# Overview
Burrabadine Christian Community School is a private, independent Christian school serving families in Dubbo and the surrounding region. The school aims to provide a values-based learning environment where faith and academics are balanced within a supportive community. It emphasises individual growth, ethical development, and community service within a nurturing atmosphere.
- School type: Private/Independent Christian
- School size: Medium
- Class size: Approximately 20 students per class
- Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, faith-based, academically oriented
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# Academics & Learning
The curriculum focuses on strong literacy and numeracy foundations, with emphasis on STEM, English, leadership development, and language learning. The school supports students to develop critical thinking, curiosity, and responsible citizenship within a Christian framework.
- Academic strengths: STEM, English, leadership development, languages
- Special programs: Gifted and Talented / accelerated learning options, leadership programs, pathways into further study or vocational learning
- NAPLAN trends: Steady improvement in reading and numeracy over recent years, with stable performance in writing
- Student-teacher ratios: Approximately 1:12–1:18
- Support for diverse learners: EAL support, SEN coordination, learning support for students with additional needs, inclusive teaching strategies
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# Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
Extracurricular programs are designed to appeal to a broad range of interests and help students develop teamwork, resilience, and creativity.
- Sports offered: Soccer, basketball, netball, cricket, athletics, and other school-based teams
- Strong teams or achievements: Active participation in regional interschool events with finals appearances and ongoing development
- Music, arts, drama programs: Instrumental music program, choir, and annual drama/performing arts productions
- Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other enrichment clubs
- Partnerships: Local clubs and community organisations for competitions, coaching, and development programs
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# Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
A strong wellbeing framework supports students’ social and emotional development, helping them to navigate school life with confidence.
- Anti-bullying approach: Whole-school policies with restorative practices and ongoing anti-bullying programs
- House system: House-based pastoral support and inter-house events to build community and belonging
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Dedicated counselling and wellbeing staff to support students and families
- Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems, and targeted transition support
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# Facilities
Facilities are designed to support a wide range of learning, sport, and arts activities in a welcoming environment.
- Sports grounds
- Libraries
- Science laboratories
- Music/performing arts center
- Tech/innovation laboratories
- Canteen
- Updated playgrounds
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# School Values & Community Culture
The school’s culture is shaped by its Christian values and a focus on character, service, and community involvement.
- School values / mission: Christian faith-based values emphasizing integrity, respect, service, and responsibility
- Leadership style: Participative and student-inclusive, with opportunities for student voice and leadership
- Behaviour expectations: Clear code of conduct promoting respect, responsibility, and positive community norms
- Community reputation: Welcoming and supportive with active parental involvement and strong church/school partnerships
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to inclusivity and support for students from diverse backgrounds and beliefs
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# School Logistics & Daily Operations
Practical information that helps families plan everyday involvement with the school.
- School hours: Start around 8:30 am; finish around 3:15 pm
- Before/after school care: Availability of before/after school care programs
- Uniform requirements: School uniform policy with designated daily and sport uniforms
- Transport (train/bus routes): Bus services and local transport arrangements; convenient drop-off zones
- Canteen availability: On-site canteen with healthy options
- Fees: Fees fall in the mid-to-upper range for private schooling; scholarships or financial assistance may be available
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# Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Inquiry and information session
- Application form submission with required documents (birth certificate, immunisation status, prior school details)
- Interview and/or entry assessment (where applicable)
- Offer of placement (subject to space and meeting entry requirements)
- Acceptance, enrolment confirmation, and payment of any deposit
- Orientation and family welcome
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Waiting lists may apply depending on year level and space
- Applications on the waiting list are typically prioritised by date of receipt and may include consideration for siblings or local placements
- Families are informed of position on the list and expected timelines as spaces become available
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Interviews are common to understand fit with the school’s values and environment
- Academic information (previous reports, assessments) may be requested
- Immunisation status and medical information are typically required
- English language proficiency considerations (if applicable) and any relevant learning support needs
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Yes, subject to space and availability in the desired year level
- Transfer applicants usually provide transcripts, attendance records, and immunisation information
- Final placement depends on alignment with curriculum and class structure
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# Frequently Ask Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A values-based, faith-centered environment with a strong sense of community, small class sizes, and attentive pastoral care that supports academic and personal growth.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who value community, service, faith-based learning, and active participation in academics, arts, and sports; those who respond well to supportive staff and a collaborative culture.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Academic extension through Gifted & Talented programs or accelerated options; diverse sports teams and competitions; music ensembles, drama productions, robotics, coding, debating, and leadership opportunities.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular newsletters, emails, parent portal access, parent-teacher conferences, and open channels through school administration and pastoral care staff.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- A Christ-centered, student-centered approach with differentiated instruction, inquiry-based learning, and strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted learning support, EAL assistance, SEN coordination, small-group tutoring, and progress monitoring.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Academic coaching, study skills programs, personalised learning plans, and regular progress reviews with teachers and support staff.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- (Same as above) Regular updates and two-way communication channels through portals, calls, and meetings.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes around 20 students, with teachers able to provide targeted feedback and small-group support as needed.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A broad range of sports, robotics, coding, chess, debating, music ensembles, drama, and other clubs that run throughout the year.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Modern science labs, well-equipped libraries, music and performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, on-site canteen, and well-maintained sports grounds.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integrated digital learning with secure platforms, 1:1 devices where appropriate, e-safety practices, and use of interactive tools to support literacy, numeracy, and research skills.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Bus routes and convenient drop-off zones; accessibility considerations in facilities and classrooms to support mobility needs.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Private school fees with additional costs for uniforms, uniforms, excursions, and some extracurricular activities; information on scholarships or financial assistance is typically available on request.
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# Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Values-based education within a supportive Christian community
- Small-to-medium class sizes enabling personalized attention
- Strong pastoral care and wellbeing supports
- Broad range of extracurricular activities (sports, arts, robotics, debate)
- Modern facilities across science, arts, and technology
- Active parent involvement and community connections
- Cons
- Private school fees may be higher than public options
- Availability of spaces can depend on year level and intake timing
- Religious alignment may not suit all families
- Some specialised subjects or programs may have limited elective options due to cohort size
- Mid-year transfers depend on space and timetable compatibility
