Student opportunities and activities

At Hurlstone Agricultural High School, we offer a variety of programs in the classroom and across the school to help students build new skills, make friends and explore new interests.

Our programs may include:

Contact us to learn more about what’s available and how your child can get involved.

Our extra-curricular and extension opportunities

Agriculture
  • Excursions to the University of Sydney’s Camden Campus for hands-on workshops in livestock production, pasture systems, and agricultural research.
  • Attendance at TOCAL College Open Day, where students explore a wide range of agricultural career pathways and interact with industry professionals.
  • Visits to the Sydney Royal Easter Show through the RAS Schools’ Program to explore sustainability, food and fibre systems, and biosecurity in an interactive setting.
  • Participation in the Rural Youth Program, which includes practical farm tasks, vegetable growing, poultry care, junior judging, and representation at the Camden, Hawkesbury, and Dubbo Shows, as well as the Camden Youth Expo.
  • Senior participation in the Agriculture HSC Revision Day, where students work with experienced teachers, industry representatives and HSC markers to strengthen exam skills and content knowledge.
  • Students who are ready for extra challenge can take on leadership roles in Rural Youth, participate in show preparation, and engage with industry experts during excursions and events.
Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA)
  • Participation in Pops Orchestra, ensemble program and beginner instrumental tutorials offer students rich enrichment and extension opportunities that support both musical and personal growth.
  • The Music Ensemble Program hosts a collaborative two day workshop for Year 7–12 students from local schools to work with the Hurlstone Agricultural orchestra to develop performance skills, ensemble awareness and collaboration.
  • The school orchestra tour sees students embark on tours through regional NSW, partnering with smaller school ensembles and performing for students who have never experienced a full orchestra.
  • Elective Music students have the opportunity to perform for their peers in regular Lunchtime Concerts.
  • The Creative Arts staff oversees the student led group EPIC that organises Creative Arts events and promotes these opportunities across the school community.
  • Students are offered the opportunity to participate in excursions to Art Galleries and other cultural institutions to augment their classroom studies.
  • Elective Visual Arts students are invited to attend an annual interstate art immersion camp.
  • Students attend artmaking workshops as incursions or excursions to build technical skills.
  • Partnerships with other schools such as Ajuga where HAHS Yr8 Visual Arts students worked with younger students to produce an exhibition of works based on the theme of Monsters.
  • Students identified as gifted in the Visual Arts in Year 7 are invited to participate in extension activities at Campbelltown Arts Centre.
  • Students are invited to attend MUSE: Student Art and Design Collective.
  • The Arts Unit camps, excursions and exhibitions are promoted by the Visual Arts staff and students are supported in terms of nomination and applications to attend these courses.
  • Schools from local primary schools are invited to watch our biennial school musical production.
  • Young drama and dance enthusiasts in Years 10 – 12 from Hurlstone have participated in the Ticket Parade program at Campbelltown Arts Centre.
  • Students are given the opportunity to audition for state and regional Drama camp, ensembles and festivals.
  • Students are given the opportunity to make international connections in online workshops held with schools through programs such as ASEAN - Australia BRIDGE Program.
  • The Sound and Lighting Team creates a professional environment for assemblies, performances and musicals; enhancing the quality of every event. Team members develop valuable technical skills that reflect industry standards.
English
  • Excursions to the theatre, including Bell Shakespeare, Casula, Riverside, and the Sydney Opera House.
  • Guest speakers, workshops, and engagements with alumni and recent graduates.
  • Creative writing competitions and publication opportunities such as the Whitlam Institute: What Matters? Competition.
  • Public speaking, debating, poetry slam events, including annual participation in the Premier’s Debating Challenge and the Plain English Speaking Competition.
  • Premier’s Reading Challenge promote a love of regular reading.
  • Film Club, Poetry Club, and Literature Club provide students with an opportunity to deepen their interests in an environment that fosters creative and critical thinking.
  • Students across Stages 4-6 are provided with enrichment and extension opportunities with the broader community, including Bell Shakespeare and local drama production groups
  • Students compete in the Macquarie Incubator and Young Wisdom Secondary Student Pitch Night.
  • Students who are ready for additional challenges can access advanced texts and tasks, including electives in Extension English and university-linked writing programs.
Human Society and its Environment (HSIE)
  • Students take part in the Changing Places excursion to Barangaroo, exploring urban development and cultural change.
  • The WW1 Living Histories incursion brings the past to life through interactive experiences with historians and artefacts.
  • Excursions to the Australian Museum deepen understanding of history, culture, and society.
  • Visits to the State Library of NSW provide opportunities for research and inquiry-based learning.
  • Students experience civics in action through excursions to the NSW Parliament House.
  • The Reserve Bank of Australia education seminars introduce students to economics, financial systems, and monetary policy.
  • Guest speakers from organisations such as Youth Decide and Talk Money! inspire students to connect learning with real-world issues.
  • HSC Study Days give senior students expert guidance and exam preparation support.
  • Commerce Market Days allow students to run stalls and apply business skills in a practical setting.
  • Students develop global perspectives in Model United Nations competitions, including UN Evatt, UN Voice, Model Global Parliament, and MUNA.
  • Critical thinking and advocacy are sharpened in legal competitions such as Mock Trial, Mock Mediation, Kirby Cup, and the Forbes Legal Essay Competition.
  • Hurlstone Cadets provide leadership, teamwork, and service opportunities linked to HSIE and beyond.
  • Empower supports students to build civic awareness, leadership, and social responsibility.
