Hawkesbury Independent School

Hawkesbury Independent School is a small co-educational school for children from Kindergarten to Year 6. It is situated at Kurrajong and offers a positive alternative for children and parents in the Hawkesbury area. Our school is based on a strong sense of community. We have developed a supportive and nurturing atmosphere where all children look out for each other and where parents are invited to be part of the life of the school. Active learning describes our school activities, both inside and outside the classroom. While the learning program is very structured and covers all the requirements of the New South Wales curriculum, the activities are stimulating, ‘hands-on’ and active. The learning programs and teaching strategies that are implemented are based on sound research and evidence.

As a small primary school, Hawkesbury Independent School encourages the development of strong caring relationships between children, teachers and parents. This is vital to ensure that school is an enjoyable and worthwhile experience for all involved. At Hawkesbury Independent School, the teachers provide an active learning environment where:

• Each child is respected and valued as an individual and as a member of the school community.
• Each child's enthusiasm for learning flourishes. The emphasis is on doing, investigating, exploring and solving problems with the opportunity to pursue individual interests.
• Our educational programs ensure that each child is challenged, makes progress and feels good about what he/she is doing. There is a strong emphasis on the basic skills of literacy and numeracy.
• Small class groups ensure each child receives personal attention & he/she is not lost in the crowd
• The program relates to the whole child his/her intellectual, physical, creative, emotional and social development.
• Cooperation rather than competition is fostered
• Each child is encouraged to do his/her best work and his/her progress is measured against his/her own previous achievements.
• Positive steps are taken to break down discriminatory attitudes evident in the wider community based on gender, race, religion, disability and age.
• Parents are invited to take part in the day to day activities and the management of the school.