Small school, big opportunities

Laharum Primary School’s ability to provide a personalised experience is setting students up to be great leaders.

The school’s ‘network approach’ teaches students early on the importance of community connection and sets strong foundations for future education.

The small school of only nine students combines its network of visiting teachers, volunteers, and cluster schools to deliver programs to help students develop confidence and leadership.

The school is part of the Horsham Small Schools Cluster and participates in sporting activities, cluster days and curriculum initiatives, camping and outdoor activities with nearby Grampians schools.

Year-six student Shay said the one-on-one teaching style helped her ability to understand new concepts in class. “The teachers are so understanding,” she said. “If you don’t understand the first way they explain things then they teach it to you again, then you just say, ‘I still don’t get it’ and they will try and think of another way to teach it to you,” she said.

Community volunteers work in the school every week to help support literacy and mentor programs and specialist staff deliver key programs including the school’s ‘Sporting Schools’ program and swimming.

The school also provides opportunities for students to take part in ‘Granny’ cooking sessions, growing a school garden and a chance to work with the Laharum Landcare group, where students participate in annual tree plantings and environmental activities.

Year-five student Eh Shi Paw said she enjoyed the opportunities to learn about the environment and horticulture.

“Laharum Primary School is an amazing school to learn, have great friends and enjoy school. We grow fresh and healthy fruits and vegetables,” she said.

Year-six student Isabelle said having a small cohort meant school excursions became more of a personalised experience for students.

“Laharum Primary School is a great school because it is small, which means we have more opportunities, such as going to the beach or getting to go to musicals,” she said.

Year-six student Matilda said she had made some great friendships along the way.

“A small school can be a useful place for learning and socialisation,” she said.

“Although the numbers are small, I find it easier to speak to my peers and friends, and learning is easier too as you can quickly get assistance from your teachers.”

Principal and teacher Jane Mclean said having a smaller cohort meant teachers could focus more on helping individual students.

“The advantage to small schools is the individual attention given to students. You are able to devote more time to the whole child’s development in the classroom,” she said.

Mrs Mclean said the school’s ‘network approach’ had helped to create a seamless transition from primary to secondary school.

“We have a strong transition program into secondary college,” she said.

“Students go on to become critical thinkers, that will support them in future learning, and in the long-term, these students will move on to be valuable citizens in our community.”