Thornton Public School is located between Maitland and Newcastle in New South Wales. It serves a diverse community with families from wide ranging socio-economic circumstances and backgrounds. Thornton Public School also caters successfully for a wide range of students with special needs. A large school, with a current enrolment of 600 students, it offers a full and varied curriculum which includes the core key learning areas, many sports and values education. It has an emphasis on creative arts with classroom music lessons, three choirs, individual instrumental tuition and special events such as "Music Count Us In" and a whole school concert at the Civic Theatre. The mission at Thornton Public School is 'Developing Learners for Life'. Thornton Public School is committed to providing quality programs in literacy, numeracy and technology for all students in a happy, caring environment. Most classrooms have interactive whiteboards and a videoconferencing facility is used regularly by the students. An exciting technology program includes such innovative experiences as movie making to encourage the basic technology skills students will need in their future educational careers. The school promotes the concept that learning is lifelong. Students are encouraged to strive to prepare to take a fulfilling part in 21st Century society. The school promotes academic, arts and sporting achievement and there is a significant emphasis on environmental studies. The School Council and Parents and Citizens Association are an integral part of the school and work as a team with staff to maximize each student's potential. A friendly, open and welcoming relationship with the community is a feature of the school.