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LOOKING FOR A DIFFERENT WAY TO LEARN?

CathWest Innovation College have a strong focus on developing skills for success. Open to students in Years 10-12, we put students in the driver’s seat when it comes to their learning journey. At CathWest you can get your NSW HSC, undertake an apprenticeship or traineeship, set up your own business, achieve industry recognised credentials or even gain entry into university. This is school done differently! More...


Accepting enrolments now

We warmly welcome new families to join our school community. Enquiries and enrolment applications for all grades are welcome any time of the year, although the main enrolment period is between March and May in the year before your child will start at our school.


Open Day details How to enrol

LOOKING FOR A DIFFERENT WAY TO LEARN?

CathWest Innovation College student working on an engine
YEAR 10 PROGRAMS

CathWest accepts enrolments from Year 10 and offers two exciting learning programs that help prepare students for their senior career pathways - Trade Readiness or Inquiry.

YEAR 11 & 12 PROGRAM

All our students start down a career pathway in Year 11. We offer career pathways across a range of industries and tailor each studentโ€™s learning program to best suit the career goal they have selected.

VIRTUAL SCHOOL TOUR

Our virtual tour is a great way to see our school’s learning spaces and facilities at your convenience.

View our 360° virtual tour

VIRTUAL SCHOOL TOUR

Take a Virtual tour of CathWest Innovation College
Watch the video to learn more about CathWest

WHAT'S ON

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26 Jun 2026

From Facebook

๐ŸŒŸ Future Educators in the Making! ๐ŸŒŸ Over the past month, two of our fantastic CathWest students spent four consecutive Wednesdays at Nirimba TAFE and completed the YES Program - Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC)! This multi-week experience gave them an in-depth look into the industry, including a wonderful opportunity to visit the on-campus ECEC centre to see real-world teaching practices in action. ๐Ÿงธ The Foundation of Early Learning During their time at TAFE, our students explored the core philosophies that drive quality early childhood education. All TAFE NSW Childrenโ€™s Centres follow the National Early Years Learning Framework, which focuses deeply on: ๐Ÿ‘ถ๐ŸผNurturing children's sense of self ๐Ÿ‘ถ๐ŸฟDeveloping their sense of belonging ๐Ÿ‘ถEncouraging ongoing development ๐Ÿš€ The Power of Play-Based Learning Across the 4-week course, our students got a firsthand look at how intentional, play-based learning programs are designed to spark childrenโ€™s imagination in a positive environment where they are encouraged to play together. This interactive environment is crucial because it enables children to: ๐Ÿ’œBuild strong confidence ๐Ÿ’™Develop vital socialisation skills ๐Ÿ’œExpress and explore their own ideas ๐Ÿ’™Engage meaningfully with the ideas of others ๐Ÿ’ผ Inspiring the Next Step The best part of this extended experience? It completely solidified their career goals! Spending four Wednesdays witnessing the framework in action has given both students the confidence to officially pursue ECEC as a career pathway for their ongoing studies here at CathWest. Opportunities like this allow CathWest students to step into real-world environments, test-drive their career passions over multiple weeks, and lock in their future with clarity and certainty. We are incredibly proud of our students for committing to this course with curiosity and enthusiasm. The future of early childhood education is looking bright! โ˜€๏ธ #CathWest #NirimbaTAFE #EarlyChildhoodEducation #VETPathway #FutureEducators #LearningByDoing #ECEC #CareerPathways #vocationaleducation #ECEC #FutureEducators #SkillsNSW TAFE NSW @ambroseearlylearningandcare #InspiringYoungMinds @catholicschoolsparra

22 Jun 2026

From Facebook

๐Ÿ–ค๐Ÿ’›โค๏ธ Uncle Ted & Taleishah Indigenous Cultural Incursion โค๏ธ๐Ÿ’›๐Ÿ–ค Recently, Our Year 12 ECEC students had the incredible privilege of learning from Uncle Ted and Taleishah from Jarara. It was an inspiring session filled with storytelling, history, and deep cultural insights to help guide our future educators. Here are a few highlights from the day: Caring for Country & Identity: Students explored traditional tools, the deep responsibility of sustainable living, and how totems foster identity and community connections. ๐ŸŒฟ๐Ÿชƒโœจ Inclusive Education: The group discussed practical ways to embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags, art, and language into early childhood settings to ensure all families feel welcomed and represented. History & Reconciliation: The session provided a meaningful space to learn about historical truths, including the impact of the Stolen Generations, emphasizing the importance of cultural understanding. ๐Ÿ Fun Fact We Learned: The very first cricket team to represent Australia internationally was actually an all-Aboriginal team that toured England in 1868! A massive thank you to Uncle Ted and Taleishah for sharing your wisdom, stories, and culture with us. This unforgettable experience will beautifully support our students on their journey to becoming culturally responsive and inclusive educators. ๐Ÿ–ค๐Ÿ’›โค๏ธ ๐Ÿ’š๐Ÿ’™๐Ÿค #IndigenousEducation #AboriginalCulture #FirstNations #CaringForCountry #Sustainability #Totems #Belonging #CulturalInclusion #Reconciliation #Jarara #ECEC #FutureEducators #AlwaysWasAlwaysWillBe #TruthTelling #JARARA

