**Heartbreak High’s Final Season: A Poignant Goodbye to Hartley High**
The final bell is about to toll for the last time at Netflix’s *Heartbreak High*, as the series gears up to conclude with its third and ultimate season. Yet, as Hartley High’s pupils near graduation, their social dynamics remain quite complicated.
In late October, Mashable explored the *Heartbreak High* set at South Sydney High School, where filming for Season 3 was in progress. The day was permeated with nostalgia, as the cast and crew reminisced about their experiences since the show’s inception in 2021. The atmosphere resembled that of an actual school graduation, with everyone recognizing how much they have evolved together.
### A Last Hurrah at Hartley High
South Sydney High School, situated in Maroubra, provided the setting for *Heartbreak High*. During the inaugural season, the school operated at only two-thirds capacity, allowing ample room for the production team. Executive producer Carly Heaton remarked that numerous local students likely chose private schools in the affluent Eastern Suburbs of Sydney.
“Public schools are quite popular in this country, but various socioeconomic groups have differing inclinations, much like anywhere else,” Heaton detailed.
As enrollment at South Sydney High grew over the years, the production team had diminishing space to operate for the concluding season. However, they’ve become more skilled at filming while classes are ongoing, typically shooting outside of school hours to lessen interruptions.
“We’re now more in sync with how the school operates compared to Season 1,” Heaton commented, noting that the crew is especially considerate of Year 12 students undertaking their final Higher School Certificate (HSC) exams.
Heaton also acknowledged South Sydney’s principal, Janice Neilsen, for her role in facilitating the smooth operation of the production. Indeed, Neilsen’s pet dog was the inspiration for Hartley High’s principal Woodsy’s pet, Joan of Bark.
### Reflecting Australian School Life
As we wandered through the school, real South Sydney students donned their green and white uniforms, relishing their lunch break while playing on the astroturfed volleyball court, with half of it allocated to the film crew. The concrete quad, a defining characteristic of the school, was among the reasons the production team selected South Sydney as the filming location for *Heartbreak High*.
“For us, it was crucial to capture that distinctly Australian vibe,” Heaton shared. “And for us, that meant a concrete quad. It may sound silly, but that’s an enduring memory we all hold from childhood.”
Season 3 of *Heartbreak High* will further explore vital aspects of Australia’s educational system, especially those associated with graduation. The narrative commences at the onset of Term 4 in Year 12, as students gear up for the significant transitions that come with finishing school. This involves completing their HSC exams, Muck-Up Day (a day for mischief and revelry), and Schoolies, a celebration involving alcohol that many graduates embark on to mark the conclusion of high school.
The season also delves into the uncertainties that lie ahead, whether that entails applying to university, contemplating trade schools, or stepping into the workforce. “Each character will embark on a unique journey,” Heaton expressed. “We aim to be mindful of not imposing a hierarchy on choices regarding life after school.”
### Consequences and Class Themes
Every season of *Heartbreak High* has examined a particular theme. The inaugural season centered on consent, while the second tackled toxic masculinity. However, Season 3 will explore two key themes: consequences and class.
Heaton elucidated, “At year’s end, what does the experience look like when you come to terms with it all concluding? What does adulthood entail, and what are the repercussions?”
Class dynamics will significantly feature in the final season, a theme that was pivotal to the original ’90s series. “We touched on it somewhat with the St. Bruno’s private school narrative, but it plays a more prominent role this season,” Heaton stated. Following a school fire last season, Hartley High has leaned more on the private school for support.
### Lunchtime with the Popular Kids
During our visit, we joined cast members Ayesha Madon (Amerie), Chloé Hayden (Quinni), and James Majoos (Darren) for lunch. Clad in full costume, the trio shared stories from their early days on the show, when they were relatively novice actors.
“We learned how to perform on camera,” Madon recalled. “It felt so vulnerable yet incredibly rewarding. We were all thrilled, and there was a collective commitment to making this project a success.”
Majoos echoed her thoughts, commending the tight-knit nature of the ensemble cast. “We’ve built such a strong bond, and it’s really set the benchmark for whatever comes next.”