Overview
Lake Grace District High School is a public, co-educational high school serving families in the Lake Grace region of Western Australia. As a small, rural regional school, it prioritises a close-knit, inclusive atmosphere where students are known well by staff. Class sizes are kept small to medium, which supports individualized teaching and stronger student-teacher relationships, and the school emphasises wellbeing and community involvement as core parts of the student experience.
The school aims to provide a welcoming, supportive environment that balances academic learning with practical, real-world skills. Students benefit from a collaborative culture that values participation, respect, and contribution to the local community, helping foster a sense of belonging and belonging within the school.
Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: The school focuses on a solid core curriculum with strengths in English and STEM-related subjects, complemented by practical and applied learning opportunities that prepare students for post-school pathways.
- Special programs: WA Curriculum delivery with access to vocational education and training (VET) options and school-based pathways. The school emphasises differentiated learning and core competencies while supporting pathways beyond traditional classroom subjects.
- Support for diverse learners: Dedicated support for diverse learners is available, including learning support staff and access to adjustments or individualized plans for students with SEN. Where applicable, additional support services are provided to assist students who are learning English as an additional language or require targeted literacy/numeracy interventions.
- Sports offered: The school participates in common regional high school sports such as football (soccer or Australian rules depending on season), netball, basketball, cricket, and athletics, with opportunities for school-house and district-level competition.
- Strong teams or achievements: School-level and district-level participation supports student-athletes and teams, with emphasis on development, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Performing arts and music programs are encouraged as part of the well-rounded education, with opportunities to participate in school events and productions.
- Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, and debating are often available or encouraged as part of after-school activities, depending on enrolment and staffing.
- Partnerships: Local partnerships with community groups and regional competitions help broaden opportunities for students beyond the classroom, including regional sports leagues and arts events.
Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: The school maintains an anti-bullying policy and fosters a respectful, inclusive culture with student wellbeing at the forefront of daily life.
- House system: A house system supports leadership, teamwork, and buddy networks, with house activities contributing to a sense of belonging.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to wellbeing staff and guidance services is available to support students’ emotional, social, and mental well-being.
- Transition support for new students: Transition programs and buddy systems help new students settle in, find peers, and understand school routines quickly.
Facilities
- Sports grounds: Outdoor spaces and playing fields suitable for a range of sports and physical activities.
- Libraries: A library that supports reading, study, and research needs.
- Science labs: Science facilities to support practical experiments and inquiry-based learning.
- Music/performing arts centers: Space for rehearsals, performances, and music education.
- Tech/innovation labs: Facilities for technology and digital learning, including creative and practical projects.
- Cafeteria: On-site canteen or food service to support student meals and breaks.
- Updated playgrounds: Play spaces designed for recreation and safe social interaction.
- School values / mission: The school pursues a values-led education focused on respect, responsibility, resilience, and inclusion within a supportive community.
- Leadership style: Leadership opportunities for students are encouraged, with staff facilitating student voice, leadership roles, and collaborative decision-making.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear behaviour standards tied to the school’s values, prioritising respect, accountability, and positive conduct.
- Community reputation: The school is viewed as a friendly, community-centered institution with a strong focus on student wellbeing and local engagement.
- Diversity & inclusion: Emphasis on inclusive practices and ensuring opportunities are available to a broad range of learners within the rural community.
School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typical daily timetable runs during standard school hours (consistent with WA public school practices). Specific start/end times may vary by term and year level.
- Before/after school care: Some arrangements or programs may be available, depending on staffing and community needs.
- Uniform requirements: School uniform is expected, with guidelines provided by the school to maintain a consistent, neat appearance.
- Transport (bus routes): Regional bus services and school transport arrangements support students from surrounding areas to attend classes.
- Canteen availability: On-site canteen or food service available during breaks.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Tuition is not charged for public schooling; there may be modest costs for materials, activities, or extra-curricular programs. Uniforms and approved resources may incur standard costs.
Enrolment & Admissions
- What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Enrolment typically follows the Western Australian Department of Education process for public schools. Prospective families should submit the required enrolment documentation through the school or district, with timelines aligned to the school year. Local enrolments are prioritised within the catchment area, with timelines varying by cohort.
- Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Waiting lists may exist in peak periods or when programs are full. Space permitting, families on a waiting list are contacted in order of priority and timing, with consideration given to enrolment priorities and resourcing.
- Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Public high schools generally do not require entrance exams. Some year-level placements or assessments may occur to determine appropriate class groupings or to support transition planning. In some cases, interviews may be used to discuss student needs and fit.
- Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are possible where space allows. Prospective students should contact the school early to understand space availability, transition supports, and any documentation required for a mid-year move.
Frequently Ask Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A welcoming, close-knit community with strong wellbeing focus, personalized attention, and a safe, supportive learning environment.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who value a close community, opportunities for leadership, and a balanced mix of academic and practical learning in a regional setting.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Access to VET pathways, potential school-based apprenticeships, sports teams, clubs (robotics, chess, coding, debating), music and drama programs.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular updates through newsletters, emails, phone calls, parent information sessions, and events. Day-to-day contact may be via the school office and year-level coordinators.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- WA Curriculum delivery with emphasis on differentiated instruction, literacy and numeracy development, and practical learning experiences to prepare for post-school pathways.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Learning support staff, targeted interventions, and individualized plans or modifications to help students reach their goals.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Access to tutoring, study supports, and collaboration between teachers, support staff, and families to build a plan.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (Duplicate question)
- See above: newsletters, emails, calls, and events; digital platforms may be used for updates and reminders.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- Sports such as football/netball/basketball/cricket/athletics, plus clubs like robotics, chess, coding, and debating; arts and music programs complement the offerings.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, cafeteria, and playgrounds.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Emphasis on digital literacy, use of classroom technology and ICT resources, with integration of online learning tools where appropriate.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Regional bus services and school transport options; accessible facilities to support students with mobility needs.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Public schooling does not charge tuition; there may be minimal costs for materials, activities, uniforms, and extra-curricular programs.
Short Pros & Cons list
- Close-knit, supportive rural community
- Strong wellbeing focus and safe learning environment
- Access to VET pathways and regional extracurricular opportunities
- Active student leadership and involvement within the local community
- Remote location may mean longer travel for some families
- Limited elective subject breadth compared with larger city schools
- Availability of certain programs may vary year-to-year based on staffing and enrolment
- Fewer on-site facilities compared with urban campuses
- Travel times and limited after-school options can affect activity scheduling
