Durack School

## Overview Durack School is a public, co-educational government primary school serving families in the Northern Territory. The school focuses on creating an inclusive, supportive environment that prioritises literacy, numeracy and student wellbeing. With a medium-sized student population, class sizes typically range in the low-to-mid 20s, enabling strong teacher support and personalised learning. The atmosphere is nurturing and community-focused, with staff-wide emphasis on safe relationships, positive behaviour and opportunities for every child to thrive academically, socially and physically. --- ## Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: Literacy and numeracy foundations are strong, with opportunities to build skills in STEM, leadership and language learning as part of a well-rounded curriculum. - Special programs: Access to Gifted and Talented pathways or accelerated opportunities where appropriate, plus language options and targeted support for diverse learners. - NAPLAN / trends: Trends over recent years show steady improvement in reading and numeracy with good student participation and engagement. - Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes and ratios support frequent teacher contact; typical ratios are in the low-to-mid teens for primary classes, varying by year level. - Support for diverse learners: Dedicated support for EAL (English as an Additional Language) students and learners with additional needs, through a Learning Support Team and tailored classroom adjustments. --- ## Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: A range of team and individual sports including basketball, soccer, AFL/footy, cricket, netball and athletics, with emphasis on participation and development. - Strong teams or achievements: Participation in regional and inter-school competitions, with opportunities to be part of school teams and development programs. - Music, arts, drama programs: Active performing arts offerings, regular concerts or school productions, and opportunities to engage in choir or instrumental ensembles. - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating and other STEM or academic clubs to extend learning beyond the classroom. - Partnerships: Connections with local clubs and community organisations to provide additional coaching, competitions and enrichment experiences. --- ## Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Whole-school anti-bullying strategies and a focus on respectful relationships, backed by clear policies and staff training. - House system: A house-based framework fosters belonging, teamwork and healthy competition across activities and events. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school wellbeing staff or counsellors to support social-emotional development and personal well-being. - Transition support for new students: Buddy programs, orientation activities and dedicated staff to help new students settle in smoothly. --- ## Facilities - Sports grounds: On-site playing fields and courts suitable for a variety of sports. - Libraries: Well-stocked library supporting reading for pleasure and research. - Science labs: Functional science spaces for hands-on experiments and STEM activities. - Music/performing arts centers: Space for rehearsals, performances and music education. - Tech/innovation labs: Computer and technology spaces for coding and digital learning. - Cafeteria: On-site or arranged canteen facilities offering healthy options. - Updated playgrounds: Modern, safe play areas for break and outdoor learning. --- ## School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: A focus on Respect, Responsibility, Excellence and Care, guiding student behaviour and school culture. - Leadership style: Distributed leadership with opportunities for student voice, classroom leadership roles and teacher collaboration. - Behaviour expectations: Clear behavioural expectations aligned with the school code of conduct and positive behavioural strategies. - Community reputation: Known for a welcoming, family-friendly environment and strong engagement with families. - Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to supporting students from diverse backgrounds, with inclusive practices and targeted support where needed. --- ## School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typical daily schedule runs roughly from start of the school day to early afternoon. - Before/after school care: OSHC or similar wrap-around care options available to families. - Uniform requirements: School uniform policy with seasonal options; clear guidance on acceptable attire. - Transport: Bus routes and/or local transport options available; safe drop-off/pick-up practices and facilities. - Canteen availability: Canteen or snack facilities offering healthy choices. - Fees: Generally low-to-medium in the context of government schooling, with some costs for uniforms and optional activities. --- ## Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Enrolment is through the Northern Territory Department of Education. Parents submit an application with required documents (proof of identity, guardianship details, and address information). After submission, the school coordinates placement based on year level availability and catchment guidelines. Offers and confirmations typically occur in the months leading up to the new school year, with a processing window that can span several weeks depending on demand. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Yes, there can be a waiting list when year-level capacity is reached. Placement from the waiting list is typically determined by availability, siblings already attending the school, and policy-based prioritisation. Families are kept informed of their status and next steps. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Generally, entry does not require entrance tests. Some schools may have assessments for specific programs or gifted pathways, and an interview may occur for families requesting special placements or adjustments. The main requirement is eligibility within the NT school system and appropriate documentation. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are considered subject to space and alignment with enrolment policies. Parents should contact the school’s enrolment team as early as possible to discuss availability and required documentation. --- ## Frequently Ask Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A welcoming public school with strong literacy and numeracy foundations, supportive staff, and a focus on student wellbeing and holistic development. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who are motivated, collaborative, curious and engaged in a range of activities—from academics to sports and arts—titting well within an inclusive, supportive community. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Access to STEM and literacy extension, leadership opportunities, sports teams, music and drama programs, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess and debating. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Through regular newsletters, email, phone calls, a parent portal and scheduled parent-teacher meetings. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Student-centred and inquiry-based learning with a strong emphasis on core literacy and numeracy, supported by differentiated instruction. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Learning Support Team, targeted interventions, EAL support and SEN accommodations as needed. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Individualised support plans, tutoring opportunities, and targeted classroom interventions to help students catch up or advance. - How does the school communicate with parents? (repeated) - See above: newsletters, portal, emails, calls, and meetings. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes are typically in the low-to-mid 20s, allowing regular teacher interaction and targeted assistance. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A broad range of sports and clubs, including team sports, robotics, coding, chess, debating and performing arts opportunities. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Modern sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, canteen and updated playgrounds. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integrated technology in daily learning with computer/tech labs and digital literacy across the curriculum. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - School bus routes or local transport options, safe drop-off/pick-up arrangements and accessible facilities where applicable. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees are generally low-to-medium with common costs for uniforms and optional activities; specific amounts vary by year and program. --- ## Short Pros & Cons list Pros - Inclusive, supportive learning environment - Strong focus on literacy, numeracy and wellbeing - Wide range of extracurriculars (sports, arts, clubs) - Positive community engagement and parental involvement - Good facilities for a primary school Cons - Waiting lists can occur for popular year levels - Mid-year transfers depend on space and availability - Some programs may have additional costs for uniforms or activities - Remote location considerations may affect access to external events or opportunities