  • The Future Teachers Club encourages students considering education as a career to explore teaching and leadership pathways.
Languages Other Than English (LOTE)
  • Year 9 and 11 Japanese students take part in Tanken Centre visits, where they spend the day immersed in Japanese language and culture in a traditional-style house.
  • Cooking programs give students the chance to prepare and enjoy seasonal Japanese dishes, experiencing authentic cuisine.
  • Year 8 students participate in Taiko drum incursions, learning from visiting performers how to play traditional Japanese drums.
  • Macquarie University Futures Day introduces Year 10 students to study and career pathways in Japanese language and culture.
  • The Japanese city tour takes Year 10 students through Sydney’s CBD to explore Japanese businesses, restaurants, and cultural influences.
  • Japanese school visits allow Hurlstone students to host visiting Japanese students, share tours, exchange gifts, and build cross-cultural friendships.
  • Throughout the year, Japanese language assistants support classroom learning, leading conversations and cultural presentations.
  • Annual Korean middle school visits give students the opportunity to connect with Korean peers through tours, performances, and cultural exchange.
  • Korean Immersion Day engages students in performances, workshops, and traditional activities to deepen their understanding of Korean culture.
Mathematics
  • Year 7 and 8 students extend their problem-solving skills through the Australasian Problem Solving Mathematics Olympiad (APSMO).
  • Selected students are invited to compete in the Australian Intermediate Mathematics Olympiad (AIMO).
  • Students from all year groups take part in the Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC).
  • Years 9–12 students test their skills in the UNSW Mathematics Competition.
  • The Maths Challenge and Maths Enrichment programs engage Years 7–10 in advanced problem-solving activities.
  • University excursions connect classroom learning with real-world applications of mathematics.
  • Extension initiatives include opportunities such as the National Maths Summer School and international mathematical modelling challenges.
  • MathsCircle offers students a club setting to collaborate, explore advanced concepts, and engage in challenging discussions beyond the standard curriculum.
Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)
  • Year 7 students complete a five-day Lifesaving Program, building swimming ability and vital lifesaving skills.
  • Hurlstone competes in state knockout competitions across sports including football, netball, cricket, volleyball, table tennis, softball, ultimate frisbee, and basketball.
  • Year 10 students attend the bStreetsmart road safety program, learning practical strategies for staying safe on the road.
  • Year 11 Health and Movement Science students take part in a three-day outdoor recreation camp, applying their depth study of fitness and training in real-world settings.
  • Year 9 and 10 PASS students experience an annual ski camp, combining outdoor challenge with physical activity.
  • Students also participate in excursions to local facilities, linking classroom learning with community sport and health environments.
Science
  • Students visit the UNSW School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering to explore renewable energy technologies.
  • Excursions to the UNSW Museum of Human Disease provide insight into human biology and health.
  • Trips to the Australian National Maritime Museum connect science with history, engineering, and marine studies.
  • At Wooglemai Environmental Education Centre, students engage in fieldwork focused on ecology and sustainability.
  • Physics in Action at Luna Park allows students to experience the science behind rides and motion.
  • Visits to Australia Zoo highlight animal science, conservation, and environmental education.
  • Year 7 incursions with the Australian Reptile Park give students close encounters with native wildlife, sparking early curiosity in biology.
  • The AROSE AVISTA Program introduces students to aviation, robotics, AI, and autonomous systems through virtual and in-person training.
  • Faculty-led space science initiatives inspire students to investigate astronomy, space technology, and emerging opportunities in space exploration.
  • National Science Week workshops and excursions celebrate innovation and discovery, encouraging curiosity and exploration beyond the classroom.
Technology and Applied Studies (TAS)
  • Students take part in excursions to industry sites, such as the Powerhouse Museum, The Star, and HARS Aviation Museum.
  • Agricultural show excursions, including the Sydney Royal Easter Show, connect learning with authentic agricultural practice and industry pathways.
  • Guest speakers from MWLP support Hospitality students with skills in work readiness and career preparation.
  • TAS students showcase their skills through catering for the Biggest Morning Tea, contributing to a community-focused event.
  • Catering for ANZAC Day dignitaries allows students to demonstrate professionalism in a formal setting.
  • Providing catering for the Leading Teacher Conference 2025 highlights the real-world application of Hospitality training.
  • International connections are built when TAS students cater for visiting Korean and Hong Kong students.
  • Catering for Year 12 Graduation gives students the chance to be part of one of the school’s most significant celebrations.
  • Supporting CAPA performance evenings with catering allows students to integrate their work with whole-school events.

Extra-curricular Groups

Hurlstone offers an extensive range of extra-curricular groups that extend learning beyond the classroom, from academic competitions and agricultural shows to sport, creative arts, and leadership programs. These opportunities help students develop confidence, teamwork, and resilience, contributing to a well-rounded education that prepares them for future success.

Creative and Performing Arts

Our drama, music, and art programs give students the chance to explore their creativity and express themselves with confidence. They can perform in concerts, showcase work in art exhibitions, and take part in drama productions and activities that bring stories to life. Through these experiences, students build skills in creativity, collaboration, and self-expression while contributing to the vibrant cultural life of the school.

Sports Competitions

Our students thrive on the field and court, representing Hurlstone in a wide range of sports. These competitions build teamwork, resilience, and school pride, while giving students the chance to challenge themselves and celebrate success beyond the classroom.

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