## Overview
Gilmore Primary School is a public, co-educational primary school in Canberra, ACT, offering Kindergarten to Year 6. The school provides a medium-sized, community-focused learning environment that emphasises inclusivity, well-being, and active student participation. Class sizes are typical for ACT public primary schools, generally around 20–25 students, with strong teacher and support staff involvement to support individual learning needs. The atmosphere is nurturing and welcoming, with a clear focus on creating a safe, respectful, and collaborative culture where students can grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
## Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: strong focus on literacy and numeracy, with engaging STEM activities, digital literacy, and opportunities to develop leadership and communication skills.
- Special programs: access to enrichment and gifted/talented opportunities within the ACT public system, along with targeted support to extend learners and address needs.
- NAPLAN / trends: trends typically show steady or improving performance in reading and numeracy over time, in line with ACT public-school trajectories.
- Student-teacher ratios: class sizes around 20–25 students; school-wide supports aim to maintain a favorable teacher-to-student ratio to enable more targeted instruction.
- Support for diverse learners: dedicated support for diverse learners, including EAL (English as an Additional Language) assistance and SEN (Special Educational Needs) support, with available learning support staff and referrals as needed.
## Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: a range of sports common to primary schools, including soccer, netball, cricket, basketball, athletics, and swimming activities throughout the year.
- Strong teams or achievements: participation in inter-school and district-level competitions, with emphasis on teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal development.
- Music, arts, drama programs: active performing arts options, including school choir/band opportunities and drama activities linked to productions and showcases.
- Clubs: robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other interest-based clubs to foster curiosity and problem-solving.
- Partnerships: connections with local clubs and inter-school programs, providing additional pathways for athletes, performers, and technologists to compete and learn beyond the classroom.
## Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: whole-school wellbeing framework with clear anti-bullying policies, student-led initiatives, and ongoing education around respectful relationships.
- House system: house groups support belonging, peer leadership, and friendly competition across activities and events.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: access to school wellbeing staff and counsellors to support social-emotional learning and individual needs.
- Transition support for new students: orientation activities, buddy programs, and targeted transition support to help new students settle in smoothly.
## Facilities
- Sports grounds: well-maintained outdoor spaces suitable for recess, physical education, and sports.
- Libraries: a dedicated library for reading, research, and quiet study.
- Science labs: appropriately equipped spaces for hands-on experiments and inquiry-based learning.
- Music/performing arts centers: spaces for music, drama, and performances.
- Tech/innovation labs: resources to support digital learning, coding, and STEAM activities.
- Cafeteria: on-site canteen or lunch program to support daily meals and healthy eating.
- Updated playgrounds: modern, safe play areas that support active learning and recreation.
## School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: emphasis on respect, responsibility, resilience, and inclusion; student voice and leadership are encouraged.
- Leadership style: distributed leadership with opportunities for student representatives and teacher collaboration to shape school initiatives.
- Behaviour expectations: clear behavioural norms aligned with positive conduct, with consistent routines and positive reinforcement.
- Community reputation: seen as a welcoming, family-friendly school with strong parent and community involvement.
- Diversity & inclusion: commitment to inclusive education, supporting students from diverse backgrounds and needs to participate fully in school life.
## School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: typical day runs from morning start to mid-afternoon finish, with variability by year level.
- Before/after school care: access to Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) or similar programs for before/after school needs.
- Uniform requirements: school uniform expected, with guidelines provided by the school.
- Transport: transport options include local bus routes and proximity to public transport; school encourages safe walking/cycling where feasible.
- Canteen availability: on-site canteen or lunch-order program available to support daily meals.
- Fees: as a public school, tuition is not charged; there may be voluntary contributions and costs for excursions or activities, generally considered low to medium in comparison with many private options.
## Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Check catchment requirements and start your application through the ACT Department of Education enrolment process.
- Gather required documents (proof of address, immunisation records, birth certificate or passport, and any custody or visa documentation if applicable).
- Submit the enrolment application, then await confirmation, notification of any additional steps, and the allocation timeline for start date and orientation.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Some intake periods may have a waiting list depending on space and catchment priorities.
- Admissions typically prioritize siblings, then proximity and availability; the school will advise on wait times and options if space is limited.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- For most public primary enrolments, there are no entrance tests or interviews.
- Documentation and eligibility (including evidence of immunisation and address) are required; school staffing may conduct intake conversations to support transition.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are possible if space permits, subject to the ACT Department of Education processes and confirmation of place in the new year level.
## Frequently Ask Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A welcoming, inclusive environment with a focus on well-being, strong literacy and numeracy programs, and a range of extracurricular opportunities that support the whole-child development.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who enjoy a collaborative, supportive culture, are curious, participate in a broad range of subjects and activities, and benefit from an inclusive environment with strong pastoral care.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Enrichment programs, gifted/talented options, leadership opportunities, competitive and recreational sports, music and drama, robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other clubs.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular updates via newsletters, portals, parent-teacher conferences, and targeted notices about events, assessments, and student progress.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- A balanced approach combining strong literacy and numeracy foundations with inquiry-based learning, digital literacy, and opportunities for student voice and collaboration.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted intervention and support services, learning support staff, EAL and SEN assistance, and access to tailored programs to meet individual needs.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Individual or small-group support plans, ongoing assessment, and referrals to specialists as needed to help students progress.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- See above; through multiple channels including digital platforms and well-structured parent sessions.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes typically around 20–25 students, with teachers providing targeted instruction and additional support as needed.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A broad offering including team and individual sports, music and performing arts, robotics, coding, chess, debating, and inter-school activities.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Well-equipped sports facilities, library, science labs, music/arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, and dining/canopy areas to support a diverse program.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of digital literacy across the curriculum, with appropriate devices and software to support learning, creativity, and collaboration.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Access to local bus routes and proximity to public transport; emphasis on safe, accessible routes for students.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Public-school base tuition is not charged; there are voluntary contributions and potential costs for excursions, activities, and materials.
## Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Public, inclusive environment with strong wellbeing and support systems
- Balanced focus on academics, sports, arts, and technology
- Diverse range of extracurricular activities and clubs
- Evidence of active parent and community involvement
- Thoughtful transition and onboarding for new students
- Cons
- Class sizes and resources are dependent on year level and can vary with enrolment numbers
- As with many public schools, some specialised programs may have limited capacity or be offered intermittently
- Transport options depend on local routes and proximity to catchment areas
