Ararat West Primary School

Ararat West Primary School is set amongst native flora which is significantly links to the regions number one tourist attraction, the Grampians National Park. The large grounds provide students with the opportunity engage and enjoy their education in a naturally rich setting. Students are drawn from Ararat and surrounding districts with the average enrolment for the last 10 years being 259. The families who make up the school population work predominately in the sectors of public service and private enterprise. The prison, hospital, local business and farming make up the main occupations. The school is on the cutting edge with its teaching philosophy and curriculum content. Students and teachers operate in Collaborative Learning Spaces and engage in teaching and learning activities that evoke passion and inspiration. Self-Directed Learning is the basis of all curriculum programs which promotes students to take ownership of their educational journey. Literacy and Numeracy programs are intensive and traditionally high levels of student achievement is achieved. The school is proud of its ability to continually produce strong student learning results and expectations of the staff and students are very high. Staff are enthusiastic and driven in promoting all students to achieve success. A unique feature of the staffing profile is the high proportion of male staff. Underpinning all curriculum content is a commitment to computer technology. All students are able to make use of a variety of technologies. Students at the Year 5&6 level also have the opportunity to be involved in a 1:1 Netbook program. This program allows students to engage in their education anytime, anywhere. A range of specialist programs are offered which provides students with opportunities to effectively meet their learning needs. The school is committed to Physical Education, Visual and Performing Arts, and Chinese Mandarin. These programs have allowed students to achieve success in many different areas. Students regularly progress to high levels is sporting competitions particularly in the area of athletics, hockey, football and cricket. Students engage in community art exhibitions, contributing their work, as well as displaying it around the school. The biannual School Production see students from every level engaged in high level performing arts routines. The schools choir has a strong reputation and are regularly requested to perform at community events. Also, the school has a Jump Rope for Heart demonstration skipping team. In 2011 the team won the state championship skipping event. A Healthy Body, Healthy Mind philosophy is promoted with students engaging in physical activities to begin each day, as well as breaking for fruit each morning and being encouraged to have a bottle of water at their learning area. Ararat West is proud of it facilities and curriculum content. The school is preparing children for their future.