## 1. Overview
Coogee Primary School is a public Western Australian primary school serving families in the Coogee area. The school aims to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment where students feel safe to learn, explore, and grow. Class sizes are designed to be supportive and manageable, enabling teachers to give students the time and attention they need to develop foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, and core subjects. The atmosphere is community-minded, with a focus on student wellbeing, collaboration, and helping every child reach their potential.
Key characteristics:
- School type: Public
- School size: Medium
- Class size: Typically around 20–25 students per class
- Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, and outcomes-focused
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## 2. Academics & Learning
Coogee Primary School emphasises strong literacy and numeracy foundations, with opportunities to develop skills in STEM and creative thinking. The school supports students across a range of abilities and offers programs designed to challenge and extend learners who excel in particular areas. Support for diverse learners is a priority, with mechanisms to assist students who are learning English as an additional language (EAL) and those with additional learning needs (SEN).
Key strengths and programs:
- Academic strengths: Focus on literacy, numeracy, and STEM activities; opportunities for extension in identified areas
- Special programs: Gifted and talented/enrichment opportunities; consideration of accelerated learning where appropriate
- NAPLAN / Ofsted trends: Local and state-level data show typical year-to-year variation with steady progress in core areas
- Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes managed to support individual attention; trend toward small-to-medium ratios
- Support for diverse learners: EAL/D support and SEN-inclusive practices are in place to meet varying needs
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## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
This school places importance on a well-rounded education with a balance of sports, arts, and clubs. Students have access to a range of activities designed to build teamwork, discipline, and personal development, supporting boys and girls to participate and excel.
Key areas:
- Sports offered: A variety of school-based team sports and physical activities
- Strong teams or achievements: Notable school-level participation and development programs
- Music, arts, drama: Active arts and performing arts opportunities to complement academics
- Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating and other enrichment clubs
- Partnerships: Local partnerships and intra-school competitions support broader opportunities
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## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
Wellbeing and pastoral care are central to student success, with systems in place to promote positive relationships, resilience, and safe learning environments. The school uses supportive approaches to help students manage social dynamics and transitions.
Key elements:
- Anti-bullying approach: Proactive policies and strategies to create a respectful school climate
- House system: Students participate in house-based activities to build belonging and healthy competition
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to wellbeing staff to support emotional and social development
- Transition support for new students: Programs to help students adjust to the school routine and culture
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## 5. Facilities
Coogee Primary School provides a set of facilities that support a diverse, inquiry-based learning environment. The campus layout and resources are designed to be engaging and functional for students.
Facilities include:
- Sports grounds
- Libraries
- Science labs
- Music/performing arts centers
- Tech/innovation labs
- Cafeteria
- Updated playgrounds
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## 6. School Values & Community Culture
The school communicates clear values to guide student behavior and leadership. A positive, collaborative leadership style supports student agency and respectful engagement with peers and staff. Community reputation centers on inclusivity, safety, and a commitment to helping all students succeed.
Key focus areas:
- School values / mission: Core principles guiding daily learning and conduct
- Leadership style: Collaborative and student-centered
- Behaviour expectations: Consistent expectations across classrooms and common areas
- Community reputation: Positive, family-friendly, and engaged with local families
- Diversity & inclusion: Ongoing efforts to welcome and include all students
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## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
Practical information to help families plan around school life.
Typical details:
- School hours: Regular school day with start and finish times aligned to WA public primary schedules
- Before/after school care: Availability varies; families should check with the school for programs
- Uniform requirements: Standard school uniform policy
- Transport (train/bus routes): Local transport options; check school catchment and bus services
- Canteen availability: Canteen or canteen services may be offered
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Public schools generally have modest contributions; confirm current amounts with the school
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## 8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Applications are submitted through the standard public school enrolment process. Parents typically provide proof of residency, birth date, immunisation status, and required documentation. The school will confirm placement based on availability and local catchment rules. Timelines vary by intake year; families should initiate the process well in advance of the intended start date.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Waiting lists can occur when enrolment demand exceeds capacity. Places are often allocated based on catchment rules, sibling priority, and available spaces. If a waitlist is used, families will be informed of their position and expected timelines.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- For most primary enrolments, there are no entry tests. Some schools may conduct brief interviews or informal discussions if applying for specific programs or enrichments. Immunisation requirements and proof of residency are typically required.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are possible when space is available. Families should contact the school early to discuss options, enrolment slots, and any documentation needed. Timelines can be shorter if a space opens up mid-year.
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## 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- Parents value a welcoming, supportive environment with a focus on literacy, numeracy, and well-rounded development; community involvement and staff accessibility are frequently highlighted.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who respond well to a collaborative, inclusive setting with opportunities to participate in both academics and enrichment activities tend to thrive.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Enrichment in literacy and numeracy, STEM activities, arts and music programs, sports, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Communication typically includes newsletters, notices, parent-teacher meetings, and digital platforms. Specific channels vary by year group and program.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- A student-centered, inquiry-based approach with a focus on core competencies in literacy and numeracy, supported by diverse programs and inclusive practices.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted intervention, EAL/D support, SEN planning, and small-group or individual support within the school’s timetable.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Additional tutoring, differentiated instruction, and collaboration with families to create personalized learning plans.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated question)
- See above: regular updates via newsletters, digital platforms, and parent-teacher interactions.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes are kept small to medium, enabling teachers to provide more individual attention and targeted support.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A range of sports, arts, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating; involvement in school-based teams and activities.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- The school provides libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, sports grounds, and a canteen/facilities to support a broad curriculum.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of technology to support learning, with access to computing resources and age-appropriate digital skills development.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Local transport options and school accessibility information available through the school; check catchment areas and bus services if applicable.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Public primary schools have modest contributions; exact fees or voluntary levies vary by year and activity; confirm with the school for current details.
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## 10. Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Public school with a supportive, inclusive culture
- Balanced focus on academics, wellbeing, and enrichment
- Range of clubs and extracurriculars (robotics, chess, coding, debating)
- Active emphasis on student wellbeing and transition support
- Facilities that support science, arts, and technology
- Cons
- As with many public schools, class sizes can vary by year and cohort
- Availability of specific programs (e.g., IB or advanced tracks) may be limited and require confirmation
- Transport options depend on location and may require planning for some families
- Canteen and after-school options may vary by term and funding
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