## 1. Overview
Gowrie Primary School is a public, co-educational school located in Gowrie, ACT. It provides education for students from Kindergarten to Year 6, operating within the ACT Public Schools system. The school aims to foster a supportive, inclusive learning environment that supports academic growth, wellbeing and community involvement.
As a small-to-medium government primary, Gowrie Primary typically offers class sizes around 20–25 students. The atmosphere is described as nurturing, inclusive and community-focused, with an emphasis on personal growth, collaboration and student wellbeing.
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## 2. Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: emphasis on literacy and numeracy with wide opportunities in STEM, arts and language learning; leadership development and learning through inquiry are encouraged.
- Special programs: access to gifted and talented opportunities where available, targeted extension options, and strong support for diverse learners (including EAL/D and SEN services).
- NAPLAN trends: public data generally shows Gowrie Primary’s performance aligning with ACT averages, with year-to-year variation typical across domains.
- Student-teacher ratios: practical classroom environments with small-to-medium class sizes; typical ratios around 1:18–1:23 depending on year level and staffing.
- Support for diverse learners: robust support structures, including EAL/D assistance, learning support plans, differentiated instruction and inclusive education practices.
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## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: a range of team and individual sports typical for primary schools (e.g., soccer, netball, basketball, cricket, athletics, swimming) with opportunities for school-based competitions.
- Strong teams or achievements: active participation in local inter-school events and district competitions; achievements vary by year.
- Music, arts, drama programs: ongoing music education, choir or band opportunities, school presentations and theatre/arts activities.
- Clubs: robotics, coding, chess, debating and science clubs commonly available or run as part of enrichment programs.
- Partnerships: connections with local community groups and regional activities (coding clubs, robotics challenges, inter-school competitions) to extend learning beyond the classroom.
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## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: a whole-school, policy-driven approach with clear expectations, restorative practices and student wellbeing initiatives.
- House system: house groups used to promote belonging, teamwork and school-wide events.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: access to school counsellors or wellbeing staff to support social, emotional and behavioural needs.
- Transition support for new students: orientation activities, buddy systems and targeted transition programs to help new students settle in.
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## 5. Facilities
- Sports grounds: on-site spaces for physical education and outdoor activities.
- Libraries: dedicated library space supporting reading and research.
- Science labs: appropriate facilities for practical science activities.
- Music/performing arts centers: spaces for music, drama and performances.
- Tech/innovation labs: dedicated or integrated spaces for digital learning and maker-type activities.
- Cafeteria: on-site canteen or food service for students.
- Updated playgrounds: well-maintained outdoor play areas and equipment.
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## 6. School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: core emphasis on respect, responsibility, resilience, inclusion and teamwork within a supportive community.
- Leadership style: collaborative and student-inclusive, with opportunities for student leadership, clubs and mentoring.
- Behaviour expectations: clear codes of conduct emphasizing respectful, safe and inclusive behaviour.
- Community reputation: generally positive within the local community for its supportive environment and focus on wellbeing.
- Diversity & inclusion: welcoming to students from diverse backgrounds with inclusive practices and support for all learners.
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## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: aligned with ACT Department schedules; daily start and finish times are published by the school each year.
- Before/after school care: OSHC or equivalent after-school care arrangements commonly available.
- Uniform requirements: school uniform policy in place (typical items include polo shirts, shorts/skirts and logo wear; sun-safe hat requirements in outdoor areas).
- Transport (train/bus routes): accessible by public transport and school bus routes; information about routes and drop-off points provided by the school.
- Canteen availability: on-site canteen or food service for students.
- Fees: public schools in ACT do not charge tuition fees; there may be voluntary contributions and some costs for certain activities or excursions.
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## 8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Enrolment is handled through the ACT education system. Parents/guardians typically submit an application within the official intake period, provide required documents (birth certificate, immunisation records, proof of address, etc.), and follow the timelines set by the department. This process often includes confirmation of the catchment eligibility and placement decisions based on available spaces.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- If year levels reach capacity, a waiting list may be established. Offers are usually made based on eligibility (including catchment status) and available places; movements between grade levels can occur as spaces become available.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Generally, public primary enrolments do not require entrance tests or interviews. Some programs (e.g., gifted and talented initiatives) may have specific readiness criteria or application processes.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are often possible if there is space available. Families should contact the school promptly to arrange an assessment of availability and to complete the required enrolment steps.
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## 9. Frequently Ask Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A welcoming, inclusive culture with a focus on wellbeing, strong literacy/numeracy foundations, supportive staff and a range of enrichment opportunities.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Curious, engaged students who benefit from a collaborative environment, strong pastoral support and opportunities to participate in clubs, sport and the arts.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Access to enrichment programs, sport teams, arts opportunities, coding/robotics clubs, debate and leadership roles, plus targeted support or extension as needed.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular newsletters, parent portals, emails and periodic parent-teacher meetings; information shared via the school website and notices.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Student-centered, differentiated instruction that supports diverse learners, with emphasis on literacy, numeracy and inquiry-based learning.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Early identification, targeted intervention, learning support plans, EAL/D and SEN services, and ongoing monitoring.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Access to teachers, learning support staff and appropriate accommodations or adjustments to learning programs.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated)
- See above: newsletters, portals, emails and scheduled meetings.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes typically around 20–25 students with teacher differentiation and targeted support to ensure individual attention where needed.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A range of sports, music/theatre activities, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess and debating; inter-school events and regional competitions.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts facilities, tech/innovation spaces and a canteen, plus suitable outdoor play areas.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Emphasis on digital literacy and safe use of technology, with access to devices and integrated computer/science activities as part of the curriculum.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Public transport access and school bus routes; clear guidance on drop-off/pick-up and accessibility for all students.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- As a public school, there is no tuition; there may be voluntary contributions and charges for certain activities or excursions.
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## 10. Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Public, inclusive environment with a focus on wellbeing and strong literacy/numeracy foundations.
- Range of enrichment opportunities (clubs, sports, arts, STEM) and supportive staff.
- Accessible facilities and a community-focused culture.
- Cons
- Class sizes, while typical for primary schools, may vary by year level.
- As a public school, space and resources can fluctuate with enrolment demand and year-to-year funding.
- Specific programs or extensions may require waiting lists or eligibility criteria for certain tracks.
