Westbourne Park Primary School

1. Overview Westbourne Park Primary School is a public, co-educational primary school serving students in Westbourne Park, South Australia. The school is medium-sized, with class sizes typically in the low-to-mid 20s, supporting a balanced approach to teaching and learning. The atmosphere is nurturing and inclusive, with a strong focus on student wellbeing, community involvement, and solid academic foundations. The school fosters a welcoming, diverse culture where students are encouraged to participate, collaborate and strive for personal best. A sense of belonging and support from teachers, staff and families helps create a positive learning environment. 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: Strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy foundations, with rich opportunities in STEM activities, digital literacy, and language development to prepare students for deeper learning. - Special programs: Gifted and Talented pathways and targeted intervention support are available, along with EAL (English as an Additional Language) support and inclusive practices for diverse learners. - NAPLAN / trends: Trends typically show steady or improving performance in core areas such as reading, writing and numeracy over recent years, with attention to ongoing growth in writing and problem-solving skills. - Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes are designed to support focused learning, with a typical student-teacher ratio around the low 20s. - Support for diverse learners: Strong emphasis on inclusive education, with structured support for EAL students and individualised supports for students with additional learning needs (SEN). 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: Soccer, AFL-inspired activities, basketball, netball, cricket, athletics and cross-country events are commonly available, with opportunities to participate in district and inter-school events. - Strong teams or achievements: Regular participation in district athletics and team-based events, with opportunities to contribute to school-level sport through grade-level teams. - Music, arts, drama programs: Active arts programs including music ensembles, drama activities and school performances. - Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess and debating clubs are encouraged to complement classroom learning and foster problem-solving and teamwork. - Partnerships: Collaboration with local clubs and community groups for competitions and enrichment programs (e.g., coding challenges, regional tournaments). 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Clear policies and proactive programs to promote respectful behaviour and a safe school environment. - House system: A house structure provides leadership opportunities, friendly rivalry, and teamwork across year levels. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to on-site wellbeing staff and guidance services to support student resilience and mental health. - Transition support for new students: Welcoming procedures, buddy programs and targeted support to help new students settle in smoothly. 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: Well-maintained outdoor playing areas suitable for team sports and physical education. - Libraries: A well-resourced library supporting reading for pleasure and curricular needs. - Science labs: Accessible science spaces for practical experiments and inquiry-based learning. - Music/performing arts centers: Dedicated spaces for music, drama and performance activities. - Tech/innovation labs: Contemporary spaces for technology, coding andproject-based learning. - Cafeteria: On-site canteen or lunch facilities supporting healthy eating and student convenience. - Updated playgrounds: Modern play spaces designed for safe, active play and social interaction. 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: A clear focus on inclusivity, respect, responsibility and academic growth, with wellbeing at the core of daily practice. - Leadership style: Collaborative leadership that encourages student voice, staff collaboration and active parent involvement. - Behaviour expectations: Consistent expectations across the campus with a restorative approach to behavior and conflict resolution. - Community reputation: Known for a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere and a strong sense of community pride. - Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to celebrating diversity and ensuring all students feel included and supported. 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typically starting mid-morning and finishing mid-afternoon, with opportunities for before/after school activities. - Before/after school care: OSHC or school-approved arrangements available to extend care beyond the school day. - Uniform requirements: School uniform policy in place, with guidance on acceptable attire and grooming standards. - Transport (train/bus routes): Public transport options and local bus services commonly used by families; nearby stops and routes communicated by the school. - Canteen availability: Canteen or lunch program available to support student meals during the day. - Fees: Public primary schools in SA generally have low to moderate costs related to activities, excursions and materials; detailed fee information available from the school. 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Enrolment typically involves submitting an application through the relevant SA Department for Education process, providing proof of residency and required documentation (e.g., birth certificate, immunisation records). Timelines usually cover applications for the upcoming year with a defined closing date and notification of placement. Check with the school for exact deadlines and current procedures. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - If the school is oversubscribed, a waiting list may be used. Placements are generally offered based on availability and proximity (residency within the school’s zone or other policy guidelines). Process details, including how to add or move up the list, are provided by the school. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Public primary schools in SA typically do not require entry tests for standard enrolments. In some cases, a school may conduct a short familiarisation or information visit, particularly for students transferring from outside the system or for placements in any targeted programs. Confirm if any interviews or additional steps apply. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers can be considered if vacancies exist. Families seeking a mid-year move should contact the school promptly to discuss availability and the required documentation. 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A welcoming, inclusive culture with strong wellbeing support, committed teachers and a focus on building solid academic foundations. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who respond well to a supportive, collaborative learning environment, who value participation in both academics and community activities, and who benefit from small-to-medium class sizes. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Access to gifted and talented pathways, intervention and enrichment supports; wide range of sports, arts, drama and music programs; clubs in robotics, coding, chess and debating. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular newsletters and updates, parent-teacher meetings, progress reports, and a range of channels for timely communications (email, online portals, and in-person updates). - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Student-centered learning supported by evidence-based literacy and numeracy programs, inquiry-based STEM activities, and integrated digital literacy across the curriculum. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted intervention, EAL and SEN support, small-group instruction and differentiated learning plans aligned to student needs. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Additional tutoring or targeted support plans, access to wellbeing and guidance staff to address barriers to learning and engagement. - How does the school communicate with parents? (Note: duplicate question) - See above: proactive, multi-channel communication ensuring families are informed about student progress and school events. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes typically sit in the low 20s, which supports more individualized attention and better teacher-student interaction. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A broad range of sports (soccer, basketball, netball, cricket, athletics), arts programs (music, drama), and clubs (robotics, coding, chess, debating) with opportunities to compete in district events. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sport grounds, library, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, canteen, and updated playgrounds. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of digital literacy across the curriculum, access to devices and online learning platforms, and emphasis on safe, productive use of technology. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Access to local bus/train routes and information on student transport options; clear guidance on pick-up/drop-off and accessibility considerations. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Additional costs relate to excursions, materials and optional programs; families should check the school’s published fee schedule for exact amounts. 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Supportive, inclusive environment with a focus on wellbeing and academic growth. - Medium-sized school with manageable class sizes enabling more individual attention. - Strong extracurricular options across sports, arts and clubs. - Comprehensive support for diverse learners (EAL, SEN) and enrichment pathways. - Cons - As a public school, programs and facilities can be subject to funding and cohort size variations. - Availability of spots for high-demand programs or mid-year transfers depends on current enrolment and vacancies. - Transportation options may vary based on family location and public transport routes. Note: The above content is a draft designed to help parents understand the school’s potential strengths. Please verify all details with the school or the SA Department for Education to ensure accuracy and currency before publishing.