## Overview
Rokewood Primary School is a public, co-educational primary school serving Rokewood and the surrounding rural community. The school aims to provide a welcoming, inclusive environment where students are known, valued and encouraged to try their best. It operates as a small to mid-sized school with a strong sense of community and close ties between families and staff.
Class sizes are typically around 20–25 students, with teachers and support staff working together to support each child’s learning and wellbeing. The atmosphere is nurturing and community-focused, with an emphasis on practical learning, collaboration and participation in a broad range of activities that reflect the interests and needs of students and families.
⸻
## Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: Strong foundations in literacy and numeracy, with growing emphasis on STEM, digital literacy and creative problem solving. The school also places value on writing, reading comprehension and effective communication.
- Special programs: Gifted and Talented opportunities, targeted literacy/numeracy interventions, and a commitment to inclusive education. EAL support is available for students developing English proficiency.
- NAPLAN / Ofsted trends: Public data varies by year, but schools in similar communities often show steady or improving reading and numeracy results with targeted school-wide supports. For precise year-to-year trends, refer to official Department of Education data.
- Student-teacher ratios: Generally around 1:12 to 1:18, depending on year level and class structure, with dedicated teachers and support staff working to meet learner needs.
- Support for diverse learners: Strong focus on inclusive practices, with supports for students with additional learning needs, EAL learners and those requiring extra assistance through in-class differentiation and small-group supports.
⸻
## Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: Athletics, cricket, soccer, netball, Australian rules football, basketball, tennis, and general physical education activities.
- Strong teams or achievements: Active participation in inter-school and district sports events with opportunities for students to represent the school in various competitions.
- Music, arts, drama programs: School music programs and opportunities to participate in school performances and arts activities.
- Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess and debating are commonly offered, with lunchtime or after-school sessions to develop skills and teamwork.
- Partnerships: Connections with local clubs and community organizations for competitions, as well as opportunities to engage in regional events and activities.
⸻
## Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Comprehensive anti-bullying policies and wellbeing programs, with restorative practices and teacher support to foster respectful relationships.
- House system: A house-based structure to promote teamwork, leadership and positive competition through regular inter-house activities.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school-based wellbeing staff or contracted counsellors to support student resilience, social-emotional development and pathways to assistance.
- Transition support for new students: Orientation activities, buddy programs and gradual transition activities to help students settle into the school environment.
⸻
## Facilities
- Sports grounds
- Libraries
- Science labs
- Music/performing arts centers
- Tech/innovation labs
- Cafeteria
- Updated playgrounds
⸻
## School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: Emphasis on respect, responsibility, inclusion and striving for personal best; a culture of care, cooperation and community involvement.
- Leadership style: Student leadership opportunities and a collaborative approach between staff, students and families; open channels for student voice.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear, positive behavior framework with consistent expectations and praise for positive conduct.
- Community reputation: Known for a friendly, supportive environment and strong parent involvement; solid community partnerships and ongoing engagement.
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to welcoming students from diverse backgrounds and providing appropriate supports to enable participation and success.
⸻
## School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typically around 9:00 am–3:30 pm, with variations for specific year levels or programs.
- Before/after school care: Availability of after-school care or supervision through local providers or school-arranged services.
- Uniform requirements: School uniform expected and encouraged, with details provided by the school for colours and approved items.
- Transport (train/bus routes): Bus transport available for eligible students; information on routes and stops provided by the school and local transport operators.
- Canteen availability: Canteen services available on select days or arrangements for recess and lunch.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Government primary schools typically do not charge tuition; there may be voluntary contributions and fees for excursions, camps, and materials, plus uniform costs.
⸻
## Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Enrolment is managed through the school in coordination with the Department of Education. Prospective families typically start by submitting an expression of interest or application via the local enrollment process, providing proof of residency, birth certificate, immunisation records and required documentation. Timelines vary by calendar year and by catchment; it’s best to contact the school directly early to confirm current timelines and available places.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Yes, depending on space and catchment requirements there may be a waiting list. Applications are generally prioritized by catchment eligibility and date of application. The school will communicate expected wait times and next steps if a position is not immediately available.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- For public primary schools, there are typically no entrance tests or formal interviews. Enrollment focuses on catchment eligibility, residency and essential documentation. Some programs or activities may involve informal conversations or orientations, but formal testing is uncommon.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are possible if there is available space and the school can accommodate the new student’s needs. Parents need to contact the school to discuss space, enrolment documents and transition arrangements.
⸻
## Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A close-knit, supportive community with a focus on individual growth, inclusive practices and strong partnerships between families and staff.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who are curious, collaborative, and eager to participate in a range of academic and extra-curricular activities; those who benefit from a supportive environment and targeted interventions.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Opportunities include gifted and talented programs, reading and numeracy supports, STEM and digital learning, music and drama programs, inter-school sports, robotics and coding clubs, and debating.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Through newsletters, emails, parent-teacher interviews, school portals and usual communications from teachers. Regular updates on events, student progress and upcoming activities are provided.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- A balanced, evidence-based approach that combines explicit teaching with inquiry, differentiation and opportunities for students to apply skills in real-world contexts.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted small-group interventions, in-class differentiation, reading and numeracy support programs, and access to specialist staff as needed.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Structured interventions, progress monitoring, and collaboration with families to adapt learning plans and provide appropriate resources.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- See above; multiple channels are used to keep families informed and engaged.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes are typically around 20–25 students, with teachers delivering differentiated instruction and providing targeted support within class time and, where needed, through small-group sessions.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A range of sports (e.g., athletics, cricket, soccer, netball, basketball), music and drama programs, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess and debating.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Facilities include sports grounds, libraries, 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?
- Integration of ICT across the curriculum, with access to devices and digital learning platforms to support independent and collaborative learning.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Bus routes for eligible students, local transport options and accessible facilities where applicable.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- There are no tuition fees for a public school; families may incur costs for excursions, camps, uniforms and some materials, as well as contributions to voluntary programs.
⸻
## Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Close-knit, supportive community
- Inclusive learning environment with strong student wellbeing
- Balanced focus on academics, sport, arts and digital learning
- Active parental involvement and community partnerships
- Cons
- As a smaller/rural school, offerings in some specialist areas may be more limited compared with larger urban schools
- Transport options depend on location and may involve planning for some families
- Popular programs and activities may have waiting lists or limited spots during peak periods
⸻
