1. Overview
Assumption Primary School Bathurst is a Catholic, co-educational primary school serving the Bathurst community. The school focuses on faith-informed learning across the K–6 years, emphasising strong literacy and numeracy foundations within a supportive, inclusive environment. With a small to medium school size, students benefit from close teacher-student relationships, a family-like atmosphere, and values-driven programs that aim to develop both academic ability and character.
Class sizes are typically small, fostering individual attention and collaborative learning. The atmosphere is nurturing and community-minded, with an emphasis on respect, responsibility, and belonging for every student.
2. Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: English and Mathematics underpin daily learning, with a clear emphasis on developing reading, writing, problem-solving, and critical thinking. The school integrates faith-informed perspectives across the curriculum to support holistic learning and character development.
- Special programs: Religious Education is central, alongside leadership opportunities and pastoral care. Where available, gifted and talented pathways are provided through school or diocesan programs to extend capable learners.
- NAPLAN trends: Recent years show steady or improving performance in key areas such as reading and numeracy, consistent with state trends and a focus on targeted skill development.
- Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes are designed to be manageable for individualized instruction, with low to moderate student-teacher ratios that support personalised feedback and small-group learning.
- Support for diverse learners: Strong inclusion practices are in place, including EAL/D support and SEN adjustments, small-group supports, and tailored learning plans to help every student access the curriculum.
3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: The school provides opportunities in common NSW primary sports such as soccer, netball, rugby league, cricket, and athletics, with participation across interschool events where feasible.
- Strong teams or achievements: The school participates in local and district competitions, celebrating teamwork and sportsmanship with regular opportunities for student leadership within teams.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Music ensembles, school performances, and drama activities are encouraged to develop confidence and creativity.
- Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, and debating are available to extend problem-solving, strategic thinking, and public speaking skills.
- Partnerships: The school maintains connections with local clubs and community organisations to support competitions, coaching, and broader enrichment opportunities.
4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: A proactive, positive-behaviour framework and restorative practices underpin wellbeing, with clear policies and supportive staff to address concerns.
- House system: A house structure fosters belonging and healthy competition through regular events, teamwork, and peer mentoring.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: A school counsellor or designated wellbeing officer supports mental health, resilience, and social-emotional learning.
- Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems, and welcoming activities help new students settle into the school community smoothly.
5. Facilities
- Sports grounds: On-site fields or courts suitable for a range of physical activities and interschool events.
- Libraries: A well-stocked library supports reading for pleasure and research across year levels.
- Science labs: Dedicated spaces for hands-on science investigation and experiments.
- Music/performing arts centers: Access to music rooms and performance spaces for rehearsals and school productions.
- Tech/innovation labs: Practical spaces for technology, coding, and digital literacy activities.
- Cafeteria: On-site canteen or lunch facilities to support daily meals and snacks.
- Updated playgrounds: Safe, shaded play areas and modern playground equipment for break times.
6. School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: A faith-centred mission emphasizes respect, compassion, integrity, inclusion, and service to others within a Catholic context.
- Leadership style: Student leadership opportunities are encouraged, with staff modelling supportive, collaborative leadership and shared decision-making where appropriate.
- Behaviour expectations: Positive-behaviour expectations are clear, with consistent routines, uniforms, and respectful conduct; pastoral care accompanies discipline.
- Community reputation: The school is known for a welcoming, supportive community where families are involved and students feel a strong sense of belonging.
- Diversity & inclusion: The school welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and supports inclusive practices to ensure all learners can participate fully.
7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typical day runs from mid-morning to mid-afternoon, with start and finish times aligned to NSW primary schedules; earlier start/finish times may apply for before/after care.
- Before/after school care: Available to eligible families, often operated on-site or via a partner provider.
- Uniform requirements: School uniform is standard, with clear guidelines on daily wear and approved items for different terms or events.
- Transport (train/bus routes): Access may be supported by local bus routes and encouraged safe drop-off/pick-up procedures; proximity to public transport is considered.
- Canteen availability: A canteen or lunch service is available on-site or nearby to provide meals and snacks.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fee levels align with typical diocesan primary schools, representing a mid-range range for tuition, uniforms, and associated activities; families may have access to concessions or support programs.
8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Initiate an enrolment application through the school/diocesan process.
- Attend any open days or information sessions.
- Submit required documents (birth certificate, immunisation records, proof of residence, baptism if applicable).
- Complete any school interviews or gatherings as part of the process.
- Receive notification of placement and enrolment finalisation within the stated timeline.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- There can be a waiting list when grade cohorts reach capacity.
- Priority for placements is typically determined by the school’s enrolment policy (e.g., siblings, parishioners, or regional considerations).
- Families on the waiting list are kept informed of status and expected timelines for offers.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Entry may involve a brief interview or meeting with the principal or enrolment officer.
- There are no standardised entrance tests for most primary enrolments; assessments, if used, focus on general readiness and suitability of the program.
- Documentation and eligibility (e.g., baptism records for Catholic schools) may be requested.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are accommodated if space is available and the enrolment process is completed.
- Parents should contact the school early to discuss options, enrolment timelines, and required documentation.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A welcoming Catholic community with a focus on faith-based values, strong academics, small class sizes, and dedicated pastoral care.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who engage in learning, belong to a supportive community, and are curious, respectful, and open to a values-based education.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Extensions through gifted programs where available, leadership roles, robotics, coding, debating clubs, sports teams, music ensembles, and drama activities.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular newsletters, emails, parent-teacher conferences, a school portal or app, and timely updates about events and student progress.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- A balanced, evidence-based approach that emphasises literacy and numeracy, integrated faith education, creative and critical thinking, and inclusive practices.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Small-group supports, targeted interventions, EAL/D assistance, SEN adjustments, and collaboration with families to personalise learning plans.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Access to specialists, learning support staff, and regular progress monitoring to adapt teaching strategies and pace.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (Second occurrence)
- See above: newsletters, digital platforms, meetings, and open dialogue with teachers and leadership.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes are designed to be smaller, enabling frequent teacher feedback and targeted support within the classroom and in small-group settings.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A range of sports, music, arts, robotics, chess, coding, and debating clubs, with opportunities to participate in local competitions and performances.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, a library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, technology/innovation labs, a canteen, and updated playgrounds.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Emphasis on digital literacy, use of age-appropriate tech in learning, and access to devices and online learning tools as part of the curriculum.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Local transport options, safe drop-off/pick-up procedures, and accessibility considerations in school facilities and routes.
- What are typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees align with a mid-range diocesan primary school; additional costs may include uniforms, excursions, and optional activities, with possible financial assistance or concessions.
10. Short Pros & Cons list
Pros
- Strong Catholic ethos and values-based education
- Small to medium school size with family-like community
- Supportive wellbeing, pastoral care, and student welfare
- Focus on literacy and numeracy with inclusive learning support
- Wide range of extracurriculars (sports, arts, robotics, coding, debating)
- Engaged parent community and clear communication
Cons
- May have fewer specialist facilities than larger, independent schools
- Bus/travel arrangements may require local commuting for some families
- Availability of elective programs may depend on cohort size and staffing
