1. Overview
Macquarie Primary School is a public, co-educational primary school serving students in Macquarie, ACT. The school is part of the ACT public education system and focuses on creating a welcoming, inclusive learning community for early years through to year 6.
School type: public (government)
School size: medium
Class size: typically around 20–24 students per class
Atmosphere/culture: nurturing, inclusive, and supportive, with a focus on student wellbeing and community involvement.
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2. Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: solid foundation in literacy and numeracy with integrated STEM, arts, and language programs to build well-rounded learners.
- Special programs: opportunities for Gifted and Talented (G&T) pathways and accelerated learning where available, plus targeted supports to meet diverse learning needs.
- NAPLAN / trends: recent years show positive trends in reading and numeracy with ongoing emphasis on improving writing and overall academic growth.
- Student-teacher ratios: aiming for small-group support and accessible teachers, supporting individual learning needs.
- Support for diverse learners: dedicated support for EAL learners and students with additional learning needs (SEN), with inclusive education practices in place.
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3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: a broad range of school-based and intersite activities (e.g., soccer, athletics, basketball, cricket, running programs) aligned to seasons.
- Strong teams or achievements: active participation in inter-school teams and local competitions, with opportunities to develop teamwork and competitive skills.
- Music, arts, drama programs: regular music sessions, choir or ensemble opportunities, and school productions to build performing arts skills.
- Clubs: robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other clubs aimed at enhancing problem-solving and critical thinking.
- Partnerships: connections with local clubs and community organisations for extra-curricular opportunities and competitions.
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4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: whole-school positive behavior framework with clear expectations and restorative practices.
- House system: house groups to foster healthy competition, belonging, and leadership opportunities.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: access to school wellbeing staff or counsellors to support mental health and social-emotional learning.
- Transition support for new students: buddy programs, orientation activities, and targeted transition support to help students settle in.
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5. Facilities
- Sports grounds: on-site outdoor spaces suitable for physical education and sport.
- Libraries: well-equipped library supporting reading for pleasure and research.
- Science labs: dedicated spaces for hands-on science experiments and inquiry.
- Music/performing arts centers: spaces for music, drama, and related performances.
- Tech/innovation labs: classrooms or labs with digital tools and creative tech activities.
- Cafeteria: on-site canteen or food service options.
- Updated playgrounds: modernized play areas and outdoor learning spaces.
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6. School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: emphasis on respect, responsibility, resilience, and collaboration; student voice is encouraged.
- Leadership style: participatory and collaborative, with opportunities for student leadership and peer mentoring.
- Behaviour expectations: clear codes of conduct with consistent routines and positive reinforcement.
- Community reputation: widely regarded as a supportive, parent-friendly school with strong community involvement.
- Diversity & inclusion: inclusive environment with supports for students from diverse backgrounds.
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7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: typical day runs from morning to mid-afternoon (e.g., 9:00 am–3:15 pm; exact times may vary by year level).
- Before/after school care: OSHC or similar arrangements available for before and after school care.
- Uniform requirements: school uniform required; details on colors and dress standards provided by the school.
- Transport (train/bus routes): access to bus services and public transport options within the Canberra area; school staff can assist with route information.
- Canteen availability: on-site canteen or snack options for students.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): as a public school, there is no tuition fee; expect standard contributions for resources, activities, and uniforms, with optional or voluntary fees for certain programs.
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8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Submit an enrolment application through the ACT Department of Education process.
- In-area priority typically applies, with offers issued for the upcoming school year; orientation or welcome sessions may be provided.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Waiting lists may exist, especially for in-demand year levels or areas. Placement often depends on enrolment priorities and space availability. Timelines vary.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Generally, schools focus on enrolment documentation and readiness for year level placement. Some schools may conduct short readiness activities or intake discussions; EAL/SEN considerations are accommodated as needed.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers may be possible depending on space and staffing; contact the school to discuss availability and the transition plan.
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9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A caring, inclusive community with strong literacy and numeracy foundations, small-to-medium class sizes, supportive staff, and opportunities across academics, arts, and sport.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Curious, collaborative, and motivated students who value a holistic education and positive wellbeing.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Extension in literacy/numeracy, STEM and coding clubs, music and drama programs, inter-school sports, and competitive clubs like robotics or debate.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular newsletters, email updates, school apps or portals, and parent-teacher interviews.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Student-centered, evidence-based approaches with emphasis on literacy, numeracy, inquiry, and hands-on learning; integration of digital tools.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- In-class support, targeted intervention programs, and access to SEN or EAL support as needed.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Individual or small-group tutoring, differentiation within the classroom, and ongoing progress monitoring.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (duplicate)
- See above: newsletters, portals, emails, and meetings.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Typical classes are around 20–24 students; teachers provide aiming for small-group support and targeted feedback.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A broad range including sports teams, music and drama programs, robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other clubs.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, library, science labs, performing arts spaces, tech/innovation facilities, canteen, and modern playgrounds.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of digital tools and resources to support learning, with age-appropriate technology use and digital literacy.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Access to local bus routes and Canberra public transport; assistance with travel planning and safe drop-off/pick-up where possible.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- No tuition fees for public schooling; there are standard contributions for resources, activities, and uniforms, with optional costs for excursions or elective programs.
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10. Short Pros & Cons list
Pros
- Supportive, inclusive learning environment with a focus on wellbeing.
- Small-to-medium class sizes enabling more individual attention.
- Broad curriculum including academics, arts, and sports.
- Active parent involvement and community connections.
- Strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy foundations.
Cons
- As a public school, capacity and class sizes can vary with enrolment demand.
- Availability of certain specialized programs may depend on year level and staffing.
- Transport options depend on location and public bus routes; some families may need to arrange drop-offs.
- Extracurricular slots may fill quickly during busy terms; planning ahead is helpful.
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