Overview
Borden Primary School is a public primary school serving the local community in rural Western Australia. The school focuses on a warm, supportive environment where students are encouraged to grow academically and socially, fostering a strong sense of belonging.
With a small to medium size and class sizes designed for individual attention, the atmosphere is inclusive and community-focused. The school aims to balance solid academic foundations with opportunities in sport, the arts, and practical learning to support well-rounded development.
- School type: Public
- School size: Small to medium
- Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, community-focused
Academics & Learning
Borden Primary School emphasizes strong literacy and numeracy foundations, with growing strengths in STEM and digital learning. The curriculum supports differentiated learning, and there are opportunities for enrichment and targeted support to meet diverse student needs.
Special programs may include Gifted and Talented opportunities and targeted extension or acceleration options in upper primary, along with robust support for students who need additional help. NAPLAN trends typically show steady progress year over year in key domains such as reading and numeracy, with consistent performance across cohorts.
- Support for diverse learners: EAL support, inclusive education programs, and access to learning support services (SEN) as needed
The school offers a range of sports and after-school activities, promoting physical activity and teamwork. Orderly competition and participation in local events are encouraged.
- Sports offered: Netball, football (soccer/AFL), cricket, athletics, basketball, and other locally available activities
- Strong teams or achievements: Participation in district-level events and inter-school activities
- Music, arts, drama programs: Active involvement in music and performing arts programs
- Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating
- Partnerships: Local community clubs and regional competitions for sport and arts
Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
Wellbeing and pastoral care are central to the school’s approach, focusing on a safe and respectful environment.
- Anti-bullying approach: Whole-school anti-bullying strategies, respectful relationships education, and proactive intervention
- House system: House-based activities and leadership opportunities
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school-based wellbeing staff or coordinated support
- Transition support for new students: Orientation activities, buddy systems, and gradual onboarding to ease transitions
Facilities
The school provides multiple facilities to support learning and activities.
- Sports grounds
- Libraries
- Science labs
- Music/performing arts centers
- Tech/innovation labs
- Cafeteria
- Updated playgrounds
Students at Borden Primary School are encouraged to develop strong personal and social values within a supportive community.
- School values / mission: Respect, responsibility, inclusion, curiosity, and excellence
- Leadership style: Inclusive and participatory, with opportunities for student voice and leadership
- Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct and positive behavior supports
- Community reputation: Known for a welcoming, family-friendly environment and active parental involvement
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to inclusive practices and welcoming families from diverse backgrounds
School Logistics & Daily Operations
Practical daily operations support smooth attendance and participation.
- School hours: Approximately 8:30–3:15 (term time)
- Before/after school care: Available through external providers or community arrangements
- Uniform requirements: Public primary uniform policy; details provided by the school
- Transport (train/bus routes): Bus routes or local transport options available; coordination with families
- Canteen availability: Canteen or lunch program available (healthy choices emphasized)
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Generally low, with voluntary contributions and minimal additional costs
Enrolment & Admissions
- What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Check catchment eligibility and school placement
- Gather required documents (proof of identity, residency, immunisation status, birth certificate)
- Submit enrolment application (often via an online system or through the district)
- School review and offer of placement; orientation arrangements prior to start
- Offers typically align with the new school year timetable; confirmations required by the school
- Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Waiting lists are common when vacancies are limited
- Places are allocated in order of application date, with consideration given to catchment priorities
- Families are notified when a place becomes available; timelines vary with enrolment demand
- Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- No entrance tests for primary school placement
- Generally no formal interviews; enrolment relies on documentation and eligibility
- Immunisation status and residency documentation are important parts of the process
- Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Yes, subject to vacancy and district processes
- Mid-year transfers require timely enrolment paperwork, updated immunisation records, and coordination with the school to ensure a smooth transition
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who value a nurturing environment, active participation, and opportunities to contribute to a close-knit school community.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Enrichment in literacy and numeracy, STEM and digital learning, sports programs, arts and drama, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular newsletters, emails, parent-teacher meetings, school app or portal updates, and annual or termly reports; open channels for enquiries.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Evidence-based, differentiated instruction with a focus on key literacy and numeracy skills, inquiry-based learning, and integration of technology.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted learning support, EAL services, SEN support, small-group interventions, and collaboration with families to tailor plans.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Early intervention programs, additional tutoring or reading support, and referrals to external allied health services when appropriate.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (duplicate)
- See above: regular updates via newsletters, portals, and meetings.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A range of sports (netball, football, cricket, athletics, basketball), music and drama, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, canteen, and modern playgrounds.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integrated digital learning across the curriculum, with age-appropriate use of devices and resources, plus emphasis on online safety and digital literacy.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Local bus services or transport arrangements; walking and car drop-off supported; accessible facilities as needed.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Low-cost public school model with voluntary contributions and modest costs for activities, excursions, and canteen.
Short Pros & Cons list
- Strong sense of community and belonging
- Broad range of sports, arts, and clubs
- Focus on wellbeing and inclusive education
- Positive links with local families and community
- Rural location may mean longer travel for some families
- Limited access to specialist facilities compared with larger urban schools
- Availability of certain programs may depend on enrolment demand and funding
