Learning

Aurora college

Aurora College is a virtual school that offers classes for students in Year 7 to Year 12 who are enrolled in rural and remote government schools in New South Wales, Australia. The school uses a virtual learning environment, including web conferencing software and a learning management system, to connect students with teachers and classmates.

Aurora College offers Selective School classes in English, Mathematics, and Science for students in Year 7 to Year 10. For Year 11 and Year 12 students, Aurora College provides an opportunity to study one or more Preliminary and/or Higher School Certificate subjects that may not be available in their local school. The rest of the curriculum is studied in their local government school.

Aurora College also offers residential schools where students can meet and work with their peers and teachers. This program includes lessons, tutorials, mentoring sessions, and programs with business partners, including the Australian Business Community Network. Students can also participate in excursions, activities, and events to experience the host area.

Aurora Application

Aurora College is a virtual selective school offering selective placement for high potential and gifted students in Year 7 to Year 10.

Entry into Aurora College's selective program is determined by a student's results in the Selective High School Placement Test in English, Mathematics, and General Ability, together with their primary school's assessment of their performance in English and Mathematics. Other evidence of academic merit may also be considered.

If you are interested in applying for Aurora College, you must be enrolled in a rural and remote NSW Department of Education school.

Years 8 to 12 entry to selective high schools in 2025 Application form (PDF 609 KB)

Application Information for Parents (PDF 278 KB)

Aurora College - Information at a Glance (PDF 290 KB)

For more information, visit the Department’s Selective High School Placement website.

Zenith program

High performing Year 7 and 8 students at either campus can apply to the Zenith program.  Students in the Zenith program study a compacted and more challenging version of the core curriculum. These classes enhance problem solving and critical thinking skills in high achieving students.

Acceptance into the Zenith class decided based on a combination of:

• academic ability and achievement (Year 5 and 6 reports)
• skills in literacy and numeracy
• ability to work independently
• ability to think critically and creatively
• primary teacher nomination
• information from parents and caregivers on the expression of interest (done via your primary school website)

Students applying for placement in a Zenith class may also apply to the academy program or personal interest project (PIP). Membership in an academy or PIP will complement the Zenith program as they fit together as part of a weekly curriculum program.

Apply to the Zenith program

Download a Zenith program application form. Please return the completed form to the student's campus by email.

• Zenith program application form (PDF 220KB)

SBAT information for students

Students at Hastings Secondary College can undertake a School-Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SBAT). An SBAT can help students get a headstart in their careers by combining paid work, training and school.

SBAT students earn an industry recognised national qualification and unit credits toward their HSC.

Undertaking an SBAT in Year 10 or Year 11 and is an appropriate step towards vocational education and training (VET) or univserty post school pathways.

Learn to Work

For students, a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship (SBAT) is a head start to your career combining paid work, training and school. Not only will you get an industry recognised national qualification, but also unit credit towards your NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC).

You can start an SBAT in Year 10 or Year 11 and some training arrangements can contribute towards your Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). No matter if you are on a pathway to higher Vocational Education and Training or University post-school, there is an SBAT for you.

Where do I start?

• Research interesting occupation(s) using sites such as  My Future  or  Smart and Skilled Job Guides  to find out where they can take you in the future.
• Talk about your career ideas with your school Careers Adviser and parents/carers.
• Discuss with your Careers Adviser how an SBAT will fit into your HSC pattern of study. Ask about Industry Based Learning as a subject option.
• Find an employer.
• Your local SBAT Officer and/or school will help you on your way.

Things to consider

Students who take on a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship are motivated young people who don’t just want to plan their future career, they want to experience it now. It’s very important that you think about how you can manage your SBAT by considering:

• Is this a career I’m interested in?
• Can I handle school, work and training along with family and community commitments?
• Do I have a support network around me to help along the way? Teachers, careers adviser, transition advisor, parents/carers, friends, mentors etc.
• Can I make travel arrangements to get myself to work and training on time?

If you answered YES to the questions above, an SBAT may be a great option for you.

Check out the  SkillsOne videos  highlighting the School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships Program in NSW.

Hastings Secondary College students can register their interest for an SbAT by completing the Expression of Interest Form (EOI) form. To access the EOI form, simply scan the QR code or follow this link: SBAT Student EOI Form

SBAT information for employers

Future proof your business with School Based Apprentices and Trainees (SBATs)

Unlock potential for both employers and students with the School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBAT) program.

Benefits of employing an SBAT

When you hire an SBAT, you have the opportunity to shape your workforce's future while actively contributing to it. Students gain hands-on experience, industry-recognised qualifications, and can receive credits towards their HSC, while your business benefits from their fresh perspectives and eager contributions.

SBATs aren't just filling part-time roles; they represent the young talent supported to become skilled workers, driving your industry and business towards excellence. Partnering with our SBAT program grants you access to a pool of motivated learners ready to make a difference in your organisation.

Here's what partnering with the SBAT program offers:

• Direct access to motivated students.
• Promotion of SBAT vacancies directly to students who fit your business needs.
• Ongoing support from dedicated SBAT Engagement Officers.
• A commitment to ensuring your involvement's success.

Interested in employing an SBAT?

If you are interested to know more, or ready to take the next steps, complete our EOI form, and our dedicated team will reach out to discuss how SBATs can support you and your business. To access the EOI form, simply scan the QR code or follow this link: SBAT Employer EOI Form.

Want to know more?

Learn more about the Enhancing SBAT Engagement initiative, part of the Educational Pathways Program, and how it can support you.

Learn more about SBATs in NSW.