Model Farms High School is a comprehensive, co-educational government high school located at 81 Gooden Drive, Baulkham Hills, New South Wales 2153, in Sydney’s Hills District — a northwest suburban corridor approximately 30 kilometres from the CBD. The school caters to students in Years 7 to 12, with a current enrolment of over 1,100 students and a student-to-teacher ratio of approximately 1:17.
The school was established in 1975, though its name carries a far older heritage — the Baulkham Hills area was historically set up as a demonstration (model) farming site for convicts and would-be farmers arriving with the first settlers, teaching them agricultural methods in the early colonial era. This agricultural history is woven into the school’s identity and its motto.
Principal Megan Clarke leads the school, and its motto — “Magna Facta” (Great Deeds) — reflects the school’s ethos of high expectations across academic, creative, and sporting pursuits.
School Houses
In 2007, Model Farms High School introduced a house system that underpins school spirit, merit recognition, and sporting competitions, including the annual swimming carnival:
| House | Colour |
|---|---|
| Chisholm | Green |
| Peel | Blue |
| Thompson | Red |
| Wentworth | Yellow |
Students earn house points through merits, awards, and participation in events, building a sense of belonging and friendly competition across the school community.
Curriculum
Model Farms High School offers a broad curriculum across both junior (Years 7-10) and senior (Years 11-12) years, guided by the NSW Quality Teaching Framework. The school believes in the development of the whole child — recognising the strong relationship between academic, physical, mental, and socio-cultural needs:
- Core subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, PDHPE, Languages
- Creative and practical arts: Music, Visual Arts, Drama, Technology
- Senior VET and elective pathways: Career and Technical Education options alongside standard HSC subjects
- Extracurricular: sporting carnivals, cultural events, and community engagement activities
The school has received an LED Lighting Upgrade through the NSW Government’s $157.8 million program — one of approximately 1,000 schools across NSW receiving new energy-efficient lighting to improve learning environments.
Acknowledgement of Country
Model Farms High School acknowledges and pays respect to the Darug People — the traditional custodians of the land on which the school stands — and pays respect to Elders both past and present.
Contact Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 81 Gooden Drive, Baulkham Hills NSW 2153, Australia |
| Phone | (02) 9624 3133 |
| modelfarms-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au | |
| Website | modelfarms-h.schools.nsw.gov.au |
| Principal | Megan Clarke |
| School type | Government, comprehensive, co-educational secondary school |
| Year levels | Years 7 – 12 |
| Enrolment | Over 1,100 students |
| Motto | Magna Facta (Great Deeds) |
School Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 8:30 am – 3:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 8:30 am – 2:15 pm |
| Wednesday | 8:30 am – 2:40 pm |
| Thursday | 8:30 am – 3:00 pm |
| Friday | 8:30 am – 3:00 pm |
| Saturday – Sunday | Closed |
Note: The school’s bell times vary by day of the week — Tuesday and Wednesday have earlier finish times. For the most up-to-date bell schedule, confirm it directly on the school’s official website.
Model Farms High School Term Dates 2026 (Eastern Division)
Model Farms High School follows the NSW Department of Education’s Eastern Division calendar, which applies to all public schools across the Greater Sydney region.
| Term | Start Date (Students) | End Date | School Development Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Monday, 2 February 2026 | Thursday, 2 April 2026 | Tue 27 Jan – Fri 30 Jan 2026 |
| Term 2 | Wednesday, 22 April 2026 | Friday, 3 July 2026 | Mon 20 Apr – Tue 21 Apr 2026 |
| Term 3 | Tuesday, 21 July 2026 | Friday, 25 September 2026 | Mon 20 July 2026 |
| Term 4 | Tuesday, 13 October 2026 | Thursday, 17 December 2026 | Mon 12 October 2026 |
Model Farms High School Term Dates 2027 (Eastern Division)
| Term | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Thursday, 28 January 2027 | Friday, 9 April 2027 |
| Term 2 | Tuesday, 27 April 2027 | Friday, 2 July 2027 |
| Term 3 | Monday, 19 July 2027 | Friday, 24 September 2027 |
| Term 4 | Monday, 11 October 2027 | Monday, 20 December 2027 |
Note: ANZAC Day falls on a Saturday in 2026, so NSW does not observe a substitute Monday public holiday.
Last verified: 14th July 2026. Official source: NSW Department of Education — 2026 Term Dates and Model Farms High School official website
Enrolment
Model Farms High School is a comprehensive school welcoming all students from its designated local catchment area. Applications can be submitted online or in person at the school. The school accepts students in Year 7 through Year 12, with Year 7 transition typically beginning the year prior. Parents can contact the school at (02) 9624 3133 for enrolment enquiries or to arrange a visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Model Farms High School founded?
The school was established in 1975, though its name reflects the area’s much older history as a model (demonstration) farming site for colonial-era settlers and convicts.
What is the school’s motto?
“Magna Facta” — Latin for “Great Deeds.”
What are the four school houses?
Chisholm (green), Peel (blue), Thompson (red), and Wentworth (yellow) — introduced in 2007.
Why does the school finish early on Tuesday and Wednesday?
Bell times vary by day — Tuesday ends at 2:15 pm and Wednesday at 2:40 pm. Confirm the current schedule via modelfarms-h.schools.nsw.gov.au.
Who do I contact for enrolment or school-specific queries?
Contact Model Farms High School at (02) 9624 3133 or modelfarms-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au.
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