include Italian Immersion, Rowing and STEM. The STEM pathway uses the Higher Ability Selection Test (HAST) for entry.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school has a whole-school well-being strategy addressing students' intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being. A dedicated wellbeing team offers student counselling with a Director of Wellbeing, three Wellbeing Leaders, an Engagement and Inclusion Leader, and a Director of International Student Programs. Connect teachers lead the student development program and work with Learning Community Leaders to monitor wellbeing and support students. The Well-being for Learning approach strengthens mentoring by Connect teachers and all teachers. The school runs a transition program for Year 6 students moving to high school, including visits to nearby primary schools and information sessions for families.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

One Plans provide additional interventions for students with barriers to learning. Three percent of students have complex needs attracting additional funding for personalised programs and in-class learning support. Aboriginal students receive additional support from an Aboriginal Secondary Education Transition Officer (ASETO). A Bilingual School Support Officer provides classroom support for students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds and assists with parent communication. The school supports student needs through targeted teaching and Learning Community Leaders.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

EALD support is provided for students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. A Bilingual School Support Officer provides classroom support and communicates with parents. EALD support is available for students with diverse linguistic backgrounds, and ASETO provides additional classroom support and parent communication for Aboriginal students. 45% of students have an EALD background and 10% (172 students) are identified or seek to participate in EAL classes.

Mental Wellbeing

The school focuses on student well-being for learning, addressing intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being. The Connect program operates within six year-level learning communities to monitor wellbeing and student achievement. Student counselling and a dedicated wellbeing team support personal concerns, study and career guidance. Restorative practices and professional learning for teachers and students are part of the well-being for learning approach.

Safeguarding

Student Services is the first point of contact and provides services including first aid and health care. Connect teachers are supported by subject teachers, Learning Community Leaders and the Executive team to monitor behaviour and welfare and promote student safety. Policies and procedures are available for staff electronically in the Staff Handbook and on Teams.
Parent Experience

History

Norwood District High School officially began on January 25, 1910. From 1910 to 1915 it was located on Osmond Terrace, Norwood, and later moved to Lossie Street, Kensington Park for the following decades. The Old Scholars' Association formed on July 24, 1914 and remains active, with dances, picnics and events including the Centenary Celebrations in 2010. In the 1960s the school moved to its current Magill site, with the move completed by 1962, and the combined school later became Norwood Morialta High School after an amalgamation with Morialta High School in 1993. Norwood International High School is now an International Baccalaureate World School (IBMYP and IBDP) on the Magill campus with about 1700 students from diverse cultural backgrounds; it operates under the South Australian Department for Education (CRICOS Provider Number: 00018A).

Community

Norwood International High School is a vibrant and inclusive learning community. The school has about 1700 students from diverse cultural backgrounds. The Old Scholars' Association still exists today and played an active role in the Centenary Celebrations in 2010. The Morialta Entertainment Group (MEG) reached out to the Magill community through volunteering and outreach to seniors, and the German Exchange programme commenced in the 1970s.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

State-of-the-art facilities are on a single site after a $53.1 million capital works project completed in 2022. In 2022, Years 7–12 joined on one site with new learning spaces and expanded opportunities. An updated virtual tour is planned, with updates posted on the school's social media. The school is located in the foothills of eastern Adelaide. The school has approximately 1,700 students from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Sports Facilities

Out of Hours Sport runs weekly trainings before or after school. Games are played on Saturday mornings (between 8–11am), with Boys' Table Tennis after school on Fridays. Students may choose only one sport to avoid Saturday clashes. Norwood International Rowing Club includes over 100 students who train, compete in regattas and attend camps. The gym includes a weights room and an Ergo room for weights training. The Rowing program uses a shared boat shed in the River Torrens and a boat storage facility at West Lakes.

Academic Facilities

The Loft is a Year 12 study centre. The senior site includes ten refurbished classrooms, collaborative spaces and meeting rooms. There are specialist science laboratories and stand‑up labs, along with a Gymnasium and weights room. A Large Hall and Performing Arts Centre with a two‑way stage is part of the facilities. Digital technologies including interactive screens, Macs, Wacom tablets, 3D printers, laser cutters and Virtual Reality are available in specialised learning spaces.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Norwood International High School offers an extensive range of co‑curricular clubs and activities, including Out of Hours Sport with weekly trainings and Saturday fixtures. The Rowing Club has over 100 students who train and compete in regattas and camps. Pedal Prix teams ride pedal‑powered vehicles and compete in the UniSA HPV Super Series. Clubs include Crochet & Craft, Dance, Drum Corp, Dungeons & Dragons, Environmental Club, Film Society, Learning Hub Advisory Committee, Mock Trials, N! Maths Club, Pride Club, Social Justice Club, STEM Club, Visual Arts Club and Weights Club. Students can also start new clubs if existing options do not fit their interests.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

N! Maths Club is open to students of all year levels to expand mathematical abilities or receive topic-specific support. Mock Trials involve Year 10–12 students and are run by the Law Society of South Australia; trials occur on Tuesday evenings five times a year. Learning Hub Advisory Committee is open to Year 7–12 students who help select new books, write reviews, and guide Learning Hub activities. STEM Club is open to all students interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths.

