Ayr State High services a community of 14,500 people most of whom are either directly or indirectly involved in the sugar industry. The Burdekin district is one of the richest sugar producing areas in Queensland.
In 2007 the school had approximately 541 students with 133 in year 8, 120 in year 9, 133 in year 10, 87 in year 11 and 68 students in year 12. Our students come to us from our partner schools which include East Ayr Primary School, Ayr Primary School, Ayr Christian School, Millaroo Primary School, Clare Primary School, Airville Primary School, Jarvisfield Primary School, Brandon Primary School, Giru Primary School, Kalamia Primary School and Maidavale Primary School. This variety of partner schools provides the school with a rich diversity and students with a variety of interests and abilities.
We are a community that encourages excellence, applauds achievement and celebrates diversity. The school was founded in 1937 and has become a foundation to the Ayr community through the broad curriculum offered and an environment that encourages students to “strive for better things”.
We aim to prepare our students for tomorrow’s society as responsible, informed and valued citizens.
As a school we believe:
- In continuous improvement
- That learning is lifelong
- In the unique qualities of each individual
The staff believes that every child has the right to education, one that not only teaches the basic skills of literacy and numeracy, but also provides for the maturing of the powers of imagining, reasoning, feeling and communication.
Responsibility for the total wellbeing of the student is shared in the school. We accept that all people are individuals, possessing different abilities, interests and values. We recognise and promote that education which enables quality outcomes for students is a partnership involving students, parents, teachers and the community.
The school offers an extensive range of Authority, Authority Registered (Study Area Specifications and TAFE/VET) subjects for students. As well the school also has a strong tradition of offering a wide range of co-curricular activities including musicals, the school “Showcase”, choir, drama festival, concert and jazz bands, Rock Eisteddfod, in which the school was the Northern Queensland District Winner in 2006, Theatre Restaurant, Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme, Interact Club, industry placements, district and regional sports.
The school climate is positive and students are encouraged to develop self–discipline and self management. The school motto “We Strive for Better Things” is seen in the attitude of the total school community.
