Introduction

The Gums State School is a Small School in the Western Downs with classes from Prep to Year 7.  We are dedicated to supporting students in achieving their full potential, through offering a challenging, supportive environment with a diverse curriculum.  The school community encourages diversity and inclusiveness.  Appropriate intervention programs are coordinated for all students whose achievement has been identified.  It fosters a safe environment that supports innovative and creative practice.  Underpinning this, is quality learning and teaching.

School progress towards its goals in 2010

During 2010 The Gums State School underwent a Teaching Learning Audit and a relevant action plan was developed.  The Gums liaised with like schools to develop English, Mathematics and Science programs relevant to Small Schools.  Naplan results and school data informed the focused teaching and learning targets.  During 2010 Indigenous Perspectives were embedded into the curriculum and culture of the school.  As part of the Federal Government’s Building the Education Revolution (BER) a library was constructed and furnished in July 2010.  The School community is committed to upgrading the facilities and school grounds in preparation for the school centenary in 2013.

Future outlook

In 2011 The Gums School with continue to undergo curriculum renewal by:

• Implement C, T & L (Curriculum, Teaching and Learning) Audit Action Plan.
• Devise the NAPLAN Action Plan and targets to be achieved.
• Complete EATSIPS Action Plan.
• Align School Curriculum Framework with National Curriculum for 2012 readiness.
• Align Whole School Assessment Plan with National Curriculum Guidelines.
• Employ teacher one day per week for Literacy/Numeracy.
• Continue with open communication with staff and community.
• Continue to upgrade school grounds and facilities in preparation for the school centenary in 2013.

School Profile

Coeducational: Yes

Year levels offered: Prep- 7

Total student enrolments for this school:

Characteristics of the student body:

The Gums State School has two multi-age groups consisting of P-3 and year 4-7.  The majority of students are from a rural background, although there are a small percentage of transient students. The majority of students come from 2 parent families. Most children travel to and from school by bus. There are generations of the same families that have attended the school over the last 98 years.

There are programs in place to facilitate students with learning disabilities.  All students are included in the mainstream classes. 

Year 7 students transition to Tara Shire State College or attend boarding schools in Dalby, Toowoomba and Brisbane.

  Class sizes – Proportion of school classes achieving class size targets in 2010

School Disciplinary Absences   

Curriculum offerings

Our distinctive curriculum offerings

·          Cater for individual student needs in a supportive and inclusive school environment through STDL and SEU unit at Tara Shire State College.

·          Participation in various sporting events, carnivals and cultural activities involving all cluster small schools in the Tara Western Alliance.

·          Multi-age teaching catering for all year levels.

·          School Curriculum comprises of Literacy, Numeracy, SOSE and Science.

·          Extensive use of ICT’s across all key learning areas.

·          Daily Smart Moves.

·          Weekly class music/singing lessons with recorder, clarinet and drums.

·          Japanese is delivered to Years 4-7.

·          ICAS – International Competition and Assessment for Schools.

·          Healthy Active Schools Grant shared among four small schools to include swimming, athletics and tennis coaching, sports equipment, healthy eating and cooking classes.

Extra curricula activities

All students participate in the following:

·          Arts Council, Opera Queensland

·          Tennis, swimming and athletics Coaching

·          Mini Olympics

·          PCAP Swim and Environment camps

·          Tara Show exhibits

·          Religious Instruction

·          ANZAC and Remembrance Day

·          Celebration of NAIDOC week and Book Week with Tara Cluster Schools

·          Jump Rope for Heart

·          Cross Country and Ball Games Carnival

·          Interschool sport

·          School Camp

·          Combined Days (Glenmorgan, Meandarra, Hannaford and The Gums State Schools )

·          Mock Eisteddfod and Under 8’s Day at Meandarra

·          Book Week Parade

·          Premier’s Reading Challenge

·          PCAP Activities

How Information and Communication Technologies are used to assist learning

Our students have regular access to ICT’s in all KLA’s of the curriculum.  The students communicate with their peers from other areas by email and are proficient in the use of many software applications at the school.  The students are engaged in the use of multi–media applications to produce quality assessment pieces.  The interactive white board is incorporated in daily lessons.

Social climate

The Gums State School provides a supportive learning environment that allows students to prosper academically and socially. The school emphasis on self-disciplined within a framework of high behavioural expectations. Our small school environment creates a family-like setting where students are encouraged to help support each other.  Our school prides itself on an enthusiastic, happy and friendly atmosphere where every child has the right to learn and the right to feel safe. 

Parent and community participation is highly valued with the P&C Association active in fundraising, managing various projects and invaluable input into reviewing school performance.

Surveys show that 100% of students feel safe and treated fairly at The Gums State School and 100% of parents are satisfied that their children feel safe and are very happy to attend The Gums State School.

The Gums State School has access to a Guidance Officer, Speech Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist and STLD teacher who actively support the students.  Religious Education is taught in all grades once a week by community volunteer teachers

Parent, student and teacher satisfaction with the school

Overall parents, students and staff are very satisfied that The Gums State School is a good school.    

Involving parents in their child’s education.

The Gums State School endeavours to encourage parents and carers to participate in their children’s education.  Parents and carers are engaged in various volunteer activities within the school.

·          A strong link is maintained with parents and the community.

·          The school newsletter is sent out fortnightly to parents and the community.

·          The P&C committee meet once a month and provide admirable support to the school

·          Parent teacher interviews are conducted each semester, or more often when requested.

·          Involvement in various School Based Activities:

o         State Education Week activities

o         ANZAC and Remembrance Day ceremonies

o         Interhouse sports fun days

o         Raising money for cancer research

o         Jump Rope for Heart

o         Queensland Day activities

o         Working bees

o         Various sporting events – coaching and support in cluster sports activities

o         School concert

o         Music and drama productions

o         Tuckshop

Reducing the school’s environmental footprint

The KwH increased in 2010 due to the BER library that was built.  More power was used for lighting, heating and cleaning the building. The students and staff have been engaged in sustainable activities.  

Staff composition, including Indigenous Staff

Expenditure on and teacher participation in professional development.

The total funds expended on teacher professional development in 2010 was $5813 .  

The major professional development initiatives are as follows:

• Curriculum Alignment/Planning
• Aligning Productive Pedagogies
• EATSIPS
• Science
• Exclusions & Expulsions
• Alignment of English
• Mathematics & Science Documents
• QCAT Moderation
• Asbestos Training
• OneSchool Training
• First Aide.
• Cleaning.

The involvement of the teaching staff in professional development activities during 2010 was 100 %.  

Average staff attendance

For permanent and temporary staff and school leaders, the staff attendance rate was 98% in 2010.

Proportion of staff retained from the previous school year.

From the end of the previous school year, 100% of staff were retained by the school for the entire 2010 school year.