A day in Gawura School
A day at Gawura School combines strong academic learning with cultural connection, wellbeing support and meaningful relationships. Each day is designed to help students feel known, valued and supported while developing confidence, resilience and pride in who they are, creating strong foundations for future success.
A typical day includes:
Morning arrival and reading programme
Gawura students are collected along a bus route close to home by the Gawura School bus and are warmly welcomed by the friendly driver, an Elder, as they travel to school with their Gawura School friends. They begin the day with one-on-one reading alongside a much-appreciated volunteer, before heading to the rooftop playground to play with their Gawura School and Junior School friends.
Small classes focused on literacy and numeracy
Students engage for half a day in small class learning (6-12 students) led by their dedicated teacher and supported by the Aboriginal Education Assistant and other specialist learning staff in the purpose-designed Gawura School classrooms. With personalised attention, these supportive relationships help students feel safe, encouraged and connected.
Cultural connection embedded in learning
Students participate in cultural learning, storytelling, language and experiences that strengthen identity and belonging. They may attend their weekly First Nations Dance lesson with an Elder or participate in an incursion or On Country excursion.
Learning the NSW curriculum with Junior School peers
For part of the day students share in science, art, sport, PHDE and other lessons alongside their classmates in their ‘buddy’ class at St Andrew’s Cathedral School’s Junior School in specialised rooms such as science labs and visual arts classrooms.
Activities beyond the classroom
Beyond lessons and play spaces, students can enjoy excursions, sport and co-curricular activities to learn and grow together with their Junior School peers. These include:
- Music lessons and ensembles
- Sport and inter-school competitions
- Homework club
- Outdoor education
- Other co-curricular activities during or after school