Positive culture dropping suspension rates at Warwick State High School

A Southern Downs high school’s history of bad behaviour is fast becoming rewritten. The school’s principal has revealed what’s changed for the better. DETAILS.

Warwick State High School

A Southern Downs high school has recently undergone major reform to address student behaviour, after recording an unsavoury number of student suspensions in years gone by.

Warwick Daily News reported in July on the suspension data of state schools across the South West, identifying Warwick State High School among the region’s highest for short suspensions in 2023.

Newly appointed principal Will Curthoys has worked tirelessly with students, staff and the community to build a positive school culture intended to live on forever.

As a result the school this year implemented their three positive school culture values, respect, responsibility and relationships.

“Positive school culture for us is really important, based around changing the way that we work, by ensuring that people are safe, respected, responsible and they build relationships with one another,” Mr Curthoys said.

WSHS principal Will Curthoys said the high school has seen a major decrease in student suspension in the past 12-months. Photo: Jessica Klein

Mr Curthoys said while he couldn’t speak to why the suspension numbers were so high in previous years, he’s seen a massive improvement in students effort and behaviour in the past 18 months.

“Our yearly suspensions target is no more than 10 per cent of all students, so no more than 70 students suspended,” he said.

Mr Curthoys said the school has a zero tolerance for violent or abusive behaviour, with no significant incidents having occurred in his time as school principal.

“Our staff will ensure all processes are in place to keep students in school by using a proactive and positive approach,” he said.

Warwick State High School's 2024 leadership team will be guided by the best as Mr Will Curthoys takes on the permanent role of school principal in 2024. Photo: Jessica Klein

In the past 12 months Warwick State High School has suspended only 65 students, a major decrease from the 251 in 2023 and 317 in 2022.

In 2025 year 11 and 12 students will see a change in the subjects are offered, with the introduction of five new certificates aimed at increasing students interest in higher education.

Mr Curthoys said students will still be able to enrol in the general subjects on offer.

With the Southern Downs Regional University Hub expected to be fully functional by the start of the next academic year, school leavers now have the opportunity to attend university and still live close to home.

Originally published as Positive culture dropping suspension rates at Warwick State High School