Aurora College

Aurora College started as the state’s virtual selective school servicing rural and remote students in 2015, but has grown to encompass a non-selective Stage 6 cohort, as well as a selective opportunity class cohort for Years 5 and 6 students. The aim is to allow students to enjoy a depth of study that was previously only available in metropolitan areas or boarding schools.

Lessons are delivered online synchronously to students in their school, by teachers in similar settings. Residential Camps are held twice yearly to deliver practical lessons, specialist excursions, and provide social opportunities for students to meet their peers.

Connecting students in rural and remote communities

Aurora provides a mix of online and residential school classes. Students connect with their teachers and classmates in timetabled lessons through a virtual learning environment, which comprises web conferencing software, a learning management system, and a range of cutting-edge online communication and collaboration tools. The school also operates one of the state’s first fully digital school libraries.

Why choose Aurora?

Aurora College’s virtual Opportunity Class operates as a partial enrollment in a selective school. Students learn in small classes of like-minded peers, working through a highly personalised program that has been specifically designed to respond to the needs of High Potential and Gifted students. Lessons are significantly differentiated by pace, depth, complexity, challenge and learning environment. Students develop high level technical skills as they engage in a myriad of innovative and interactive online platforms that allow for synchronous monitoring, collaboration and feedback.

In Years 7 – 12, Aurora delivers selective classes in English, mathematics and science to high potential students in Year 7-10 students from rural and remote areas across NSW. Students are chosen in the same way as students in all other selective classes in NSW government schools. Year 11 and 12 government high school students in rural and remote communities may apply to study one or more subjects with Aurora College, this is a non-selective provision.

Aurora College offers students expanded career options through innovative partnerships with business and with scientific, cultural and tertiary education institutions. Mentoring opportunities and master classes are key features of both the online and residential school programs, giving students access to people who are leaders in their chosen field.

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We have had a very positive experience with the high school at Guyra Central School for our two children. The school offers a supportive and engaging learning environment where students are encouraged to reach their full potential. One of the standout opportunities for them has been the ability to complement their studies at Guyra with courses through Aurora College. This unique combination allows them to access a wider range of subjects and specialised programs that might not otherwise be available in a small community, enriching their educational experience.

The teachers at Guyra Central School are committed, approachable, and dedicated to helping each student succeed, fostering both academic growth and personal development. The school’s strong focus on student welfare and community makes it a welcoming place where our children feel valued and motivated.

We highly recommend Guyra Central School for families seeking a quality high school education with additional learning opportunities such as those provided by Aurora College. — a parent of Guyra Central School