For many students, Year 9 at WAYS is the first time school has actually made sense. If your child has struggled with anxiety, disengagement, or simply never felt like they belonged in a large school environment, this is where that changes.
Small classes of 6 to 20 students mean every young person is known by name, by strength, and by need. There are no crowded corridors, no overwhelming year groups, and no getting lost in the system. Just a calm, focused community where students settle in, close any gaps in their learning, and begin to rebuild genuine confidence as learners.
WAYS accepts students who are committed to completing Year 12. Year 9 is the beginning of that journey and we take it seriously.
Year 9 at WAYS is designed as a transition. Students settle into a calm, familiar environment at their own pace, with consistent teachers who understand the unique challenges of early adolescence.
On-site psychologists, counsellors, and case managers are embedded in everyday school life. Students do not wait for a crisis to access support. It is simply part of how the day works.
Before results come confidence. WAYS has a proven record of rebuilding academic esteem in students who arrived believing they were not capable learners. Year 9 is where that process begins.
Year 9 at WAYS follows the full NSW Stage 5 curriculum. Every student works toward their Record of School Achievement with the same rigour as any mainstream school, just in a far more supportive environment.
WAYS is NESA accredited. What students achieve here counts exactly as much as any other school in NSW.
English, Mathematics, Science, PDHPE
Modern History, Geography, Drama, Enrichment
Literacy support, numeracy support, wellbeing, emotional resilience
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 9:45am | Students arrive. Breakfast provided. |
| 10:00am | Morning classes begin |
| 1:00pm | Lunch break |
| 1:40pm | Afternoon classes |
| 3:15pm | End of day |
A message from Dr Terri Said, Principal
If your child is struggling to get to school, I want you to know that we see that every day and we understand it in a way that most schools do not.
Year 9 is one of the most important transition points in a young person’s life. For students who are anxious, disengaged, or carrying a complicated history with school, it can also be the year things fall apart. At WAYS, it is the year we make sure they do not.
Every student who walks through our door in Year 9 is capable. What they need is not a different curriculum or a different set of expectations. They need a smaller room, a calmer environment, and adults who know them well enough to understand what is actually getting in the way.
That is what we have built here. And after more than two decades working with young people and families, I am still genuinely moved by what happens when a student finally feels safe enough to learn.
If you think WAYS might be the right fit, I would love to hear from you.
Dr Terri Said Principal and CEO, WAYS Youth & Family
Let’s talk. We’re happy to answer questions or book a tour.
Speak to Our Team
After School Care & Vacation Care · WAYS Youth & Family
Tell us about the care you need
Information about the child being enrolled
Primary contact details
Complete if there is a second parent or guardian — otherwise click Continue
At least one contact who is not a parent listed above
Final step — medical details, consents and declaration
An anaphylaxis management plan must be provided before enrolment is confirmed. Staff will follow up.
An asthma action plan will be required. Staff will follow up.
This serves as your digital declaration that all information provided is true and correct.
Thank you — we’ve received your enrolment for your child.
We’ll review your submission and be in touch within 2 business days to confirm everything is in order.
Questions? Call 0423 056 900 or email [email protected]
