## 1. Overview
Baldivis Secondary College is a public government secondary school serving Baldivis and surrounding communities in Western Australia. The school offers co-educational learning for students in Year 7–12, with a focus on building strong literacy, STEM, and well-rounded skills to prepare for post-school pathways.
The school is typically described as a medium-to-large campus with a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere. Class sizes are in the typical range for WA public high schools, and staff prioritise a supportive, community-minded culture where students are encouraged to work hard, participate in a range of activities, and develop leadership and collaboration skills.
## 2. Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: Core strengths across English, Mathematics, Science and Humanities, with a clear emphasis on literacy development and STEM skills, alongside opportunities to develop leadership and study skills.
- Special programs: Includes ATAR pathway options for senior students, and vocational/technical education (VET) pathways to connect learning with practical industry skills. Accelerated learning options may be available for eligible students.
- NAPLAN trends: Over the past several years, trends show steady improvement in literacy and numeracy scores, with ongoing focus on high-quality teaching and targeted intervention where needed.
- Student-teacher ratios: Generally around 1:20, with teachers providing differentiated instruction within the classroom to support diverse learning needs.
- Support for diverse learners: Robust support for EAL/D students and students with additional learning needs, including dedicated learning support staff, targeted interventions, and individualized learning plans.
## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: A range of team and individual sports such as basketball, netball, soccer, Australian rules football, cricket, athletics, and swimming.
- Strong teams or achievements: Active participation in regional and district competitions; opportunities to be part of representative or finals-contending teams in various sports.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Active music program including ensembles or bands, opportunities for drama productions and performing arts events, and school concerts.
- Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other interest-based clubs that foster critical thinking and teamwork.
- Partnerships: Participation in local inter-school competitions and collaborations with community clubs and regional programs to enhance competitive opportunities and real-world learning experiences.
## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policies with student voice channels, supportive reporting mechanisms, and ongoing education on respectful conduct.
- House system: House-based pastoral care structure that supports mentoring, wellbeing check-ins, and community belonging.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school counsellors and wellbeing coordinators who provide confidential support and guidance.
- Transition support for new students: Structured orientation programs, buddy systems, and targeted onboarding to help new students settle in smoothly.
## 5. Facilities
- Sports grounds: On-site playing fields and courts suitable for a range of sports and fitness activities.
- Libraries: Well-equipped library spaces for study, research, and quiet reading.
- Science labs: Modern laboratories to support experiments and practical science learning.
- Music/performing arts centers: Space for rehearsals, performances, and classroom music instruction.
- Tech/innovation labs: Dedicated spaces for ICT, robotics, coding, and digital learning activities.
- Cafeteria: On-site canteen or dining facilities for students.
- Updated playgrounds: Play and social spaces that support break times and informal learning.
## 6. School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: Emphasises respect, responsibility, resilience, and inclusion as guiding principles.
- Leadership style: Distributed leadership with opportunities for student leadership and involvement in school decision-making processes.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear code of conduct with consistent expectations for behaviour, uniforms, attendance, and participation.
- Community reputation: Generally viewed as a trusted, suburb-based school that values family engagement and positive school-community relationships.
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to an inclusive environment that supports students from diverse backgrounds and needs.
## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typical school day runs from around early morning to mid-afternoon, with supervision and periods scheduled across the day.
- Before/after school care: OSHC or similar arrangements may be available for students needing care outside school hours.
- Uniform requirements: School uniform is standard and expected, with guidelines for daily wear and approved exemptions where applicable.
- Transport (bus routes): Access to school transport options including bus services; proximity to local bus routes and potential train connections depending on location and arrangements.
- Canteen availability: On-site canteen with lunch options and snacks.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Public school charges apply for materials, excursions, and extra activities; overall fees are designed to be reasonable and in line with state education provisions.
## 8. Enrolment & Admissions
- 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Submit the enrolment application through the appropriate Department of Education process within the annual intake window.
- Provide required documents (proof of residency, birth details, immunisation records, and any school-specific forms).
- Complete any local intake interviews or information sessions as directed by the school.
- 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- There can be a waiting list when demand exceeds places. Allocation usually follows a combination of enrolment priorities, application date, and available capacity. Families may be asked to provide updated information if wait times extend.
- 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Generally, there are no formal entrance tests or competitive interviews for standard year-level enrolments. Some assessments or discussions may occur for students transferring from outside the local area or for specific programs, to better support placement and transition.
- 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Yes, if places are available. Mid-year transfers depend on vacancy, with priority given to maintaining smooth transitions for current students and honoring external placement guidelines.
## 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- Public school with a balanced academic program, supportive wellbeing focus, and a wide range of extracurriculars that help students grow academically and socially.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Motivated, collaborative, curious learners who engage in classroom learning and extracurricular opportunities, while benefiting from a supportive pastoral system.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Senior pathways (ATAR and VET), leadership roles, clubs (robotics, coding, debate), sports teams, drama and music programs, and community competitions.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular newsletters, parent-teacher meetings, digital portals, emails, and notices to keep families informed about learning progress and school events.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Student-centred, inclusive, and differentiated instruction with emphasis on literacy, numeracy, and real-world applied learning.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted intervention, EAL/D support, SEN services, tutoring or after-school help, and learning plans tailored to individual needs.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Access to counsellors and learning support staff, regular progress checks, and adjustments to learning plans and assessment tasks when needed.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes are in the mid-20s range, with teachers delivering differentiated instruction and additional support as required.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A broad range of clubs (robotics, coding, chess, debating) and sports programs, with opportunities to compete in regional competitions.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Comprehensive facilities including sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, and tech/innovation labs.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integrated ICT and digital learning practices, with resources and activities designed to build digital literacy and modern workplace skills.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Access to school transport options (bus routes), proximity to public transport, and campus facilities designed with accessibility in mind.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Essential materials and activity costs are modest; families should expect standard charges for materials, excursions, and certain programs or resources.
## 10. Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Public, inclusive environment with a broad range of academic and extracurricular options.
- Strong focus on wellbeing and pastoral care to support student success.
- Diverse facilities that support science, arts, technology, and physical education.
- Active student leadership and community engagement opportunities.
- Cons
- As a medium-to-large public school, some students may experience larger class cohorts during peak years.
- Fees for materials, excursions, and certain programs are unavoidable; families should budget for additional costs beyond standard schooling.
- Availability of places for mid-year transfers depends on current enrolment capacity.