20 Jun 2026

From Facebook

We were absolutely thrilled to welcome Susan Templeman MP (Federal Member for Macquarie and Special Envoy for the Arts) to CathWest Innovation College recently! The visit began with an insightful sit-down meeting with Paul Stenning, Principal and Samatha Boreham, Assistant Principal. Susan was eager to learn more about the CathWest model and how we empower students to dual-track their successโ€”completing their HSC while concurrently kicking off a School-Based Apprenticeship (SBA). Following the briefing, Susan took a tour of the campus guided by our inspiring Year 12 student leaders. Every single one of these students is already employed by a local business through their SBA, gaining invaluable on-the-job experience while completing their schooling. It was fantastic to watch them show Susan firsthand how a hands-on, flexible learning environment has prepared them for the workforce. Susanโ€™s federal focus on education, local opportunity, and youth well-being directly aligns with the culture we promote here at CathWest. Having a federal leader validate our studentsโ€™ hard work and non-traditional pathways means the world to our community. Thank you, Susan, for your time, your deep engagement with our future tradespeople and entrepreneurs, and your ongoing support for educational innovation in Greater Western Sydney! #susantempleman #susantemplemanmp #nswskills #westernsydneypenrith #VocationalEducation #catholiceducation #cspd #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #catholicschoolsparramattadiocese #bradali #riversidefitouts #stowe

18 Jun 2026

From Facebook

This week, CathWest welcomed Year 10 students from neighboring schools for an incredible 'Try a Career' day! We know it can be hard for teens to choose a career path from a textbook, so we gave them the chance to get totally hands-on and experience real industries for themselves. Here is a glimpse of what they got up to: ๐Ÿš— Automotive: Learned basic car maintenance and raced the clock in a tyre-changing challenge! ๐Ÿ”จ Carpentry: Got to grips with different tools and built their very own wooden mallets. ๐Ÿงธ Childcare: Stepped into the shoes of an educator with painting, reading, and playdough fun. ๐Ÿšง Civil Construction: Got their hands dirty paving, digging, and battling it out in a nail-driving competition. ๐Ÿ’‡โ€โ™€๏ธ Hairdressing: Leveled up their styling skills by learning to braid and curl. ๐Ÿฉบ Nursing: Practiced life-saving basics including CPR and wound care. ๐ŸŽฌ Screen & Media: Brought stories to life through scriptwriting, acting, and producing! A big thank you to all our teachers who ran the workshops - It was fantastic to see so much energy and engagement. What makes completing school different at CathWest? We know parents want their kids to have the best possible start. At CathWest, our students get to roll up their sleeves and be creative every dayโ€”completing their HSC while kickstarting their careers through a School-Based Apprenticeship (SBA) or Traineeship. They do not have to choose between finishing high school and starting their career; they can do both! Head over to our website https://info.parra.catholic.edu.au/open-day/cathwest-innovation-college to book a school tour. @ambroseearlylearningandcare @anategroup Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese @catholicschoolsparra @TAFE NSW @tafensw St John Paul II Catholic College, Schofields & Nirimba @stjohnpaul2cc St Agnes CHS Rooty Hill @parramatta.marist Xavier College @xavierllandilo

INSTAGRAM | CATHWEST More on Instagram

  • 07 Jul 2026

    From Instagram
    A BIG thank you to the whole Cathwest community for contributing to the Vinnies Winter Appeal - Snack Pack Drive. As a school we donated over 2000 items and packed over 450 individual snack packs! Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus to those in need during these winter months. ๐Ÿคฒ๐Ÿฆถ "Love is shown more in deeds than words." St Ignatius of Loyola๐Ÿฅฐ @catholicschoolsparra @metparracatholic @vinniesnsw Vinnies Australia @vinniesnsw