Arts & Creative

Film Society is open to NIHS students from Year 7–9 who have a passion for film making. Visual Arts Club is open to students with a passion for visual art and meets weekly in the Art rooms. Drum Corp teaches drumming in a marching style; participants can compete in competitions and perform at school events, including ABODA festivals. Dance Club is open to all NIHS students with a passion for dance who are eager to learn and participate.

Cultural & Language

Pride Club is open to all NIHS students from Year 7–12 who identify as LGBTQI+ and allies; it provides a safe space to discuss issues and access support. The co-curricular program supports inclusive culture and diverse student groups. Students lead campaigns and events to promote awareness and acceptance.

Social & Hobbies

Crochet & Craft Club is open to all NIHS students with a passion for or willingness to learn crochet. Dungeons & Dragons Club is student-proposed and run, with members taking turns as Dungeon Master to lead adventures using traditional tabletop play and the DnD Beyond platform. Pride Club is open to NIHS students from Year 7–12 who identify as LGBTQI+ and allies and fosters a supportive community. Social Justice Club focuses on positive impact on social issues through awareness, fundraising and donations.

Community & Service

Environmental Club creates awareness about recycling and sustainability, runs fundraisers, and runs a 10c bottle/cans recycling program with Backyard Cash. Social Justice Club aims to make a positive impact on social issues through raising awareness, collecting donations and organising fundraisers. These clubs support sustainability, equity and community engagement.

Leadership & Professional

Students lead their clubs with support from a teacher and Student Life Prefect. The program provides leadership opportunities within NIHS's co-curricular activities and fosters student-guided project and event planning.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Out of Hours Sport trains weekly and games are hosted on Saturday mornings (8–11am); Boys' Table Tennis is played after school on Fridays. Students are encouraged to choose only one sport to avoid weekend clashes. Rowing Club has over 100 participants and competes in regattas across South Australia during term 4 and term 1 of each season; winter/off-season training is available. Weights Club offers gym sessions in the Ergo room to develop strength and fitness. Pedal Prix runs in Terms 2 and 3; teams ride pedal-powered vehicles and compete in the UniSA HPV Super Series.
Languages

Bilingual Teaching

The school has an International Student Program. Many staff are bilingual, supporting international students. There is an International Student Leadership Committee and International Ambassadors to assist international students with integration and engagement.
Reputation

Accreditations

IB Middle Years Programme (IBMYP) – NIHS offers the IBMYP as an IB World School; focuses on intercultural understanding and inquiry-based learning; every 5 years an evaluation is conducted to ensure international standards and maintain accreditation.
IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) – NIHS offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for Year 11–12; seniors may continue IB or study the SACE; every 5 years an evaluation is conducted to maintain accreditation.
Admissions

Admissions

1. Eligibility and enrolment scope: Norwood International High School welcomes students living in the new school zone and siblings of current students. After 1 May 2023 the Capacity Management Plan was revoked, and the school returns to managing enrolments, with the possibility of considering families outside the zone when places are available. 2. Year 6-7 Transition enrolment: Prospective Year 7 students follow the statewide transition process; enrolment offers are issued by schools in Week 3, Term 3, and by Week 1, Term 4 NIHS may activate a waiting list for non-local students if placements remain. Registration of interest forms are facilitated in Week 1, Term 2, with a deadline typically in Week 4, Term 2; contact the Enrolment Officer for assistance. 3. Year 7-12 enrolment: For Years 8-12 (or Year 7 mid-year), families complete the Online Registration of Interest to begin the process. The online registration of interest is not a formal offer of enrolment. The school zone remains in effect, and out-of-zone consideration is possible when places are available. 4. IB Diploma Programme enrolment: In Year 7-10 students undertake the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme; Year 11-12 students may pursue the IB Diploma Programme, SACE, or a hybrid pathway. The NIHS Admissions Form collects additional information to support planning and wellbeing. 5. Special Interest Curriculum Pathways: NIHS offers Italian Immersion, Rowing, and STEM pathways. Applications for 2027 Year 7s are open and close on 31 March; an online application, supporting documents, and vodcasts are required, with pathway-specific requirements (e.g., HAST for STEM, rowing talent identification). 6. Offers and enrolment completion: When an offer is made, families receive an offer email with an enrolment package. Both the Department's online enrolment and the NIHS Admissions Form must be completed to confirm placement. 7. Waiting lists: If no offer is received, a waiting list may be used for future vacancies, and families will be contacted if year 7 vacancies become available.

Waitlist

NIHS maintains a waiting list for non-local (out-of-zone) applicants when places are available. For Year 7 vacancies, NIHS activates the waiting list in Week 1, Term 4; families will be contacted if year 7 vacancies become available. If a student does not receive an offer, a review can be requested from central office before 21 August 2026.
School Events
The school has not added events