## 1. Overview
St Mark's Anglican Community School is an independent, co-educational Anglican day school serving students in Hillarys, Western Australia. The school offers a K–12 education within a values-based environment that emphasises character, academic growth and well-rounded development. The student body is mid-to-large in size, with class sizes typically in the low-to-mid 20s, offering a balance of personal attention and diverse peer interactions.
Atmosphere and culture are characterized by warmth, inclusivity and a focus on academic achievement alongside opportunities in the arts, sport and community leadership. The school aims to nurture confident, responsible learners who contribute positively to their local, national and global communities.
⸻
## 2. Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: The curriculum emphasises strong literacy and numeracy foundations, with deliberate attention to English and STEM areas, plus opportunities for leadership and language study.
- Special programs: A range of accelerated and advanced learning options are available to capable students, along with pathways that support gifted and talented learners. The school focuses on extending student capabilities within the Western Australian curriculum framework.
- NAPLAN trends: Over recent years, trends in reading, writing and numeracy have shown steady improvement, reflecting targeted teaching strategies and ongoing support across year levels.
- Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes and teacher support are structured to provide generally favorable student-teacher ratios, enabling some targeted individual attention within a broad, inquiry-based learning model.
- Support for diverse learners: Strong support for English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners and students with additional learning needs, including access to SEN coordination and targeted support where required.
⸻
## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: A broad sports program typically includes basketball, netball, soccer, cricket, athletics, swimming and tennis, with opportunities to participate in school and local competitions.
- Strong teams or achievements: The school fields competitive teams across major sports, with a focus on teamwork, development and school pride.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Comprehensive performing arts programs and music tuition, ensembles and productions are typically available to students.
- Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess and debating are among the popular co-curricular offerings, supporting STEM literacy and critical thinking.
- Partnerships: Engagement with local clubs, community organizations and regional competitions helps broaden opportunities beyond the classroom.
⸻
## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: A proactive, values-based approach to student wellbeing with clear policies and programs to create a safe, respectful school culture.
- House system: A house-based framework supports belonging, leadership, teamwork and healthy competition across year levels.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school counsellors or wellbeing staff to support social-emotional needs, academic planning and transition supports.
- Transition support for new students: Structured onboarding and peer mentoring programs help new students settle in and build connections quickly.
⸻
## 5. Facilities
- Sports grounds: Well-maintained sports fields and courts supporting a wide range of physical activity.
- Libraries: Modern libraries with resources to support study, research and reading for pleasure.
- Science labs: Dedicated science laboratories for hands-on experiments and investigations across disciplines.
- Music/performing arts centers: Spaces for rehearsals, performances and music education.
- Tech/innovation labs: Tech-enabled spaces to support coding, robotics, design and digital learning.
- Cafeteria: On-site dining facilities catering to student needs and healthy choices.
- Updated playgrounds: Play and recreation spaces designed for student health and engagement.
⸻
## 6. School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: An Anglican, values-driven mission emphasising respect, resilience, integrity and service.
- Leadership style: Collaborative leadership with opportunities for student voice and leadership development across year groups.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear behavioural expectations aligned with the school’s values framework and pastoral care approach.
- Community reputation: A community-focused school with a growing reputation for academic effort, inclusive culture and active parental involvement.
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to inclusion and belonging, with programs and practices that welcome students from diverse backgrounds.
⸻
## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typical daily schedule runs during normal school hours with structured start and finish times; variations exist by year level.
- Before/after school care: Availability of before- and after-school care or supervision to support working families.
- Uniform requirements: Clear uniform standards for all students, with guidelines for everyday wear and sport uniforms.
- Transport (train/bus routes): Access to school transportation options and local bus routes relevant to families in the area.
- Canteen availability: On-site canteen or cafeteria services offering everyday meal and snack options.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees fall within a mid-to-high range for WA independent schools, reflecting facilities, programs and staffing. Details are typically provided upon application.
⸻
## 8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Families submit an application and required documentation, attend information sessions if available, and participate in any required assessments or interviews. Offers are issued as places become available, with timing varying by year level and intake.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Yes, there is typically a waiting list. Space becomes available as current families relocate or transition, and offers may be made from the waiting list based on established criteria and sequence.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Entry often includes an application, interview and/or an assessment to determine readiness and fit with the program. Some year levels may have additional requirements or considerations.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are considered where space and timetables allow; families should contact the admissions team to check current availability and next steps.
⸻
## 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A values-driven, independent education that balances strong academics with character development, pastoral care and broad opportunities in sport, arts and leadership.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who are curious, motivated and collaborative; those who value a supportive community, and who seek to excel across academics, arts and sport within a faith-informed environment.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Accelerated or enriched learning paths, leadership opportunities, competitive sport teams, performing arts programs, music ensembles, robotics and coding clubs, debating and more.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular updates through newsletters, portals and events; teacher conferences and student progress reporting complement ongoing informal communication.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- A results-oriented, evidence-based approach within the Western Australian curriculum, emphasising inquiry, collaboration, critical thinking and real-world applications.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted support through EAL and SEN services, learning support staff and tailored intervention plans as needed.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Access to tutoring, coursework adjustments, and collaboration with teachers to develop individual learning plans and accommodations.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated)
- See above: newsletters, portals, parent evenings, and direct teacher touchpoints.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes are typically in the low-to-mid 20s, with opportunities for targeted teacher support and small-group learning within the broader class.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A wide range of sports, music and performing arts, plus clubs such as robotics, coding, chess and debating.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Comprehensive facilities including sports grounds, libraries, science labs, performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs and on-site catering.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integrated digital learning across the curriculum, with access to devices, software and instruction aligned to current educational technology practices.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Local bus routes and transport options are available to support student access; details are provided by the admissions team.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees are in the mid-to-high range for WA independent schools; additional costs may apply for uniforms, excursions and some elective programs.
⸻
## 10. Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Values-based education with a supportive community
- Strong academics with opportunities for enrichment
- Broad co-curricular program (sport, arts, clubs)
- Positive wellbeing and pastoral care framework
- Good facilities and resources to support learning
- Cons
- Fees are higher than public schools (common for independent schools)
- Availability can vary by intake year and year level
- Mid-year transfers depend on space and timetable alignment
⸻
