# Overview
Fadden Primary School is a public, co-educational primary school serving families in the Fadden area of Canberra, ACT. It operates under the ACT Department of Education and is part of the public school system. The school is a medium-sized community that emphasises a caring, inclusive learning environment where students are encouraged to explore, think critically and collaborate with peers.
Class sizes are typically in the low-to-mid 20s, depending on year level, with additional support staff available to assist diverse learners. The atmosphere is nurturing and community-focused, with strong parent involvement and partnerships that support student growth across academics, wellbeing and participation in school life.
# Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: strong foundations in English and mathematics, with emphasis on literacy and numeracy across all year levels; opportunities in STEM, science inquiry, and digital literacy; active student leadership opportunities and projects that integrate across subjects; arts and languages are valued as part of a well-rounded education.
- Special programs: enrichment and extension opportunities for able learners; targeted literacy and numeracy supports; integration of inquiry-based learning and technology to develop problem-solving and creative thinking.
- NAPLAN / trends: historical focus on building solid literacy and numeracy foundations; trends in recent years show steady progress in core areas with school-led interventions targeting students who require extra support.
- Student-teacher ratios: class sizes typically in the low-to-mid 20s, with teacher aides and support staff available in many classrooms to assist diverse learners and provide targeted help where needed.
- Support for diverse learners: robust support for EAL students and students with additional learning needs; inclusive education practices, individual learning plans where appropriate, and access to specialist staff to support differentiated instruction.
# Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: a range of primary-level activities including soccer, basketball, athletics, cricket and swimming programs when scheduled; opportunities to participate in inter-school and local district events.
- Strong teams or achievements: active participation in district competitions and school teams; emphasis on teamwork, sportsmanship and personal development alongside competitive experience.
- Music, arts, drama programs: school ensembles, choir or vocal activities, school performances and opportunities to engage in drama and visual arts as part of the curriculum and after-school activities.
- Clubs: robotics, coding, chess, debating and other STEM/academic clubs are commonly available, along with general interest clubs to broaden student interests.
- Partnerships: connections with local community groups, sports clubs and inter-school competitions to broaden experiences and provide additional pathways for students to excel.
# Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: proactive, whole-school approach to bullying with clear policies, student mentoring and peer-support programs; emphasis on respect, kindness and safe learning environments.
- House system: typically uses a house-based structure for events, competitions and social activities to promote belonging and teamwork.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: access to school-based counselling and wellbeing staff to support emotional health, resilience and transition between year levels or key milestones.
- Transition support for new students: orientation activities, buddy systems and targeted induction to help new arrivals settle in quickly and feel welcome.
# Facilities
- Sports grounds
- Libraries
- Science labs
- Music/performing arts centers
- Tech/innovation labs
- Cafeteria
- Updated playgrounds
Facilities are designed to support a balanced program across sport, science, arts and technology, with convenient spaces for collaboration and independent study.
# School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: emphasis on respect, responsibility, resilience and inclusion; a learning culture that values curiosity, integrity and collaboration.
- Leadership style: distributed leadership with opportunities for student voice through councils or representative roles; staff collaboration to continually improve teaching and wellbeing.
- Behaviour expectations: clear codes of conduct and positive reinforcement; consistent expectations across year levels to create predictable and safe routines.
- Community reputation: recognised for a supportive, family-friendly environment with active parent involvement and a focus on student wellbeing and achievement.
- Diversity & inclusion: commitment to welcoming families from diverse backgrounds; programs and practices designed to ensure all students feel included and supported.
# School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: follow ACT public-school hours, with a morning start and afternoon finish aligned to district norms.
- Before/after school care: typically available through outside-school-hours care (OSHC) providers or school-arranged arrangements.
- Uniform requirements: formal school uniform with PE or sports uniform options; hats and sun protection in line with school policy.
- Transport (train/bus routes): access to bus services and public transport options; routes and drop-off zones arranged to support safe travel to and from school.
- Canteen availability: on-site or nearby canteen options offering healthy meal and snack choices.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): public schools do not charge tuition; there may be voluntary contributions and costs for excursions, activities or materials; overall costs are generally moderate compared with non-government settings.
# Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Check eligibility through the ACT Department of Education portal and confirm enrolment availability for your year level.
- Gather required documents (birth certificate, immunisation records, proof of address, and custody/guardianship documents if applicable).
- Submit the enrolment application and any year-level specific forms by the school’s deadline.
- Await placement offers; schools provide placement information and orientation dates if a place is available.
- Attend orientation or information sessions and complete any required pre-start activities prior to the first day.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Some year levels may have wait lists when a year group is full. Applications are typically placed on a wait list managed by the school or the ACT Department of Education.
- The school will contact families if a place becomes available, and offers are issued in accordance with the department’s placement policies and timelines.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Public primary schools in ACT generally do not require entrance exams. Some schools may offer a school tour or information session.
- Immunisation records and proof of residency may be required; in some cases, interviews or conversations focus on your child’s needs and the family context to support a smooth transition.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are possible depending on vacancy and class capacity.
- Families should contact the school as early as possible to discuss availability, transfer documentation and start dates, and to arrange a school visit or intake assessment if applicable.
# Frequently Ask Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A welcoming, inclusive environment with a strong focus on wellbeing, literacy and numeracy; engaged staff, active parent involvement and opportunities across sports, arts and clubs; supportive programs for diverse learners.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Curious, respectful and collaborative students who enjoy being part of a community; those who engage in both academics and extracurriculars and who value wellbeing and inclusivity tend to do well.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Enrichment and extension in core academics; STEM and digital learning; arts and music programs; sports teams and inter-school events; clubs such as robotics, chess, coding and debating.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular newsletters, emails and notices; parent portals or online platforms for updates; parent information evenings and activity days.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- A combination of explicit teaching, differentiated instruction and inquiry-based learning; use of formative assessment to guide instruction and track progress; emphasis on literacy and numeracy as foundations.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted interventions, small-group or one-on-one support; EAL and SEN support; access to specialist staff and resources; progress monitoring to adjust supports as needed.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Additional tutoring, literacy/numeracy boosters and tailored plans; referral to counsellors or wellbeing staff if challenges relate to wellbeing affecting learning.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (repeat)
- See above: regular updates via newsletters, portals and meetings; open-door policy for parent inquiries and involvement opportunities.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes are typically in the low-to-mid 20s, with differentiation in lessons and access to support staff to provide individualized attention as needed.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A range of sports and athletic programs, arts and drama activities, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess and debating; opportunities to participate in inter-school events and competitions.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts facilities, tech/innovation spaces, a cafeteria and updated playgrounds.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of digital literacy across the curriculum, use of ICT tools and devices to support learning, and opportunities to develop responsible, safe technology use.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Access to public transport routes and school-provided drop-off arrangements; safe and accessible facilities for students and families.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Public schools do not charge tuition; there may be voluntary contributions and costs for excursions, resources or activities; costs vary by activity and program.
# Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Public, inclusive environment with a focus on student wellbeing
- Balanced curriculum across core subjects, sport, arts and digital learning
- Medium-sized, community-focused school with active parent involvement
- Support for diverse learners (EAL, SEN) and strong transition programs
- Range of extracurriculars and clubs, plus opportunities for student leadership
- Cons
- Class sizes can be in the low-to-mid 20s, which may affect individual attention in very large cohorts
- Availability of places can vary by year level; some families may experience wait lists
- As a public school, infrastructure and resources are subject to government funding and scheduling
- Transport options depend on location and can vary in convenience for some families
