Scarborough Primary School

# 1. Overview Scarborough Primary School is a public, co-educational primary school serving Kindergarten to Year 6. As a medium-sized government school, it draws families from Scarborough and surrounding areas with a focus on a supportive, inclusive learning community. Class sizes are typically in the low-20s to high-20s, allowing for both individual attention and collaborative learning. The atmosphere is nurturing and community‑minded, with an emphasis on student wellbeing and active involvement in school life. ⸻ # 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: Strong focus on literacy and numeracy, with opportunities in STEM and digital learning. The school supports inquiry-led learning and practical problem solving across year levels. - Special programs: Targeted learning support, Gifted and Talented initiatives, and comprehensive support for diverse learners (EAL and SEN) to help all students progress. - NAPLAN trends: Trends show stable performance with typical year-to-year improvements in some cohorts; results generally align with state expectations. For precise trends, refer to the latest school reports. - Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes commonly range in the low-20s to high-20s, with additional teacher aides or specialist staff supporting learning where needed. - Support for diverse learners: Strong EAL and SEN support, inclusive education practices, and tailored learning plans to help students of diverse backgrounds and abilities succeed. ⸻ # 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: A broad program that typically includes soccer, netball, athletics, swimming, cricket, and other team or individual sports appropriate for primary years. - Strong teams or achievements: Students participate in inter-school events and district-level opportunities; school teams often perform well and celebrate participation and improvement. - Music, arts, drama programs: Active music and performing arts involvement, with opportunities for choir, school productions, and instrumental learning. - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, and debating are commonly available, along with library and maker-space activities to spark curiosity. - Partnerships: Connections with local clubs and community groups, plus opportunities to compete in inter-school events and festivals. ⸻ # 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Proactive anti-bullying policies with restorative approaches and ongoing wellbeing checks to promote a safe school culture. - House system: A house-based framework supports pastoral care, involvement in events, and a sense of belonging and healthy competition. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Wellbeing staff are available on site, with referrals to external supports as needed; students have access to guidance and support as part of the pastoral program. - Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems, and dedicated transition activities help new students settle in smoothly. ⸻ # 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: On-site ovals or fields for outdoor sports and activities. - Libraries: Well-stocked library with reading and research resources. - Science labs: Dedicated spaces for hands-on science learning. - Music/performing arts centers: Facilities for music education and performances. - Tech/innovation labs: Spaces for coding, robotics, and digital projects. - Cafeteria: On-site canteen or meal facilities supporting healthy options. - Updated playgrounds: Modern, age-appropriate play areas and outdoor learning spaces. ⸻ # 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: A focus on Respect, Responsibility, Care, and Inclusion, fostering character development alongside academic learning. - Leadership style: Distributed leadership with opportunities for teacher leadership and student voice in school decisions and activities. - Behaviour expectations: Clear code of conduct emphasizing positive behaviours, consistent expectations, and restorative practices. - Community reputation: Known for an inclusive, welcoming environment and strong engagement with families. - Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to celebrating diversity and providing inclusive opportunities for all students. ⸻ # 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typical day runs in the morning to mid-afternoon, aligned with Western Australian Department of Education schedules; precise start/end times may vary by year level and term. - Before/after school care: OSHC or local providers offer supervision and activities outside core school hours. - Uniform requirements: Uniforms are standard; details are provided by the school’s uniform policy. - Transport (train/bus routes): Access to local bus routes and walking/cycling options; car drop-off zones and traffic arrangements are communicated by the school. - Canteen availability: Canteen operates on designated days with healthy meal options for students. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Public schooling involves no tuition fees; there are voluntary contributions and costs for materials, excursions, and uniform items. ⸻ # 8. Enrolment & Admissions ## 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Check local intake area eligibility and prepare required documents (birth certificate, immunisation status, proof of address). - Submit an enrolment application through the appropriate channel (local education authority or school). - The school confirms space and provides a placement offer within a timeframe that can vary with demand; timelines are typically several weeks from submission, subject to space. - After an offer is accepted, families complete any required forms and participate in an orientation or introduction activities. ## 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - If the school reaches capacity, a waiting list may operate. Local intake area priorities usually apply, with preference given to resident families within the intake boundary. - Waiting lists are managed by the enrolments team and updated periodically. Families can inquire for current status and projected timelines. ## 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - For general enrolment, there are no standard entrance tests or interviews. Some schools may offer information sessions or orientation experiences. - In cases of out-of-area enrolments or selective programs, there may be additional steps; families should check the latest guidance with the school. ## 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are considered if there is available capacity. Families should contact the school’s enrolments office as soon as possible to discuss space, required documentation, and orientation steps. ⸻ # 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Do Parents Choose This School? - A welcoming, inclusive environment with a strong focus on literacy and numeracy, practical STEM and digital learning, active wellbeing programs, and a broad range of extracurricular activities. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who are curious, collaborative, and motivated to learn across academics, sport, arts, and community involvement; those who value a supportive, respectful school culture. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Enrichment in STEM and literacy, Gifted and Talented opportunities, coding and robotics clubs, inter-school sports, music and performing arts programs, and access to art and theatre opportunities. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular updates via newsletters, email, a school app or portal, parent-teacher interviews, and open lines of communication with teachers and the administration. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Differentiated, student-centered learning that blends explicit instruction with inquiry-based activities, technology-enabled learning, and ongoing assessment to track progress. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted interventions, EAL/SEN support, small-group or one-on-one teaching, and collaboration with families to create effective learning plans. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Access to classroom differentiation, learning support staff, and referral pathways to additional services if needed. - How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated) - See above: newsletters, digital platforms, and direct teacher communication. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes typically range in the low- to high-20s, with teacher-led instruction and additional support staff to assist with individual or small-group needs. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A broad program including sports, music, arts, robotics, coding, chess, debating, and inter-school events. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts facilities, tech/innovation spaces, a canteen, and updated playgrounds. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integrated use of digital tools and devices to support literacy, numeracy, coding, and project-based learning; emphasis on digital literacy and safe online practices. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Access to local bus routes and walking/cycling pathways; school transport arrangements and accessibility considerations are communicated by the school. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - No tuition fees for public schooling; minor costs may include uniforms, voluntary contributions, and expenses for excursions or materials. ⸻ # 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Public, inclusive environment with a focus on wellbeing and community. - Strong literacy and numeracy foundation with STEM and digital learning. - Broad extracurricular program (sports, arts, clubs). - Support for diverse learners (EAL and SEN) and targeted interventions. - Modern facilities and dedicated wellbeing resources. - Cons - Class sizes and waitlists can vary by year level and demand. - Some specialised programs or activities may have capacity limits. - Timetables and times may shift by term; parents should confirm current hours and schedules.