Spearwood Primary School

## 1. Overview Spearwood Primary is a public, co-educational primary school serving students from Kindergarten through Year 6. The school aims to provide a supportive, inclusive environment where students develop strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, and across the wider curriculum. With a medium-sized community, the atmosphere emphasizes care, cooperation, and respect, helping students feel connected and motivated to learn. Class sizes are typical for Western Australian primary schools, with a focus on individual attention within a collaborative classroom culture. The school fosters a nurturing, family-like atmosphere where students, families, and staff work together to celebrate achievements and support growth. --- ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: Strong focus on literacy and numeracy, with opportunities to engage in STEM activities, arts, and digital learning. Emphasis on developing self-management, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. - Special programs: Gifted and Talented pathways, targeted literacy and numeracy support, and language/numeracy interventions as needed to support diverse learners. - NAPLAN / trends: Trends over recent years show steady performance in key domains such as reading and numeracy, with ongoing initiatives to sustain improvement and close gaps where needed. - Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes and teacher allocations align with WA public primary targets, providing regular teacher access and small-group support where appropriate. - Support for diverse learners: Comprehensive support for EAL/D students, and clearly structured SEN support to help students access learning and participate fully in class activities. --- ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: A range of in-school and interschool activities, including ball sports, athletics, swimming, and gym-based programs, with emphasis on participation, teamwork, and fair play. - Strong teams or achievements: Opportunities to compete in regional and district events; focus on building confidence, sportsmanship, and school spirit. - Music, arts, drama programs: Active music and performing arts programs, school concerts, choir or band opportunities, and theatre-related activities. - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating, and other clubs that promote problem-solving, strategic thinking, and collaboration. - Partnerships: Connections with local community clubs and regional competitions to broaden learning experiences beyond the classroom. --- ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Whole-school wellbeing framework with clear policies, restorative practices, and ongoing education to promote respectful relationships. - House system: House groups support leadership opportunities, teamwork, and a sense of belonging through competitions and activities. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to wellbeing staff and/or school psychologists/counsellors to support emotional and social development. - Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems, and targeted transition activities to help new students adjust smoothly. --- ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: On-site sports areas suitable for a variety of physical education activities. - Libraries: Dedicated library with books and resources to support reading and research. - Science labs: Practical science spaces aligned with the curriculum for hands-on exploration. - Music/performing arts centers: Facilities for music, drama, and performance activities. - Tech/innovation labs: Spaces for digital learning, coding, and technology-based projects. - Cafeteria: On-site canteen or lunch facilities supporting healthy choices. - Updated playgrounds: Safe outdoor play spaces designed for exploration and physical activity. --- ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: A mission rooted in respect, responsibility, resilience, and inclusion, guiding daily practice and student conduct. - Leadership style: Collaborative and student-centred, with opportunities for student voice and leadership through class roles and school initiatives. - Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct and positive behaviour supports to maintain a respectful learning environment. - Community reputation: A welcoming school community with supportive ties to families, local groups, and neighbours. - Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to welcoming students from diverse backgrounds and ensuring equitable access to learning. --- ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typical start and finish times align with WA public primary schedules (check current year's timetable). - Before/after school care: OSHC or comparable programs available through external providers to support working families. - Uniform requirements: School uniform compulsory, with guidance on appropriate attire for daily wear and special events. - Transport (train/bus routes): Access to public transport options and parent-organised drop-off/pick-up arrangements; bus routes may serve the surrounding area. - Canteen availability: On-site canteen or lunch service offering healthy options on designated days. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Being a public school, costs are generally low to moderate, with additional costs for excursions, activities, and certain programs. --- ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Enrolments are typically processed through the Western Australian Department of Education. Start with submitting an online or in-person enrolment form, providing required documents (proof of address, birth certificate or passport, immunisation records). The timeline depends on the year level and space availability; kindy admissions often have earlier timelines, while steady entry continues throughout the year as space permits. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Waiting lists can operate when the school reaches capacity. Families may be placed on a priority waitlist, with movement based on space availability and enrolment priorities set by the Department of Education. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - For primary enrolment, there are typically no formal entrance tests. Some cases may involve information gathering from families or, for certain programs (e.g., gifted pathways), a formal placement process. Generally, interviews are not required for standard enrolments. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers can be possible subject to space and alignment with enrolment policies. Prospective families should contact the school early to discuss availability and required documentation. --- ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - Public, community-focused setting with a balanced focus on academics, wellbeing, and participation in a broad range of activities within a supportive environment. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who value a collaborative, inclusive culture; those who enjoy engaging in both academic learning and diverse extracurriculars; and families seeking strong wellbeing support and stable routines. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Access to gifted and talented pathways, targeted literacy/numeracy support, STEM and digital learning, arts and performing arts programs, competitive and non-competitive sports, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular updates via newsletters, notices, an online portal or learning management system, and scheduled parent-teacher conferences. Attendance at school events also strengthens home-school connections. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - A balanced, student-centred approach that emphasises literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, collaboration, and practical applications across the curriculum, with differentiation to meet diverse learner needs. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted interventions, small-group supports, EAL/D assistance, and access to wellbeing resources to address learning and wellbeing needs alongside classroom instruction. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Additional tutoring or intervention programs, assessment data to guide planning, and collaboration with families to create effective at-home supports. - How does the school communicate with parents? (duplicate) - See above: through regular updates, portals, conferences, and events to keep families informed and involved. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes follow WA public primary standards and typically allow for regular teacher-led instruction with opportunities for small-group or targeted support within the school day. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A range of sport programs, music/arts, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating, plus opportunities to participate in interschool events and community activities. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Comprehensive facilities including sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, a canteen, and updated outdoor play areas. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Emphasis on digital literacy and responsible use of technology, integrated into the curriculum to enhance learning, collaboration, and problem-solving. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Access to public transport options and practical transport arrangements for families, with support for navigating school routines and accessibility needs as required. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - As a public school, basic costs are low to moderate, with additional costs associated with excursions, activities, and specific programs. --- ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Public, inclusive learning environment with a strong sense of community - Broad range of academic, arts, and sport opportunities - Dedicated wellbeing and support structures for students - Diverse extracurricular clubs (robotics, coding, chess, debating) - Updated facilities and a focus on digital learning - Cons - Space constraints can affect entry timing and waiting lists during peak periods - Being a public school, some activities and programs may have limited capacity or be subject to district-wide scheduling - Uniforms and excursion costs can add to family expenses - Transport options depend on local infrastructure and routes