Wentworth Public School

Wentworth Public School has provided education to the Wentworth community for over one hundred and fifty years. The school is situated on the western banks of the Darling River, not far from the junction of this river with Australia's other major river, the Murray. The school services an isolated area of the state which is subject to extremes of climate, being situated in a semi-arid area. A majority of students access the school by foot or bicycle from the town of Wentworth. A few children travel by bus from isolated station properties up to an hour's travel time away from the school. Two larger buses bring children from horticultural blocks in the nearby settlements of Pomona and Curlwaa. Wentworth is close to the Victorian regional city of Mildura, which provides employment, sporting opportunities and health services that supplement that which is available locally. The school's vision states that "Wentworth Public School aims to always be a happy, safe and engaging learning environment that encourages students to be self-regulated, enthusiastic and independent life-long learners". At Wentworth, the students benefit from a wonderful range of activities that focus on individual needs and interests. A Kitchen-Garden program and a specialist music program are highlights, along with a clear focus on developing solid literacy and numeracy skills through personalised learning. The school has adopted "positive behaviours for Learning" and has a clear focus on the social and emotional development of all students. A cultural program is also a feature of the school's curriculum. The school is supported by additional funding to support Aboriginal students, as well as gaining extra support for low socio-economic students. The school also receives support as a part of the "Early Action For Success" initiative. The school has a strong partnership with other local schools in the Murray-Darling group and with the local pre-school. The school strives to provide an inclusive and dynamic school community, with a focus on engaging all stakeholders in quality educational opportunities for all.