Who we are and what do we offer?
Shepherds Park School, a School for Specific Purposes has been operational since 1985 and is located within the Riverina Youth Justice Centre in Wagga Wagga. The school's purpose is to provide innovative and inclusive educational programs for male students that have been incarcerated. The students age demographic is between 11 to 21 years, with the majority being between 15 to 19. The students come from various areas around the state. We are proud to be part of a strong public education system and welcome students from all backgrounds and cultures.
Contact us to find out if Shepherds Park School is an environment you wish to be involved in and join an inclusive community that values learning, growth and success!
A strong start
At Shepherds Park School, we are dedicated to creating a learning environment where every student feels safe, included, and confident from their very first day. This commitment forms the foundation for effective learning and personal growth, ensuring that all students are supported to engage fully with their education.
A central part of this approach is the use of Personal Learning Plans (PLPs). From the outset, each student collaborates with teachers and support staff to develop a PLP that acknowledges their individual backgrounds, strengths, needs, and aspirations. This personalised planning process fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment by actively involving students in shaping their own learning journey.
Goal setting within the PLP framework is tailored to each student’s unique profile, promoting academic and personal development in a way that is both challenging and achievable. Through setting clear, specific, and achievable goals, students build confidence as they recognise their progress in literacy, numeracy, soft skills, and vocational competencies. Regular review and reflection of these goals further reinforce their self-efficacy and motivation.
Shepherds Park School also places strong emphasis on identifying individualised study and career pathways. By integrating insights from PLPs and ongoing conversations, educators help students explore options that align with their interests, strengths, and future aspirations. This personalised guidance ensures students feel supported and understood, contributing to their sense of inclusion and purpose within the school community.
Beyond academics, we actively nurture a safe and inclusive school culture through respectful relationships, anti-bullying initiatives, and culturally responsive practices. These efforts help every student feel valued and accepted, setting the stage for them to approach their studies and career planning with confidence.
In summary, by embedding personalised planning, goal setting, and tailored pathway identification within a safe and inclusive environment, Shepherds Park School ensures that all students begin their education journey feeling secure, supported, and confident in their potential to succeed.
High quality education
Shepherds Park School is committed to delivering high-quality education that emphasises student growth and attainment, particularly in literacy and numeracy. The school employs evidence-based teaching strategies and ongoing assessment to ensure that all students make measurable progress in foundational skills. This strong academic focus is supported by tailored interventions and differentiated instruction to meet diverse learner needs.
In addition to core academic development, Shepherds Park School prioritises the cultivation of soft skills through dedicated work readiness workshops. These workshops are designed to equip students with critical communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management skills, preparing them effectively for future employment and community engagement.
The school also offers a robust Vocational Education and Training (VET) program, delivering practical, industry-relevant subjects that provide students with hands-on experience and recognised qualifications. This VET delivery complements the academic curriculum by enhancing career pathways and enabling students to develop technical skills aligned with workforce demands.
Together, these elements reflect Shepherds Park School’s holistic approach to education, fostering academic excellence, personal growth, and practical skills to support student success both during schooling and in life beyond the classroom.
What we can offer our students
Student success
Our school provides a high-quality, low-cost education that supports every child’s growth. We’re proud of our students’ success in learning, competitions and life beyond school.
- participation in a range of competitions
- success in life beyond school
- active community members
- growth through high potential and gifted education
- striving for personal improvement.
A world of opportunities
We offer a wide range of programs and experiences to help them thrive. From STEM and sport to the creative arts and more, our broad curriculum encourages curiosity and critical thinking.
- incursions
- extra-curricular activities
- a wide variety of subjects
- wellbeing programs
- job readiness workshops
- VET courses
- simulated workplaces
- a variety of sporting programs
- digital technologies
Tailored learning support
We know every child learns in their own way. That’s why we provide tailored learning support to help each student do their best. Our programs meet different student needs. This includes high potential and gifted students, students with additional needs or disability, and those who need wellbeing support. At our school, your child will get the support they need to succeed.
- student learning support officers (SLSO) in the classroom
- teaching and learning adjustments
- extension activities for students who need extra challenge
- wellbeing and counselling support.
A welcoming community
Our school is a place where students from all backgrounds feel safe, respected and part of the community. We value diversity and fairness. Each student will learn and grow in a school that celebrates who they are. We prepare students to be confident, well-rounded global citizens.
- supporting students learning English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D)
- celebrating Harmony Day
- incorporating culturally inclusive school events
- ensuring cultural safety for all students.
Stories and highlights
Hear about stories, wins and proud moments from our staff and students.
Policies and reports
Discover our local school policies, reports and plans.