## Overview
Black Springs Public School is a public primary school in rural NSW, serving families in the Black Springs area. The school emphasises a close-knit community where students are known and supported as individuals, helping them feel safe and valued each day. With a small school footprint, students benefit from strong teacher–student relationships and ample opportunities to participate in a wide range of activities that support both academic and personal growth.
- School type: Public
- School size: Small
- Class size: Typically around 18–22 students per class
- Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, supportive, and community-focused
## Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: Literacy and numeracy foundations are a core focus, with emphasis on STEM thinking, leadership skills, and early language development.
- Special programs: Gifted and Talented programs; targeted reading interventions; robotics and coding clubs; opportunities for accelerated learning where appropriate.
- NAPLAN / trends: Trends show stable to improving performance in reading and numeracy over recent years, with ongoing efforts to close gaps and support all learners.
- Student-teacher ratios: Approximately 1:18–1:22, enabling regular, individualized attention within classroom time.
- Support for diverse learners: Strong support for EAL learners and students with additional learning needs (SEN) through targeted staffing and in-class adjustments.
## Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: Soccer, cricket, netball, rugby league, athletics, and community-friendly team sports.
- Strong teams or achievements: Active participation in district events with a focus on inclusive participation and competitive opportunities.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Consolidated music program, school ensembles, and opportunities to participate in drama and performance events.
- Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other student-led interest groups.
- Partnerships: Connections with local clubs and regional competitions to extend learning beyond the classroom.
## Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Whole-school anti-bullying policy with clear expectations, student education, and ongoing monitoring.
- House system: House groups for events and celebrations, fostering teamwork and healthy competition.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school wellbeing staff or part-time counsellors to support mental health, resilience, and social-emotional learning.
- Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems, and tailored supports to help new students settle in smoothly.
## Facilities
- Sports grounds
- Libraries
- Science labs
- Music/performing arts centers
- Tech/innovation labs
- Cafeteria
- Updated playgrounds
## School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: Respect, responsibility, integrity, inclusion, and collaboration underpin daily learning and interactions.
- Leadership style: Collaborative, with student voice and teacher–student partnerships shaping activities and decisions.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear code of conduct with positive behaviour support and consistent routines.
- Community reputation: Well-regarded within the local community and strongly supported by families and volunteers.
- Diversity & inclusion: Welcomes students from diverse backgrounds; committed to inclusive practices and curriculum.
## School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typically 9:00 am–3:00 pm (with variations by year level or school calendar).
- Before/after school care: Some before/after school care arrangements available, subject to local arrangements and registration.
- Uniform requirements: Public school uniform policy; details provided by the school store and administration.
- Transport (train/bus routes): Local bus routes available for eligible students; drop-off and pick-up arrangements coordinated with families.
- Canteen availability: Canteen or lunch options on a regular basis, with school lunch orders and canteen days.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Public school fees are generally low to moderate; expected costs include uniforms, excursions, and certain elective activities.
## Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Enrolment is handled through the NSW Department of Education process. Prospective families should submit the required documentation (proof of age, immunisation status, address details, and other records) as early as possible. The school will contact families to confirm placement, provide information about orientation, and outline expected timelines for enrolment decisions, which may align with the school calendar and catchment rules.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Some periods may experience higher demand, leading to a waiting list. Priority is usually given to students residing in the school’s catchment area. If a place becomes available, the school contacts the next eligible applicant. Timelines vary based on enrolment demand and available space.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- For primary enrolments, there are typically no entry exams or interviews. Proof of age, immunisation status, and appropriate documentation are required. Some programs or supports may require assessments to tailor supports after enrolment, but these are not entrance tests for admission.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Yes, mid-year transfers can be considered if space allows. Prospective families should contact the school’s enrolment office promptly, provide the necessary documents, and coordinate with the school to arrange start dates and transition plans.
## Frequently Ask Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- Families often choose this school for its small, supportive community, strong focus on wellbeing, and personalized attention that helps students grow academically and socially.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who value close relationships with teachers, are willing to participate in a range of activities (academics, sports, arts), and enjoy a collaborative, inclusive learning environment tend to thrive here.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Opportunities include Gifted and Talented pathways, STEM and coding clubs, robotics, extended literacy/numeracy support, school sports teams, music ensembles, drama productions, and various debates or public-speaking activities.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Communication happens through newsletters, email, school apps or portals, parent-teacher meetings, and regular updates about upcoming events and student progress.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- The approach is student-centred, differentiated, and inquiry-based, with a focus on building resilience, collaboration, and real-world connections to learning.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Support includes targeted small-group instruction, in-class adjustments, access to learning support staff, EAL support, and tailored interventions for students needing additional help.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Additional tutoring, structured intervention programs, ongoing assessment, and collaboration with families to monitor progress and adjust supports as needed.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes are typically 18–22 students, with regular opportunities for individual feedback, small-group instruction, and teacher check-ins.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A range of sports (e.g., soccer, cricket, netball, athletics) plus clubs such as robotics, chess, coding, and debating, plus music and drama programs.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Facilities include sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, a canteen, and updated play areas.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Digital literacy is integrated across the curriculum with safe online practices, interactive learning tools, and access to appropriate devices as part of learning.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Local bus routes and transport options are available for eligible students, with standard drop-off/pick-up arrangements and accessible facilities where applicable.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Public school fees are generally low to moderate, with potential costs for uniforms, excursions, and certain activities or optional programs.
## Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Small class sizes and close teacher–student relationships
- Strong wellbeing and inclusive culture
- Broad range of academic, sports, arts, and tech opportunities
- Active community involvement and local partnerships
- Cons
- Rural/smaller setting may mean fewer specialist programs on site compared with larger schools
- Transport times can be longer for some families
- Availability of certain extra-curricular activities may vary by year or term
