Hargraves Public School

## 1. Overview Hargraves Public School is a public, co-educational primary school serving the rural community around Hargraves, NSW. The school operates with a small-school atmosphere that many families value for its close-knit feel and personalised teaching. Class sizes are typically small, enabling teachers to give more individual attention and students to participate actively in class. The atmosphere is nurturing and inclusive, with a strong focus on building positive relationships, wellbeing, and a sense of belonging in the school community. ⸻ ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy with opportunities to engage in STEM concepts, hands-on learning, and cross-curricular projects. The school supports creative and critical thinking across subjects and fosters lifelong learning habits. - Special programs: access to enrichment and leadership opportunities, digital learning initiatives, and where available, gifted/talented activities within the NSW public school framework. - NAPLAN / Ofsted trends: the school monitors NAPLAN results over time to guide teaching and targeted support, aiming to show gradual year-to-year improvement in literacy and numeracy. - Student-teacher ratios: small class settings often allow for more targeted instruction, feedback, and differentiated learning experiences. - Support for diverse learners: inclusive education with support for diverse learners, including assistance for students needing EAL (English as an Additional Language) support and SEN (Special Education Needs), along with individual learning plans where appropriate. ⸻ ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: a range of team and individual sports typical of rural NSW primary schools, including cricket, football (soccer), netball, athletics, and swimming, with participation in local inter-school events. - Strong teams or achievements: frequent involvement in district/zone sports and inter-school competitions, with opportunities to develop teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. - Music, arts, drama programs: foundational programs in music and performing arts, with opportunities to participate in school ensembles, performances, and related activities. - Clubs: robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other enrichment clubs are encouraged to broaden practical and critical-thinking skills. - Partnerships: connections with local community groups and regional clubs for workshops, events, and competitions, supporting pathways in sport, arts, and STEM. ⸻ ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: evidence-based wellbeing practices, clear anti-bullying policies, and proactive strategies to promote respectful relationships and safe environments. - House system: a house-based structure fosters belonging, teamwork, and healthy competition across year levels. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: access to school-based wellbeing support, including guidance and pastoral care services to help students manage social, emotional, and academic needs. - Transition support for new students: programs to help new students settle in, build peer connections, and understand school routines and expectations. ⸻ ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: outdoor playing fields and courts suitable for physical education and sports activities. - Libraries: a school library space for quiet reading, research, and study activities. - Science labs: dedicated spaces for hands-on science experiments and inquiry-based learning. - Music/performing arts centers: areas for music practice, rehearsals, and performances. - Tech/innovation labs: learning spaces equipped for digital literacy, coding, and project-based makerspace activities. - Cafeteria: on-site canteen or canteen facilities supporting student meals and healthy snacks. - Updated playgrounds: well-maintained play areas and equipment for outdoor recreation and exploration. ⸻ ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: a clear focus on respect, responsibility, curiosity, inclusivity, and community-minded learning. - Leadership style: student-centered and collaborative, with opportunities for pupil voice, peer leadership, and teacher-guided mentoring. - Behaviour expectations: consistent, positive behaviour framework with predictable routines and constructive feedback. - Community reputation: a strong, supportive rural community where families and staff work closely together to support student growth. - Diversity & inclusion: welcoming environment that recognises and respects differences, with inclusive practices across teaching and activities. ⸻ ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: structured daily schedule typical of NSW public primary schools, with focused learning blocks and built-in breaks. - Before/after school care: options may be available through on-site programs or local community providers. - Uniform requirements: school uniform standard, with guidelines for daily wear and approved attire for excursions and events. - Transport (train/bus routes): local transport arrangements, including bus services or school-approved transport options where applicable. - Canteen availability: on-site or nearby canteen facilities offering healthy meal and snack options. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): public schooling generally involves minimal tuition, with potential voluntary contributions and costs for activities or excursions; overall, costs are kept modest. ⸻ ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Enrolment typically begins with submitting an application to the school, along with required documents (e.g., proof of residence or local catchment information). Families are advised of timelines, open days, and onboarding steps, with guidance on required materials and when enrolments should be completed ahead of the school year. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - If the school is at capacity, a waiting list may apply. Placement on the waiting list is usually determined by local catchment rules, date of application, and availability of places, with ongoing communication from the school. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - For most public primary enrolments, there are no academic entrance tests. An information session or brief interview with families may occur to understand needs, support requirements (e.g., EAL or SEN), and to communicate the school’s services. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Yes, mid-year transfers are possible if there is available capacity. Families should contact the school promptly to check space and start the transfer process. ⸻ ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A close-knit, supportive community with small class sizes and personalised attention, emphasis on wellbeing, and a balanced focus on academics, sport, and the arts. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who benefit from a nurturing, inclusive environment, strong relationships with teachers, and opportunities for participation in a range of activities beyond academics. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Enrichment and leadership opportunities, STEM and digital learning programs, partnerships for competitions, and a range of sports, arts, and club activities. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular updates via newsletters, parent-teacher meetings, digital platforms, and timely responses from staff about student progress and upcoming events. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Student-centered, inclusive teaching with a focus on literacy and numeracy, project-based learning, and opportunities to apply knowledge across subjects. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted support within classrooms, small-group instruction, and access to learning support staff and resources for EAL and SEN needs. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Early identification of learning needs, personalised planning, and collaboration with families to implement appropriate interventions and supports. - How does the school communicate with parents? (duplicate) - See above: through newsletters, meetings, and digital communication channels. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes are small, enabling more individualized instruction, frequent feedback, and tailored support within the learning program. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A range of sports (team and individual), music and arts programs, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, a canteen, and updated playgrounds. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Emphasis on digital literacy and integrated technology in learning, with suitable devices and pathways to develop ICT skills. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Local transport provision through bus services or other arrangements; accessibility considerations are addressed to support all students. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Public schooling involves minimal tuition; there may be voluntary contributions and costs for excursions or activities, variably applied. ⸻ ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros: - Small, supportive, community-focused environment - Personalised attention and strong student-teacher relationships - Broad range of extra-curricular activities and clubs - Inclusive practices and wellbeing emphasis - Accessible facilities for a rural school - Cons: - Smaller school may have fewer specialist programs than larger urban schools - Limited course breadth in some subjects compared with bigger campuses - Transportation and travel considerations for families in remote areas - Availability of certain programs may vary year to year depending on staffing and enrolment ⸻