Grange Primary School

## 1. Overview Grange Primary is a public (government) primary school serving families in the Grange area. It offers a medium-sized school community with a range of programs to support learners across year levels. - School type: Public - School size: Medium - Class size: Typically 20–25 students per class - Atmosphere/culture: Inclusive, nurturing, academically focused with a strong sense of community Grange Primary emphasises a welcoming environment where students are encouraged to participate, try new things and work collaboratively with peers and teachers. --- ## 2. Academics & Learning Grange Primary focuses on building strong literacy and numeracy foundations while expanding opportunities in STEM, leadership and languages. The school supports a culture of inquiry and collaborative learning to prepare students for future learning. - Academic strengths: Literacy and numeracy foundations, STEM activities, leadership opportunities, and languages - Special programs: Gifted and Talented (G&T) or extension opportunities where appropriate - NAPLAN / trends: Trends over recent years have shown steady improvement in reading and numeracy, with consistent performance across cohorts - Student-teacher ratios: Moderate ratios typical of public primary schools (approximately 1:22–1:24) - Support for diverse learners: EAL support, SEN support, and targeted interventions as needed --- ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths Sports and extracurriculars are a key focus, with opportunities to participate in team and individual activities. The school supports a range of clubs and events to engage students beyond the classroom. - Sports offered: Athletics, cricket, soccer, netball, swimming and other local interschool activities - Strong teams or achievements: Participation in district and interschool fixtures; recognition through school teams and events - Music, arts, drama programs: School choir, instrumental lessons and school productions - Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating and other interest-based clubs - Partnerships: Connections with local clubs and community partners for coaching, competitions and enrichment opportunities --- ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care Wellbeing is a central focus, with programs and structures designed to support students’ social and emotional health and successful transitions. - Anti-bullying approach: Clear policies, proactive education, and student-led initiatives to promote kindness and respect - House system: House groups support school events, peer mentoring and teamwork - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school-based counselling and wellbeing staff - Transition support for new students: Orientation activities, buddy systems and targeted supports to help new students settle in --- ## 5. Facilities The facilities support a well-rounded education and provide spaces for learning, performance and recreation. - Sports grounds - Libraries - Science labs - Music/performing arts centers - Tech/innovation labs - Cafeteria - Updated playgrounds --- ## 6. School Values & Community Culture Grange Primary aims to foster values-driven learning and a positive, inclusive community culture. - School values / mission: Core values such as respect, responsibility, resilience and cooperation - Leadership style: Collaborative and student-inclusive, with opportunities for student voice and leadership - Behaviour expectations: Clear policies promoting positive behavior, with recognition and restorative approaches - Community reputation: Friendly, engaged families and a supportive local community - Diversity & inclusion: Strong commitment to inclusion and support for students from diverse backgrounds --- ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations Practical details help families plan around school routines and services. - School hours: Typical day runs during standard public school hours (start mid-morning to afternoon; exact times may vary by year level) - Before/after school care: OSHC or similar after-school care options may be available - Uniform requirements: School uniform or dress code as required by the public system - Transport (train/bus routes): Local bus services and walking/cycling options; transport arrangements depend on family location - Canteen availability: On-site canteen or snack options may be available - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Public primary schools generally have voluntary contributions; uniform costs and similar supplies are additional but in a moderate range --- ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Enrolment is typically managed through the Department for Education’s admissions process. Families usually submit an enrolment form with required documentation (proof of address, child’s birth certificate, immunisation records, etc.). Placement timelines are dependent on space and year level; initial offers are often made with consideration to the school’s capacity and regional intake schedules. Orientation and information sessions may be offered for new families. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Yes, if the school is oversubscribed, a waitlist may be used. Offers are made as spaces become available, prioritising enrolment processes and guidelines set by the education authority. Families on the waitlist are contacted if a place opens. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Public primary schools generally do not require entrance tests for Reception or early year levels. Some schools may request minimal information or conduct informal interviews or conversations with families to understand needs and fit. The primary focus is on enrolment documentation and space availability. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are considered where vacancies exist. Families seeking mid-year transfer should contact the school early to discuss space, curriculum alignment and required transfer documentation (e.g., current report cards, vaccination records, and consent forms). --- ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A welcoming, inclusive environment with strong literacy and numeracy foundations, plus diverse extracurricular options and supportive staff. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who value a collaborative learning culture, participate in clubs and sports, and respond well to supportive, respectful environments. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Extended learning through Gifted and Talented opportunities where offered, STEM activities, leadership roles, sports teams, music and drama programs, and clubs such as robotics, coding and debating. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular updates via newsletters, email, parent-teacher meetings and school portals. Clear channels exist for feedback and engagement. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - A balanced approach combining literacy/numeracy focus with inquiry-based learning, collaboration, and opportunities to apply skills across subjects. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted interventions, EAL and SEN support, and access to additional tutoring or modified learning plans as appropriate. - What support is available for academic challenges? - In-class differentiation, small-group support, and referrals to specialist staff as needed. - How does the school communicate with parents? (duplicate) - See above: regular updates, meetings and digital communications. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes are typically around 20–25 students, with teachers able to provide targeted attention within the class and through targeted interventions. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A range of sports (athletics, netball, cricket, soccer, etc.), music and arts programs, and clubs such as robotics, chess, coding and debating. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, and a canteen area. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integrated technology use to support learning, with opportunities for students to develop digital literacy and coding skills through appropriate programs and clubs. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Access to local bus services and walking/cycling routes; specifics depend on home location and transport arrangements. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Public primary schools rely on voluntary contributions; uniforms and some activity costs may apply, with overall costs kept moderate. --- ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Inclusive, supportive learning environment - Strong focus on literacy and numeracy with STEM opportunities - Broad range of extracurriculars (sports, arts, clubs) - Clear wellbeing and pastoral care structures - Moderate class sizes and accessible student support - Cons - As a public school, space can be limited during peak enrolment periods - Uniform and material costs are ongoing; some families may incur additional expenses for activities - Transportation options depend on location and may require planning for some families