Aldercourt Primary School

# 1. Overview A public primary school serving families in Frankston North, the school focuses on creating a welcoming, inclusive learning environment where children are supported to thrive academically and socially. The school emphasizes well-being, community involvement, and a balanced approach to development, helping students build confidence and curiosity across a broad curriculum. - School type: Public - School size: Medium - Class size: Approximately 22–25 students per class - Atmosphere/culture: Inclusive, nurturing, community-focused # 2. Academics & Learning The school aims to deliver solid foundations in literacy and numeracy while expanding students’ thinking through a well-rounded curriculum. Emphasis is placed on inquiry, collaboration, and real-world learning to foster independent learners who can apply skills across subjects. - Academic strengths: Literacy and numeracy core delivery with strong focus on STEM-inspired inquiry, integrated arts, and capable use of technology to support learning. - Special programs: STEAM/Inquiry-based learning approaches, opportunities for leadership and participation in arts and physical education; targeted programs to support gifted/talented students and to assist diverse learners. - NAPLAN trends: Steady progress over recent years with ongoing focus on improving writing and overall literacy and numeracy outcomes. - Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes in the low-to-mid 20s, with specialist teachers (e.g., library, arts, PE) supporting learning. - Support for diverse learners: EAL and SEN support available; inclusive education practices and targeted interventions to meet individual learning needs. # 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths A robust program of sports and activities supports physical fitness, teamwork, and personal growth, with opportunities for achievement and broad participation. - Sports offered: A range of team and individual sports (e.g., soccer, netball, cricket, football, basketball, athletics) aligned to season and student interest. - Strong teams or achievements: Participation in inter-school and local competitions; development-focused teams that celebrate progress and teamwork. - Music, arts, drama programs: Comprehensive arts provision including music, drama, and visual arts integrated into the curriculum and performance opportunities. - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating and other lunchtime or after-school clubs to broaden skills beyond core subjects. - Partnerships: Local community and/ or inter-school collaborations and competitions to extend learning beyond the classroom. # 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care The school prioritizes student wellbeing as a foundation for learning, with systems to support safe, respectful, and positive school life. - Anti-bullying approach: Whole-school programs focused on respectful relationships, digital citizenship, and proactive intervention. - House system: A house-based structure that promotes belonging, leadership, and healthy competition. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school-based wellbeing staff who support social-emotional learning and provide individual and small-group support. - Transition support for new students: Welcome programs, buddy systems, and tailored transition activities to help students settle into the school environment. # 5. Facilities The school provides well-maintained facilities designed to support a variety of learning experiences and safe, engaging environments. - Sports grounds - Libraries - Science labs - Music/performing arts centers - Tech/innovation labs - Cafeteria - Updated playgrounds # 6. School Values & Community Culture Parents want to understand the ethos and daily life of the school, as well as how it shapes students into confident, responsible citizens. - School values / mission: A values-led environment emphasising respect, responsibility, resilience, and inclusion. - Leadership style: Collaborative and distributed leadership that includes teacher and student input in decision-making. - Behaviour expectations: Clear positive-behaviour framework with consistent consequences and reinforcement of respectful conduct. - Community reputation: Friendly, welcoming community with active family involvement and strong local connections. - Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to welcoming students from diverse backgrounds and celebrating differences. # 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations Practical details help families plan around school routines and accessibility. - School hours: Typically 9:00 am–3:30 pm (with variations for mornings/afternoons as relevant). - Before/after school care: Availability of before/after school care arrangements (often through a school or community provider). - Uniform requirements: School uniform policy in place. - Transport (train/bus routes): Public transport options and school bus routes available; check local routes for current stops and schedules. - Canteen availability: On-site canteen or meal program system; availability of healthy lunch options. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Public primary schools generally have low-to-moderate additional costs for activities, excursions, and materials; exact amounts vary year to year. # 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Applications typically follow the state education department guidelines with ongoing intake periods; submit through the school or district portal, including required documents and immunisation status. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Waiting lists can occur when vacancies are limited; placement often depends on availability, sibling priority, and residential zoning rules or policy. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - For primary years, entry generally does not require testing; some schools may conduct informal assessments or interviews to understand needs and interests. Immunisation records and proof of address are commonly required. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers may be possible subject to vacancies and the school’s intake processes; families should contact the school as early as possible to discuss options and required documentation. # 9. Frequently Ask Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A welcoming community, strong wellbeing support, solid literacy and numeracy foundations, and opportunities across arts, sport, and clubs. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Curious, cooperative, and motivated learners who value belonging, supportive relationships, and a balanced approach to academics and activities. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - A range of clubs (robotics, coding, chess, debating), performance opportunities in music and drama, and enrichment in STEM and arts through integrated programs. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular newsletters, notes and notices, parent-teacher meetings, and digital platforms to share updates on learning, events, and wellbeing. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - A relational, student-centred approach with explicit literacy and numeracy instruction, inquiry-based learning, and differentiation to meet diverse needs. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted interventions, small-group support, EAL and SEN assistance, and access to specialist staff. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Additional tutoring, modified work plans, and collaboration with teachers, parents, and wellbeing staff to address barriers to learning. - How does the school communicate with parents? - (Duplicate) Regular channels such as newsletters, emails, and parent-teacher meetings are used to keep families informed. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes are in the low-to-mid 20s, with specialist teachers and targeted support to provide additional individual attention where needed. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A broad range of sports and active clubs, plus arts and performance opportunities and inter-school competitions. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Modern facilities including sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, and tech/innovation labs. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of age-appropriate technology to support learning, digital citizenship education, and opportunities to use coding and other digital tools. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Access to bus routes and public transport; school facilities designed for accessibility with appropriate pathways and supports where needed. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Basic costs cover uniform and essential materials; additional costs may apply for excursions, programs, and activities. # 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Inclusive, supportive environment with a focus on well-being and belonging. - Solid core academics with opportunities to explore STEM, arts, and sports. - Active clubs, sports, and performing arts programs. - Access to counsellors and wellbeing staff; transition support for new students. - Moderate class sizes that support individual attention and differentiation. - Cons - As a medium-sized public school, demand can vary by year and may affect some specialty program availability. - Waiting lists can occur for popular programs or during high-demand intake periods. - Some optional activities or excursions may require additional costs beyond standard fees.