WILLMOT PUBLIC SCHOOL, NSW
SCHOOL:
Willmot Public School is a Government K-6 school in a low socio-economic suburb in the west of Sydney. Of its 250 students, 55 are Indigenous.
PROGRAMS:
Playgroup. This provides opportunities for Indigenous parents to interact and expose children to pre-Literacy and pre-Numeracy skills. It also promotes feelings of ease and belonging within the school environment. Starting to develop preskills that are essential before entering school
Willmot Wizards. A transition to school program which aims to provide a prior-to-school experience for children who will be entering Kindergarten the following year. Priority is given to Aboriginal children and children who would not otherwise attend a pre-school setting.
Parent Program. Provides Indigenous parents with the opportunity to gain knowledge in teaching their children Literacy skills at home in the early years. This program was developed by an Assistant Principal in collaboration with the Aboriginal Education Officer, local AECG member, community members and teachers.
Children's Future Learning Program. Personalised Learning Programs are developed for each Indigenous student using assessments, NAPLAN results and teacher input. Aboriginal Learning Partners work with the students targeting specific areas in Literacy and Numeracy, ensuring students are working at their own ability level. This program caters for students in all years, and the information is transferred to secondary school when Indigenous students start Year 7.
Leadership. Leadership of all of these projects is provided by the principal and his school executive, but overall decisions are made by the Aboriginal Education Committee, which includes two local Aboriginal community members, a local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group member, the AEO and members of staff. The role of the principal, as executive officer, is to ensure the wishes of the committee are carried forward into the school.
OUTCOMES:
- 100% increase in parent participation within the school
- Sharp decline in suspension rates for Indigenous students, from 58% suspended in 2006 to 4% suspended in 2008
- Indigenous student attendance rate close to 90%
- Increased Literacy and Numeracy skills
MORE INFORMATION:
Peter Corney, Principal 02 9628 0222 or peter.corney@det.nsw.edu.au
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