# 1. Overview
Bellerive Primary School is a public Australian primary school that serves families in the Bellerive area. It offers a medium-sized, community-focused environment where students are encouraged to explore, learn, and grow together.
The school typically features medium class sizes with around 20–24 students per class. The atmosphere is nurturing and inclusive, with a strong emphasis on student well-being, respectful relationships, and a supportive, collaborative culture among staff, students, and families.
# 2. Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: Strong literacy and numeracy programs, solid STEM inquiry activities, and a focus on developing foundational skills across core subjects. English and reading support is integrated with a broader attention to critical thinking and problem-solving.
- Special programs: Gifted and talented extension opportunities, targeted reading and numeracy supports, and enrichment activities within the regular curriculum. There are also music and arts programs that complement academic learning.
- NAPLAN trends: Consistent year-to-year improvement in key areas such as reading and numeracy, with several cohorts performing around or above state averages in recent years. The school emphasizes data-informed planning to address areas for growth.
- Student-teacher ratios: Approximately 1:18 to 1:22, depending on year level and class structure, allowing for targeted instruction and ongoing feedback.
- Support for diverse learners: EAL (English as an Additional Language) support, targeted SEN (Special Educational Needs) assistance, inclusion initiatives, and access to in-class differentiation and support staff.
# 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: Interschool athletics, soccer, netball, cricket, basketball, and other regular school-based physical activities and events.
- Strong teams or achievements: Participation in district and regional sporting carnivals and representative opportunities for motivated students.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Active music and performing arts programs, opportunities for choir, drama, and school productions.
- Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other technology or academic clubs appropriate to the year level.
- Partnerships: Collaboration with local community clubs and competitions to broaden opportunities in sport, arts, and STEM activities.
# 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Proactive programs and policies promoting respectful relationships, student-led initiatives, buddy systems, and staff-led intervention when concerns arise.
- House system: A house structure to foster belonging, healthy competition, and mentorship across year levels.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school-based wellbeing support, with counsellors or wellbeing staff available for student and family needs.
- Transition support for new students: Structured orientation and buddy programs to help new students settle in, with ongoing check-ins during the initial weeks of each term or year.
# 5. Facilities
- Sports grounds: On-site playing fields or courts suitable for a range of sports and physical activities.
- Libraries: A well-stocked library with reading programs and classroom liaison.
- Science labs: Dedicated spaces for practical science investigations and hands-on inquiry.
- Music/performing arts centers: A music room or performing arts space for ensembles and productions.
- Tech/innovation labs: Computer or technology spaces supporting coding, digital learning, and STEM activities.
- Cafeteria: On-site canteen or lunch facilities offering healthy options.
- Updated playgrounds: Modern, safe outdoor play areas and equipment for break times and outdoor learning.
# 6. School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: A clear set of core values centered on respect, resilience, learning, and inclusion; emphasis on developing responsible citizens.
- Leadership style: Student voice is encouraged through age-appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to contribute to school decisions and activities.
- Behavior expectations: Positive behaviour framework with consistent, fair expectations and supports for students to learn and grow from challenges.
- Community reputation: Known for a welcoming, family-friendly environment and active parent involvement.
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to a diverse and inclusive community, with programs that support students from varied backgrounds.
# 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typically 9:00 am to 3:15 pm, with active supervision before and after school in appropriate programs.
- Before/after school care: On-site or nearby provision through structured programs, offering supervision and activities outside normal hours.
- Uniform requirements: School uniform policies with defined dress standards for daily wear and special events.
- Transport (train/bus routes): Access to local bus services and routes; information on in-zone transport options is available through the school.
- Canteen availability: Canteen or lunch facilities operating on school days.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Public primary schools generally have low to moderate costs related to voluntary contributions, book packs, and optional activities; exact costs vary by year level and activities.
# 8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Enrolment is managed through the Tasmanian Department of Education processes. Families should submit an application for enrolment during the school’s designated intake period, with proof of residency and required documentation. Acknowledgement and confirmation of placement are provided after eligibility checks and zone considerations are reviewed. Tours or information sessions may be available to help families understand the process and timelines.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Waiting lists can apply for in-zone or out-of-zone places when year levels reach capacity. The waiting list is typically managed by the Department of Education and the school, prioritizing in-zone applicants and then considering out-of-zone requests based on vacancies and policy timelines.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- For most primary enrolments, there are no entry tests. Some schools may conduct information sessions or brief interviews for families with specific needs or for out-of-zone applications; language support or special program considerations may involve additional screening as part of appropriate assessment processes.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Yes, mid-year transfers can be possible if there is availability and appropriate approvals. Families seeking a mid-year transfer should contact the school early to discuss vacancy, class capacity, and the enrolment steps required.
# 9. Frequently Ask Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A welcoming, inclusive culture with strong community involvement, solid academics, and a focus on student well-being.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who value collaborative learning, active participation in class and school activities, and a friendly, respectful environment.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Enrichment in literacy and numeracy, STEM inquiry, gifted and talented opportunities, music and arts programs, and a range of sports and clubs (robotics, coding, chess, debating).
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular newsletters, emails, parent portals, and scheduled information evenings or meetings; prompt responses from staff via phone or email.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Student-centred, inquiry-based learning with differentiation to support diverse abilities, integrated technology, and a strong emphasis on core literacy and numeracy.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted interventions through EAL and SEN support, small-group instruction, and access to well-being and learning support staff.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Diagnostic assessments, tailored learning plans, and ongoing progress monitoring to adjust supports as needed.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (duplicate)
- See above; multiple channels and regular updates to keep families informed.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Typical class sizes around 20–24 students, with ongoing teacher feedback and opportunities for individualized support within the classroom.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A range of sports (soccer, netball, athletics, cricket), plus clubs in robotics, coding, chess, debating, and performing arts.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, and a canteen.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integrated ICT in learning, with age-appropriate devices and opportunities to develop digital literacy and coding skills.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Local bus routes and school transport options; accessible facilities and clear information for families within the school’s zone.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Low to moderate costs related to voluntary contributions, book packs, and optional programs; exact amounts vary by year and activity.
# 10. Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Public, inclusive environment with strong community engagement
- Balanced focus on academics, wellbeing, and extracurriculars
- Medium class sizes enabling individual support and participation
- Wide range of clubs, sports, and arts opportunities
- Support for diverse learners (EAL and SEN)
- Cons
- In-zone enrolment priority may limit out-of-zone access
- Some programs and facilities may have waiting lists during peak years
- Availability of after-school care and electives can vary by term
- As a public school, funding and resources can influence program breadth year to year
