Westwood State School

## 1. Overview Westwood State School is a public Queensland state school serving the local Westwood community. As a small-to-medium primary school, it offers a close-knit, supportive environment where class sizes are typically around 18–25 students. The school aims to be nurturing and inclusive, with a focus on everyday learning that supports student wellbeing and active participation in school life. The school emphasises hands-on learning, community involvement, and a respectful, collaborative culture. Parents can expect a warm atmosphere where students are encouraged to develop socially, academically, and physically through a range of in-school and community opportunities. --- ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: Strong literacy and numeracy foundations, with opportunities to engage in STEM activities, leadership development, and digital literacy across the curriculum. - Special programs: Extension and enrichment opportunities within the classroom, plus access to regional programs for gifted and talented learners where available. - NAPLAN trends: Consistent participation with ongoing monitoring of reading and numeracy progress; focus on targeted interventions where needed to support growth over time. - Student-teacher ratios: Typical class sizes around 18–25 students, with smaller groups for targeted support and learning assistance as needed. - Support for diverse learners: Inclusive practices with SEN support, Individual Learning Plans, and support services to help students reach their learning goals. --- ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: A broad range of sports typical for regional Queensland primary schools, including athletics, cross-country, netball, cricket, soccer, and rugby league, with opportunities to compete in district events. - Strong teams or achievements: Active participation in inter-school and district competitions; teams and individuals often achieve recognition at the local level. - Music, arts, drama programs: In-school music programs and opportunities to participate in choir or ensemble activities; drama productions and performances are encouraged. - Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, and debating are offered where staff and student interest align; programs may vary by year. - Partnerships: Local community clubs and regional inter-school programs provide additional pathways for sport, music, and competitive opportunities. --- ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Clear whole-school policies and anti-bullying frameworks aimed at creating a safe and respectful learning environment; student wellbeing supports are accessible. - House system: House groups provide structured opportunities for friendly competition, teamwork, and leadership development. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to wellbeing staff or school counsellors to support students' emotional and social needs. - Transition support for new students: Comprehensive induction and buddy programs, welcome sessions, and gradual orientation to help new students settle in smoothly. --- ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: On-site grounds suitable for PE and outdoor activities. - Libraries: On-site library with resources to promote reading and research. - Science labs: Dedicated spaces for practical science learning and investigations. - Music/performing arts centers: Facilities available for music and drama activities. - Tech/innovation labs: Access to computer/school IT resources for digital learning and coding activities. - Cafeteria: On-site cafeteria or lunch facilities for student meals and purchases. - Updated playgrounds: Modernised play spaces to support active play and exploration. --- ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: Focus on respect, responsibility, learning, and integrity; emphasis on citizenship and positive contribution to the school and wider community. - Leadership style: Inclusive and student-centered, with opportunities for student voice through class roles, student councils, and leadership activities. - Behaviour expectations: Clear behaviour policies that promote positive conduct, with recognition and rewards for hard work and good character. - Community reputation: Community-minded schooling with strong parent involvement and support from local networks. - Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to an inclusive environment where all students are valued and supported. --- ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typically 9:00 am to 3:00 pm (with variations by year level or term); routines support a predictable day for students. - Before/after school care: After-school care and supervision commonly available through OSHC providers or on-site programs where offered. - Uniform requirements: School uniform is standard; details provided by the school ( polo shirt, shorts/skirt, hat, and sport uniform as appropriate). - Transport (bus routes): Regional bus services or school transport arrangements are commonly available to help students travel to and from school. - Canteen availability: Canteen or lunch-order service available on site or via approved providers. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): As a public school, fees are typically modest and mainly cover voluntary contributions, uniform costs, and excursion fees. --- ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Start by checking eligibility for Prep or other year levels. Submit the enrolment application with required documents (birth certificate, immunisation records, proof of address, and previous school information if transferring). The school provides timelines and submission windows; timelines can vary by year level and term, so contact the school for current dates and steps. 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Enrolments can have a wait list for certain year levels depending on vacancies. Families on the list are contacted as places become available, with priority often given to local residents and siblings where applicable. 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - For standard enrolment, there are no entrance tests for Prep or typical year-level starts. Some programs or transitions may involve brief discussions or information sessions. Documentation (birth certificate, immunisation, prior school details) is usually required. 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Yes, subject to vacancy and space in the appropriate year level. Transfers typically require up-to-date school records, transcripts, and any enrolment paperwork. It’s best to contact the school promptly to discuss availability and the transfer process. --- ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A welcoming, family-friendly environment with a focus on wellbeing, strong literacy and numeracy foundations, and opportunities for student involvement in sports, arts, and clubs. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who respond well to a close-knit community, hands-on learning, and supportive teacher guidance, with active participation in both academics and extracurriculars. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - In-class enrichment, leadership opportunities, sports teams and district competitions, music and drama programs, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, and debating. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Regular updates via newsletters, parent meetings, notices, and digital platforms; ongoing accessibility to teachers and administration for concerns or questions. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - Student-centered, inclusive pedagogy with a strong focus on literacy and numeracy, practical learning experiences, and support for diverse learners. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Targeted interventions, SEN support, and small-group instruction to help students reach their learning goals. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Additional tutoring or supported study time, personalised learning plans, and teacher-led adjustments to instruction as needed. - How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated) - See above: newsletters, meetings, and family-friendly reporting on student progress. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes typically range from 18–25 students, with teacher-led small-group support and targeted assistance for students who need extra help. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A broad range of sports (e.g., athletics, netball, cricket, soccer, rugby league), plus clubs such as robotics, chess, coding, and debating, plus music and drama programs. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, library, science labs, music/arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, canteen, and updated playgrounds. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integrated digital literacy across the curriculum with access to computers and coding activities, supporting modern learning and digital citizenship. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Regional bus services or school transport arrangements; facilities designed for accessible access to learning spaces. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees are generally modest and relate to voluntary contributions, uniform costs, and occasional excursions or activities. --- ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Close-knit, welcoming community with a strong focus on student wellbeing - Solid literacy and numeracy program with opportunities in STEM and digital learning - Wide range of extracurriculars, including sports, arts, and clubs - Inclusive practices and support for diverse learners - Active parental involvement and strong community partnerships - Cons - As a smaller school, available electives and specialist programs may be more limited than larger schools - Travel for some inter-school events or program participation may be necessary - Availability of certain clubs or programs can vary year to year based on staffing and interest