Ballarat North Primary School is situated in the northern part of Ballarat and was established in 1953. The school is set on a substantial site with attractive grounds and excellent facilities including a new Multipurpose Centre comprising of a gymnasium and Visual Arts facility. In recent years, enrolment has fluctuated around 380 students with an anticipated enrolment of 400 in 2012. Practices reflect the school’s core values of care, respect, excellence and community. Ballarat North Primary School promotes high achievement and success for all by working with students to: Strive for personal excellence in all aspects of their education; Develop independence, self-motivation and the ability to work cooperatively with others; Become critical and creative thinkers with an enjoyment of learning; Build resilience and develop highly effective social skills; Show care and respect for themselves, others and the environment; Develop a sense of belonging and pride in their school and an awareness of their place within a global community. To achieve our aims for students the school will: Provide a safe, caring and stimulating learning environment; Offer an engaging and challenging curriculum that caters for the diverse needs of all learners;Use a range of effective and innovative teaching approaches; Adopt practices that enhance student wellbeing and promote positive relationships; Establish cooperative learning partnerships with parents and the wider community; Have high expectations of all students. A comprehensive curriculum based on the Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS) is offered throughout the school with a strong focus on Literacy and Numeracy. Specialist lessons in Library, Visual Arts, Performing Arts and Physical Education are provided to complement class programs. The use of ICT is incorporated across the curriculum with all classrooms well resourced with interactive whiteboards, computers and access to digital and flip cameras. A range of support and enrichment programs are offered to enhance..