Wauchope Public School

Wauchope Public School is one of the largest primary schools in the Port Macquarie District. Despite its size, the needs of the individual are never forgotten. The school promotes caring and tolerant attitudes in students and we encourage all students to excel. Our school maintains and fosters excellence through a broad range of academic, social and behavioural programs. Learning experiences are designed to teach the basic skills, impart knowledge and develop the values required to cope with change, whilst contributing in a meaningful way to our local and wider society. In the last 10 years, the school has received Director-General Awards for both Educational Technology and the Performing Arts. Our school population of over 710 is drawn from a wide variety of settings such as town, outlying farming areas and small rural acreages. We expect our students to build positive relationships, display high levels of social responsibility and also to develop trust and respect between all members of the school community. Our school has a diverse group of students with a large cohort undertaking special programs to cater for the individual. Wauchope Public School has a proud history of outstanding achievement in extra-curricular activities, including our choir which is regularly selected to perform at the Opera House. Our dance groups feature prominently in district and state festivals including the NSW Schools' Spectacular. We also enjoy sporting success in an array of competitions including Rugby League, Girls' Soccer and Touch Football. Students also participate in Public Speaking, Drama, School Band, an active SRC and a wide range of excursions. Our Parents and Citizens Committee is a vibrant, highly active group raising substantial amounts of money to enhance all aspects of our school. In 2009 and 2010, the P and C fully funded Electronic Whiteboards for all classrooms K-6 as well as providing valuable computer software to assist students. We also have a highly committed School Council which assists in the day to day decision making within our school. Wauchope Public School is a proud member and driving force behind the Bago Community of Schools. Currently we have three main targets: Mathematics with extensive work being undertaken in teacher training and development using the Taking Off With Numeracy program which fosters explicit teaching of numeracy skills; Consolidating student welfare practices within the school. The main impetus for this is the Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) initiative. PBL is a whole school Student Welfare Program involving the establishment of consistent and specific positive behaviours throughout the school; Catering for and developing Aboriginal Community Engagement. The 100 Aboriginal students are a significant group within our school. Our committee co-ordinated the Bago Community of Schools Staff Development Day. All Aboriginal students have Personalised Learning Plans setting individual targets.