1. Overview
Cudgegong Valley Public School is a public primary school serving the Mudgee region in New South Wales. It provides co-educational learning for students typically in Kindergarten to Year 6, with a strong connection to the local rural community.
Snapshot:
- School type: Public
- School size: Small
- Class size: Approximately 20–25 students per class
- Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, community-focused
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2. Academics & Learning
Parents want to know:
- Academic strengths: The school focuses on strong literacy and numeracy foundations, with integrated STEM activities and opportunities for student agency and leadership within the learning program.
- Special programs: Enrichment and gifted/talented opportunities may be offered where available, often through NSW Department of Education initiatives or school-designed programs; families should check what is currently offered.
- NAPLAN / Ofsted trends (not scores — trends): NSW public schools track NAPLAN trends over time to monitor growth in literacy and numeracy. Expect efforts focused on year‑over‑year improvement and sustained growth rather than standalone scores.
- Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes commonly around 20–25 students; overall student–teacher ratios typically around 1:18–1:22 depending on year level, with support staff enhancing learners’ access to help.
- Support for diverse learners (EAL, SEN): Inclusive education with supports for diverse learners, including EAL assistance and SEN support, individualized planning where needed.
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3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
This section is important for many Aussie and UK parents.
- Sports offered: A range of school-based team sports and physical activities across the year; participation in inter-school events and local competitions as available.
- Strong teams or achievements: School participates in district events and athletics days; emphasis on teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal bests.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Music and performing arts opportunities with school performances and showcases.
- Clubs: robotics, coding, chess, debating; opportunities to explore interests beyond the core curriculum.
- Partnerships: Local community clubs and regional competitions may provide additional pathways and events for students.
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4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
Top priority for parents today.
- Anti-bullying approach: Whole-school policies and positive relationship frameworks to prevent bullying and support peer wellbeing.
- House system: House groups support pastoral care, friendly competition, and leadership opportunities.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to wellbeing staff or guidance support; referrals to additional services as needed.
- Transition support for new students: Buddy programs, orientation activities, and targeted supports to help new students settle in.
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5. Facilities
Parents LOVE reading about facilities. Keep it visual + simple.
- Sports grounds
- Libraries
- Science labs
- Music/performing arts centers
- Tech/innovation labs
- Cafeteria
- Updated playgrounds
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6. School Values & Community Culture
Parents want to know “what kind of kids go here.”
- School values / mission: Emphasis on respect, responsibility, resilience, and inclusion within a supportive learning community.
- Leadership style: Collaborative leadership with opportunities for student voice and involvement in school decisions and activities.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear, consistently applied expectations focused on positive behaviour for learning.
- Community reputation: A friendly, community-minded school that values parent partnerships and local engagement.
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to inclusive practices and supporting a diverse student population.
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7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
Parents need quick logistics info.
- School hours: Typical day runs from morning start to afternoon finish; occasional early finish days may occur.
- Before/after school care: Options available through school-provided arrangements or local providers; check current offerings.
- Uniform requirements: School uniform typically required; specifics provided by the school.
- Transport (train/bus routes): NSW school bus network serves regional areas; some students travel by bus; many families use private transport.
- Canteen availability: Canteen or snack options available; healthy choices emphasized; volunteer support common.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Public schools do not charge tuition; there are minimal voluntary contributions and possible small costs for activities; uniform and certain program costs may apply.
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8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Begin by contacting the school to confirm catchment eligibility and place in the enrolment queue.
- Prepare required documents (e.g., proof of address, birth certificate or passport, immunisation history, previous school records if transferring).
- Submit an enrolment application within the NSW Department of Education framework; may include a readiness check for Kindergarten.
- Receive confirmation of enrolment and information about transition activities, start dates, and uniforms.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Waiting lists can occur if year groups are full; places are typically filled based on enrolment priorities (e.g., catchment, siblings) and space availability.
- Applications on the waiting list remain active for consideration in subsequent intakes; families may be contacted if a place becomes available.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- For most primary applications, there are no entrance exams; Kindergarten readiness may be considered through standard transition processes.
- Some schools may conduct informal discussions or assessments to gauge readiness or to place students in appropriate programs; specifics vary by year level and current policy.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Yes, subject to space and meeting enrolment requirements; families should contact the school early to discuss availability and next steps, and to prepare required documentation.
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9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A close-knit, supportive community with a focus on strong literacy and numeracy, inclusive practices, and opportunities for well-rounded development.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who benefit from a nurturing, community-focused environment, values-based learning, and a mix of academic, sport, and arts opportunities.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Access to enriched learning opportunities, sports programs, music and drama, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating; participation in district events and performances.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular updates via newsletters, notices, and digital platforms; hands-on involvement through meetings, events, and on-going informal communications.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Student-centered, literacy- and numeracy-focused with integrated STEM, collaborative learning, and opportunities for student voice and leadership.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted learning support, EAL assistance, inclusive practices, and access to additional resources or referrals as needed.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Early intervention, differentiated instruction, and targeted small-group or one-on-one support within the classroom or defined programs.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (duplicate)
- See above: regular updates through multiple channels and open channels for quick contact.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes typically around 20–25 students with teacher-focused attention, plus additional support staff where available.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A variety of sports, performing arts, and clubs (robotics, coding, chess, debating) along with participation in local and district events.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, technology labs, canteen, and updated play areas.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integrated technology in learning, with appropriate digital tools to support literacy, numeracy, research, and creative projects.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- NSW school bus routes serving regional areas, along with private transport and accessible facilities as needed.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- No tuition due to public status; some voluntary contributions and small costs for activities, uniforms, and optional programs.
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10. Short Pros & Cons list
Pros
- Strong sense of community and supportive environment
- Focus on foundational literacy and numeracy with STEM integration
- Inclusive approach with EAL and SEN support
- Wide range of extracurriculars and clubs
- Positive wellbeing and pastoral care structures
Cons
- May have fewer specialist facilities compared to larger urban schools
- Transport times can be longer for some families in a rural area
- Availability of some enrichment programs may depend on funding and staffing levels
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