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International Students FAQs

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Studying at Hills Grammar

Where is Hills Grammar?

Hills Grammar is located in Kenthurst, a semi-rural suburb approximately 40 minutes drive to the North-West of the centre of Sydney and 15 minutes from the nearest railway station. The School enjoys the best of both worlds; the idyllic environment of 45 bush and landscaped acres with access to the cultural offerings of an international city.

How do I get to Hills Grammar?

Students travel to and from Hills Grammar by private car and/or bus. Buses are operated by private companies but are dedicated to school services. International students do not receive free bus transport, but may receive free travel on either of our privately owned buses (Hornsby & Norwest area). For more information on bus routes please see our transport page.

How well do I need to speak English to attend Hills Grammar?

Requirements are: IELTS score of 5.5 overall with no bands less than 5.0 or equivalent ELICOS Course standards –ie Year 7-10 Upper Intermediate, Year 11 Upper Intermediate 2. Satisfactory interview before commencement and satisfactory result in English Bench Marking test after completion of ELICOS courses. After ELICOS courses have been completed, we will also assess your English level. This helps us with your subject selection. Students are advised to complete AEAS Testing before applying. Please visit www.aeas.com.au for more information.

What grade can I go into?

The Hills Grammar School caters for students from ECEC (3 years old) to Year 12, the final year of schooling in the Australian School system. International students are placed according to their age and educational background, and progress in ELICOS courses with another provider as we do not conduct ELICOS courses. Some students may speak excellent English and may not need to go to ELICOS courses.

What subjects can I study?

Junior School --ECEC-Year 6

The Junior School teaching program focuses on the following Key Learning Areas: English, Mathematics, Science and Technology, Human Society and its Environment, Languages (priority language being French), Creative and Performing Arts (Music, Drama and Art), Physical Education, Health and Personal Development.

Senior School- Year 7-12

Senior School students sit for School based courses to Year 10 and Higher School Certificate in Year 12 (HSC). More information can be found at NSW Board of Studies website. The 7-10 Curriculum can be viewed at the NSW Board of Studies website. The HSC Syllabus can be viewed at the NSW Board of Studies website.

The Hills Grammar School offers a wide range of subjects to senior students. Class sizes are small and teachers work closely with students to ensure the best possible results. Higher School Certificate (HSC) subjects include:

  • English (ESL, Standard, Avanced, Ext I and II)
  • Mathematics (General, 2U, Ext I and II),
  • Science (Chemistry, Physics, Biology)
  • Human Society and its Environment (Legal Studies, Modern History, History, Ancient History, Economics, Business Studies)
  • Visual Arts
  • Drama
  • Music
  • Technology & Applied Studies (Information Technology, Hospitality)
  • Languages: French (K-12), German (9-12), Japanese and Latin (7-12). Year 11 courses are all continuers
  • Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)

Students may also elect (with school approval) to complete courses at Saturday High School.

When can I start?

Students can start at any time of year but we prefer that Year 11 students commence at the beginning of Year 11 (ie late January). Some Higher School Certificate students may wish to start mid Year 10 (ie July). This helps them assimilate into the school by the time they start Year 11.

How do I enrol?

Follow the step by step enrolment process

What are the School Fees?

Click here to download a Fee Schedule. Fees are also outlined in our Offer of Enrolment. Fees are based on calendar year (January to December) each year any may rise each year by between 4-6%.

Living and Studying in Australia

Where will I live?

Some of our international students stay with relatives who live in the area. Many of our international students live in a "homestay" that they arrange with an agent or with contacts they have in Sydney. We do have some "homestay" families that we can use to assist with accommodation. Please advise when submitting Application if you wish us to help with a "homestay". Please click here to download a Homesday Application Form. Homestay costs vary between AUD $270 - $300 per week.

What sort of transport system is there?

The main transport mode to and from the school is Bus or private cars. Trains do not operate near our school but many students live close to stations so they can commute to activities at the weekend. International students need to pay fares on public buses/trains.

Hills Grammar operates three bus routes which are additional to public buses. International students travel free on this three buses operated by Hills. For more information on the bus routes please visit our "Getting to Hills" page.

How long is the school year?

The school year is divided into four terms and runs from late January/early February until December. There is a short holiday between terms and a longer summer holiday in December and January.

When will I attend school?

Students attend school from Monday to Friday each week. School hours vary slightly across Australia but are generally from 8.45 am to 3.30 pm each school day. At The Hills Grammar School, school starts at 8.30am. Many students may begin earlier and finish later, depending on their co-curricular activities or, in their final years of schooling, extension subjects.

Can I go to university in Australia when I finish school?

Yes. Students who sit for The Higher School Certificate (HSC) in NSW also apply for an ATAR Score which allows them to apply for different Universities and Courses. Many of our International Students attend Universities in Australia.

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