    05 Jul 2026

    From Instagram
    Celebrate NAIDOC Week! ๐Ÿ–ค๐Ÿ’›โค๏ธ This week, we join the nation in celebrating NAIDOC Weekโ€”a time to honor the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Letโ€™s listen, learn, and celebrate. #NAIDOC2026 #NAIDOCWeek #50YearsOfDeadly @catholicschoolsparra

    04 Jul 2026

    From Instagram
    Our Year 12 students came together at our Loyola Campus for an inspiring Encounter Day centred on the theme, "Go and Do Likewise." Throughout the day, students were challenged to consider how they can use their future careers and gifts to serve others.๐Ÿง‘โ€๐Ÿณ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿš’ We were privileged to hear from former diocesan student, Australian Paralympian and Guinness World Record holder Matt Caruana , whose powerful story reminded students that, like the Good Samaritan, we are called to stop and help those in need, while also finding the courage to keep moving forward on our own journey with hope and resilience. "Nothing is Out of Reach". ๐Ÿ’™๐Ÿ’œ Students also participated in engaging workshops led by Vinnies, The God Squad, Parramatta Mission and Little Wings, exploring practical ways they can use their skills and passions to make a meaningful difference in their communities beyond their high school years. A day of inspiration, reflection and challenge, encouraging our Year 12 students to be the hands and feet of Christ wherever life leads them. @mattshares Matt Shares @vinniesyouthnsw Vinnies NSW Catholic Schools @parracatholic @metparracatholic @littlewingsaustralia @catholicschoolsparra

    02 Jul 2026

    From Instagram
    โ˜•๐Ÿฅค Year 12 Hospitality Service Success! ๐Ÿฅคโ˜• Over the last few weeks Year 12 Hospitality students have put their skills into practice by running a beverage service period and inviting Holy Family and Our Lady of the Way parishioners to enjoy a selection of hot and cold drinks. This was a fantastic hands-on learning experience, allowing students to develop their customer service, communication, teamwork, and hospitality skills in a real-world setting. We are incredibly proud of the professionalism and enthusiasm they demonstrated throughout the service. The feedback from our customers was overwhelmingly positive, with many commenting on the excellent service and the delicious range of drinks on offer. Well done to all of our Year 12 Hospitality students for making this event such a success! ๐ŸŒŸ๐Ÿ‘ #Year12Hospitality #LearningByDoing #HospitalitySkills #CustomerService #FutureHospitalityProfessionals #HandsOnLearning #SchoolCommunity Holy Family Parish, Mt Druitt @c@catholicschoolsparra @parramattacatholicservices

    30 Jun 2026

    From Instagram
    ๐ŸŒŸ Year 11 Early Childhood Education and Care ๐ŸŒŸ Recently our Year 11 ECEC students put their learning into practice by planning and setting up engaging learning experiences for children. ๐Ÿงฉ๐ŸŽจ๐Ÿ“š It was fantastic to see students applying their knowledge of child development and play-based learning while creating experiences that encourage curiosity, creativity, and learning. A highlight of the lesson was seeing some students design and create their own resources. Their ideas were thoughtful, imaginative, and demonstrated a wonderful understanding of how learning materials can support children's development. ๐Ÿ‘โœจ We are so proud of the creativity, initiative, and enthusiasm shown by our students as they continue to develop the skills needed for a career in Early Childhood Education. #ECEC #Year11 #FutureEducators #LearningThroughPlay #CreativityInEducation #HandsOnLearning #StudentSuccess #earlychildhoodeducation @stlukesmp @carolinechisholmglenmorepark #stpatricksmaristcollegedundas @catholicschoolsparra

    28 Jun 2026

    From Instagram
    Last week four of our Year 12 leaders attended a CSPD Leadership Breakfast at Novotel. Keynote speaker, Joy Adan spoke about the importance of having our self value based on our individual strengths and using them for good. She also highlighted the negative side of our society, as we put too much trust in AI and social media to define our worth . ๐Ÿ’œ๐Ÿ’™ Our students were able to network and discuss this topic in more depth with other school leaders. A common theme that kept arising was that Cathwestโ€™s approach to Catholic Education aligned with this view of placing our value in our skills but more importantly, how we treat others. ๐Ÿฅฐ @joyadan.life #cdspfaithinaction @catholicyouthparra Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese @catholicschoolsparra
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