## Overview
Redlynch State College is a public, co-educational P–12 school serving families in Redlynch, Cairns, Queensland. As a state school, it focuses on inclusive education and provides pathways for a broad range of learners, from early years through to senior schooling. The college tends to run at a medium-to-large size with class sizes typically in the low-to-mid 20s, supporting a balanced mix of academic effort, sport, and the arts. The atmosphere is generally inclusive and supportive, with a culture that values student leadership, teamwork, and community involvement.
The school emphasises equity and opportunity for all students, promoting a culture of high expectations alongside strong pastoral care. This combination aims to help students develop academically while also building resilience, social skills, and a sense of belonging within the school community.
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## Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: STEM, English, leadership development, and languages are commonly highlighted areas, with a focus on building foundational skills and higher-order thinking.
- Special programs: Gifted & Talented pathways and accelerated learning options are typically offered, along with programs in digital technologies and coding to support varied learner needs.
- NAPLAN / trends: The school monitors literacy and numeracy progress and aims for steady growth over time, with trends showing ongoing improvement and performance in line with or above local/state expectations.
- Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes are generally around 20–25 students, with additional support available where needed to maintain strong teacher-student contact.
- Support for diverse learners: Dedicated EAL/D support and inclusive SEN services are commonly provided through a learning support team to assist students with diverse needs.
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## Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: A range of sports is typically available, including athletics, swimming, cricket, soccer, netball, basketball, rugby league, and tennis, with opportunities to compete at local and regional levels.
- Strong teams or achievements: The college often participates actively in inter-school competitions and regional events, promoting teamwork and sportsmanship.
- Music, arts, drama programs: There are opportunities for music ensembles, choirs, drama productions, and performance opportunities to complement academic study.
- Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other interest-based clubs are commonly available to support student passions outside the classroom.
- Partnerships: The school typically engages with local clubs, community organizations, and regional competitions to broaden students’ experiences beyond the classroom.
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## Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: The school emphasises a proactive, whole-school approach to wellbeing with clear anti-bullying measures, education, and reporting pathways.
- House system: A house or pastoral grouping system is commonly used to foster belonging, healthy competition, and peer support.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school-based counsellors or wellbeing staff helps students with social, emotional, and mental health needs.
- Transition support for new students: Structured orientation and transition programs support new entrants to settle in smoothly and establish peer connections.
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## Facilities
- Sports grounds: On-site sports fields and courts support a variety of physical activities and events.
- Libraries: A library space provides a hub for study, research, and quiet reading.
- Science labs: Dedicated science facilities support practical experiments and inquiry-based learning.
- Music/performing arts centers: Spaces for rehearsals and performances help develop musical and dramatic talents.
- Tech/innovation labs: ICT and maker-type spaces encourage creativity and hands-on technology learning.
- Cafeteria: An on-site canteen or snack facilities are available for students.
- Updated playgrounds: Modern playground and outdoor learning spaces support active breaks and recreation.
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## School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: Core values often include respect, responsibility, integrity, and excellence, guiding everyday choices and student conduct.
- Leadership style: A student-centred, collaborative leadership approach that involves student voice in decision-making and school life.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear expectations around respect, safety, and responsible conduct, with consistent frameworks for positive behaviour.
- Community reputation: The school is generally viewed as a welcoming, family-friendly community hub with active parental involvement and local engagement.
- Diversity & inclusion: Emphasis on inclusive education and celebrating diverse backgrounds within the school community.
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## School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typical school days run from around early morning to mid-afternoon, with start and finish times aligned to Queensland state schedules.
- Before/after school care: Some form of on-site or partner-program supervision is commonly available.
- Uniform requirements: A school uniform is typically required, with details provided by the school.
- Transport (train/bus routes): Students commonly travel by school bus or local transport; route information is provided by the school and transport authorities.
- Canteen availability: An on-site canteen or snack facilities are usually available.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): As a public school, there is no tuition fee for basic instruction, but families may incur costs for materials, booklists, excursions, and optional activities; overall costs are commonly described as low to medium.
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## Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- The enrolment process typically starts with submitting an application to the school, followed by document verification (birth certificate, proof of address, immunisation records, and prior schooling records). Once submitted, the school processes applications in line with capacity and intake priorities, with timelines varying depending on demand and the start of the school year. Families are usually informed of their place or waitlist status within weeks of submission.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Waiting lists can occur when demand exceeds available places. The school manages waitlists based on enrolment priorities (e.g., catchment area, sibling attendance) and availability. Parents may be contacted if a place becomes available.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Enrolment generally requires standard documentation; some year groups or programs may involve brief information sharing about student needs, learning goals, or readiness. Interviews are not universally required but may occur for specific programs or if requested by the school.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are sometimes possible, subject to space and the completion of necessary documentation and enrolment checks. Families seeking mid-year placement should contact the school as early as possible to discuss availability and the transfer process.
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## Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- Public, inclusive education with a balanced focus on academics, wellbeing, sport, and the arts; strong sense of community and local engagement.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Curious, motivated learners who value a well-rounded program that includes academics, sport, arts, and social development; students who engage with teachers and peers tend to do well.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Extended programs in STEM, literacy and numeracy support, leadership opportunities, robust sports programs, music and drama ensembles, and clubs such as robotics, coding, and debating.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Through newsletters, emails, a student portal or learning management system, SMS alerts, and regular information evenings or meetings.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Student-centered and differentiated instruction, with emphasis on literacy and numeracy, inquiry-based learning, and real-world applications.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Learning support teams, targeted intervention, EAL/D assistance, and access to tutoring or extra practice materials as needed.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Dedicated staff and resources for literacy and numeracy support, adjustments for learning needs, and ongoing monitoring of progress.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (repeat)
- See above: newsletters, portals, emails, and meetings.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Typical class sizes are around 20–25 students, with teachers able to provide targeted support and feedback to individual students as needed.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A broad range of sports (e.g., athletics, swimming, cricket, soccer, netball, basketball), music and drama programs, and clubs such as robotics, chess, coding, and debating.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, technology/innovation labs, a canteen, and updated outdoor learning environments.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integrated ICT across the curriculum with emphasis on digital literacy, safe online practices, and opportunities to use technology for learning through appropriate devices and platforms.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- School bus routes and local transport options are provided; campuses are designed to be accessible to students with diverse needs.
- What are typical school fees or additional costs?
- There are no tuition fees for standard instruction in a public school, but families may incur costs for books, materials, uniforms, excursions, and optional activities; overall, costs are typically low to medium.
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## Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Public, inclusive education with broad P–12 offerings
- Balanced emphasis on academics, wellbeing, sport, and arts
- Strong community feel and parental involvement
- Range of clubs and extracurriculars (STEM, coding, debates, music, drama)
- Dedicated support for diverse learners
- Cons
- As a popular public school, there can be wait lists for high-demand year levels or programs
- Uniforms and some materials costs are unavoidable
- Class sizes vary by year level and can be larger during peak enrollment periods
