Lesmurdie Senior High School

# Overview Lesmurdie Senior High School is a public, co-educational high school serving students in Western Australia. As a mid-sized government secondary school, it emphasises a balanced education that blends academic learning with wellbeing and plenty of opportunities beyond the classroom. The school fosters an inclusive, supportive culture where students are encouraged to pursue their strengths in a wide range of subjects and activities. Class sizes are typically in the mid-20s, allowing for engaged learning and teacher guidance while maintaining a lively school community. The atmosphere is generally described as inclusive and supportive, with a focus on student achievement, wellbeing and belonging within a diverse cohort of learners. ⸻ # Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: A broad curriculum with emphasis on STEM, English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities and Languages, plus opportunities to develop leadership and communication skills. - Special programs: Likely participation in Gifted and Talented pathways, VET and other career education options, and ATAR/ATAR-pathway tracks to support university entrance. - NAPLAN trends: Schools in this category typically show stable to improving performance across reading, writing and numeracy over recent years, with targeted improvements in literacy and numeracy support where appropriate. - Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes commonly range around 20–28 students, with teacher support accessible through subject departments and an emphasis on responsive teaching. - Support for diverse learners: EAL (English as an Additional Language) support, dedicated SEN/coordinator resources, and learning support staff to assist students with a range of learning needs. ⸻ # Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: Common WA high school programs include football (soccer), basketball, netball, cricket, athletics, swimming and cross-country, with opportunities to participate in inter-school competitions. - Strong teams or achievements: Active participation in inter-school events and regional competitions; pride in teamwork, sportsmanship and school spirit. - Music, arts, drama programs: School ensembles, choir, theatre and drama productions, and opportunities to perform in community events. - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating and other interest-based clubs to develop practical and critical thinking skills. - Partnerships: Collaborations with local clubs, sporting organisations and regional competitions to provide extra training, mentoring and competition pathways. ⸻ # Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: A clear anti-bullying policy with proactive education, reporting mechanisms and support systems for students. - House system: A pastoral structure (house system or equivalent) to foster belonging, mentorship and friendly competition. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to dedicated school counsellors and wellbeing staff to support academic, social and emotional needs. - Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems and targeted transition support to help new students settle in smoothly. ⸻ # Facilities - Sports grounds: On-site outdoor spaces for physical education and sport. - Libraries: Access to a library with study spaces, resource borrowing and quiet study areas. - Science labs: Functional science laboratories for biology, chemistry and physics experiments. - Music/performing arts centers: Space for music rehearsals, drama productions and performances. - Tech/innovation labs: Practical spaces for digital technologies, robotics and design/engineering activities. - Cafeteria: On-site canteen or cafeteria offering snacks and meals. - Updated playgrounds: Safe, updated outdoor areas for recreation and breaks. ⸻ # School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: A focus on respect, responsibility, inclusion, resilience and achievement to prepare students for life beyond school. - Leadership style: Active student leadership opportunities (e.g., student councils) alongside strong teacher leadership and collaboration. - Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct and expectations designed to promote a positive, safe learning environment. - Community reputation: Generally viewed as a welcoming, community-oriented school with strong emphasis on student wellbeing and achievement. - Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to an inclusive culture that supports students from diverse backgrounds and abilities. ⸻ # School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typical school day runs from morning to afternoon (start around 8:30am and finish around 3:00pm; exact times may vary by year level and timetable). - Before/after school care: After-school supervision and study options may be available through school programs or external community services. - Uniform requirements: Uniform policy in place; details on approved attire provided by the school. Plain, required items are common, with school-branded options. - Transport (train/bus routes): Local bus services and school transport routes commonly serving the catchment area; check the Department of Transport schedules and school transport information. - Canteen availability: On-site canteen or cafeteria offering a range of meals and snacks. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): As a public school, there is no tuition; expect minimal costs for materials, elective activities, and certain programs or excursions, along with standard voluntary contributions. ⸻ # Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Enrolment is typically managed through the Western Australian Department of Education. Parents/guardians submit an application within the school’s intake period, with documentation such as proof of residence and student details. Timelines vary by year level and term, so it’s best to check the Department’s guidance and the school’s admissions team for current dates and required documents. Local intake areas may influence eligibility and placement. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Waiting lists can form when demand exceeds immediate capacity, particularly for popular year levels or programs. Placement from a waiting list generally depends on vacancy availability and may follow prioritisation rules set by the Department of Education. Families may be offered a place later in the year if spaces open up. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - For general enrolment, entry typically requires standard documentation and proof of residency. Tests or interviews are not commonly required for standard enrollments; however, selective programs or special pathways may involve additional assessments or conversations. International students may have separate processes. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are possible if space is available and approvals are granted by the school and Department of Education. Parents should contact the enrolment office as early as possible to discuss vacancy, required documentation, and transition arrangements with the new school. ⸻ # Frequently Ask Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? This school offers a balanced program focused on academic development, wellbeing and inclusive community, with access to a broad range of subjects, sports, arts and pathways to work or further study. - What type of student thrives at this school? Students who engage across academics, sports, arts and clubs, who value a supportive community and want a well-rounded high school experience tend to thrive here. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? Opportunities include advanced or ATAR pathways, VET/career education tracks, leadership roles, sports teams, music ensembles, drama productions, robotics, coding, debating and other clubs. - How does the school communicate with parents? Regular updates may be shared through newsletters, parent portals, and meetings. The school typically provides pathways for parent-teacher communication and progress reporting. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? A flexible, student-centred approach supports diverse learners, with differentiated instruction and subject-specific support, alongside a focus on resilience and critical thinking. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? Targeted learning support, SEN coordination, EAL services and additional tutoring or small-group interventions are commonly available. - What support is available for academic challenges? Access to counsellors, learning support staff and teachers who adapt instruction to individual needs is typically provided. - How does the school communicate with parents? (Same as above) Regular channels include newsletters, portals and meetings. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? Class sizes are generally in the 20s, with opportunities for targeted teacher support through tutorials, after-school help and subject-specific assistance. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? A wide range of clubs and teams across sports, robotics, coding, chess, debating, music and drama, with inter-school competition and community partnerships. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? On-site sports grounds, library, science labs, performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs and a canteen, plus typical playgrounds and learning spaces. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? Digital learning is integrated into the curriculum with computer labs, coding/clubs and age-appropriate technology use to build digital literacy. - What transport and accessibility options are available? Local bus routes and school transport services are available; parents should consult the Department of Transport or the school for specific routes and accessibility options. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? Public school attendance does not include tuition fees, but there may be costs for materials, excursions, uniform items and optional activities. ⸻ # Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Public, comprehensive high school with inclusive culture and wellbeing focus - Broad curriculum with academic and vocational pathways - Wide range of extracurriculars (sport, arts, clubs) - Support for diverse learners (EAL, SEN) - Active student leadership and community involvement - Cons - Class sizes in the mid-20s, which may feel larger during busy terms - Enrolment demand can influence waiting times or intake availability for certain year levels or programs - Uniform policy requires adherence and associated outlays for school attire - Details on programs and facilities can shift with yearly staffing and funding changes ⸻