The school also embarked on an ambitious agenda of reflection, sparking the school’s vision: extraordinary education, extraordinary individuals.
“We rediscovered, and are proud, that Hills Grammar is distinctive within the independent school sector, and into the future, we offer an alternate to many older and established independent schools,” principal Michael Smith said.
“Students are inspired and prepared for the multiple pathways they will travel beyond our gates and each nurtured by teachers who awaken passions and inspire the pursuit of learning.”
The independent, co-educational school caters for young children aged 3 to 5 years through its Early Childhood Education Centre, through to junior students from kindergarten through to Year 6 and seniors in years 7 to 12.
Resilient students
“The school is as diverse and as broad as the students who attend,” Mr Smith said of the students who are nurtured to become “confident, resilient and responsible individuals”.
The academic journey is different for each year group, however all the students are linked by the same “guided inquiry” teaching principles that encourage students to be active, ask questions and debate.
Teaching based on guided inquiry builds a culture of thinking and creativity and uncovers the deeper purpose of learning.
“We believe the Hills Grammar approach strengthens each phase of learning, taps into the natural curiosity of students and makes them partners in, and increasingly responsible for, their learning and the quality of outcomes,” Mr Smith said.
“Hills Grammar has historically been a small school, and this remains a priority into the future because it allows us to create an environment whereby each child’s potential for greatness is identified and fostered.
“We will however make additional places available from 2019 in most year groups and, in particular Year 11 which would allow students who want to be challenged, extended and inspired in their learning to join the school for their final two years.
Small school feel
“We welcome enquiry from anyone who is interested in discovering the possibilities of a Hills Grammar education.”
Increasing student numbers gradually would ensure the school did not grow too big or lose its “culture and small school feel” but remain large enough to ensure “academic rigour, healthy competition, diversity and challenge”, Mr Smith said.
Increasing student numbers gradually would ensure the school did not grow too big or lose its “culture and small school feel” but remain large enough to ensure “academic rigour, healthy competition, diversity and challenge”, Mr Smith said.
That it has operated as an independent, co-educational school since its foundation in 1982 is what sets Hills Grammar apart from other schools that are either older, larger, religious or single sex schools.
“We were intentionally co-educational from foundation as it allows boys and girls to learn in accord with their natural styles but also benefit from working alongside others who learn differently, ensuring well rounded learners and people are created,” Mr Smith said.
Hills Grammar is also proudly diverse and inclusive, comprising students from a wide range of abilities, backgrounds, strengths and interests.
“Our focus is on ensuring our graduates leave school appreciating and excited by the possibilities of education and lifelong learning and that they are able to adapt, adjust and contribute to an ever changing world,” Mr Smith said.
Principal tours of Hills Grammar are held monthly. To find out more about the tours and the school, visit
www.hillsgrammar.nsw.edu.au or phone 9654 2111.
