Cocos Islands DHS

P.O. Box 1095

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

W.A.  6799

Phone:  (08) 9162 6650

Fax: (08) 9162 6658

Email (principal): saeed.amin@det.wa.edu.au

Cocos Islands District High School is without doubt one of the most unique and challenging educational environments in Australia. Situated on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands it is the most westerly of Australia's territories, lying in the Indian Ocean approximately 2900 kilometres northwest of Perth and 2600 kilometres west of Darwin. Its nearest neighbour is Christmas Island situated 900 kilometres to the northeast.

The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are made up of 27 small islands that form a horseshoe shaped atoll around a central lagoon, which is 8 kilometres wide. The total area of these islands is 14 square kilometres; the majority of this is taken up by West Island and Home Island. These two islands house a population of approximately 550 adults and children with the remaining islands being unpopulated. Since the "Act of Self Determination" in 1984; a whole-island decision to integrate as an Australian Territory, the islands have progressed towards a modern society while maintaining many of the traditions and values associated with the Cocos Malay people and their religion.

Strong student focus and staff collaboration are the cornerstones of education at Cocos Islands District High School. This platform enables the school community to develop a shared vision that encompasses Western Australian Department of Education priorities and enhances professional delivery of a dynamic and appropriate curriculum. Mindful of the unique situation of Cocos Islands, the school is committed to the ongoing health and well-being of all, through an embodied pastoral care ethos. This school maintains a vibrant, positive and flexible team who focus their energy in a united direction to achieve agreed targeted outcomes.

Staff are selected on merit for positions through a comprehensive process of written claims against criteria and personal interview by a panel including the Principals of both Christmas and Cocos Islands District High Schools. 

Staff have a commitment to ongoing professional development, including annually updated E.S.L. and Surf Lifesaving qualifications, which, given our geographical location, allow us to utilise the natural environment for student activities. 

Cocos Islands District High School comprises two campuses. The Home Island Campus caters for Home Island (Cocos-Malay) students from Kindergarten to Year 6. The West Island Campus, operates classes for West Island primary students and all secondary students up to Year 10. The majority of secondary students travel across the lagoon by ferry from Home Island to school each day. At present, students continue their post-compulsory education at mainland schools or study via the School of Isolated and Distance Education. Comprehensive careers advice is provided to all students, and is complemented by work experience programmes both on and off-island. 

The islands attract many varied visitors, either for holidays or business purposes. The school welcomes island visitors who have different backgrounds and occupations to speak with school students about themselves, where they are from, and the "how and why" of what they do. Their experiences enrich our students' view of the wider world and open their minds to possibilities of future education, training and lifestyle.