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Berwick Primary School

Australia, Melbourne

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The school at a glance
Fees Fees not listed
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 850
Type Co-educational
Opened 1857
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages Spanish
Strengths Performing Arts, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Primary School
Introduction

Berwick Primary School is an authorised International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme World School in Berwick, Victoria. The school uses the PYP framework across Humanities, Science and the Arts, connecting learning through Units of Inquiry that build cross-disciplinary understanding and curiosity. The curriculum is aligned with Victorian Curriculum Version 2.0 and VTLM 2.0, with core English and Mathematics taught using the Gradual Release of Responsibility model from 2026. English is taught for about 10 hours per week and Mathematics for at least five hours, with weekly Spanish taught to Foundation to Year 6 by a specialist teacher (introduced in 2012). A broad arts program runs through Visual Arts (weekly), and Music & Performing Arts, including Kodály-based lessons, choir and band ensembles. The Berwick Art Show, partnerships with Casey Concert Band and iRock Music Academy connect students with the community. Three-day camps to Camp Manyung, Phillip Island Adventure Resort and Melbourne city promote independence and cooperation.

37 Fairholme Blvd, Berwick VIC 3806, Australia

The Essentials

Berwick Primary School has 850 pupils.

Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The school has a compulsory uniform. The summer uniform includes a navy/sky blue short-sleeve polo shirt, navy shorts or skort, a blue and white check dress for girls, white ankle socks, leather lace-up shoes, and a broad-brimmed hat; the winter uniform includes a navy long-sleeve polo shirt, navy trousers or skirt, a navy jumper with logo, white or navy socks, and leather lace-up shoes, with the sport uniform worn on designated PE days. Uniform items can be purchased from Noone Imagewear, and second-hand uniform items can be donated or sold on consignment.

House System
The school has a house system with four houses: Beaumont, Gardiner, Langmore, and Wilson.

Governance and Ownership
The school has a School Council that governs, and it is a Victorian government primary school under the Department of Education.
Fees
Application fees
- No application fee is charged to submit an enrolment for Berwick Primary School; enrolment is managed through the school office and VicStudents for Foundation (Prep) applications.

Tuition fees (by year group and per term)
- There are no compulsory tuition fees for any year group. Instruction for the standard Victorian curriculum is provided free of charge. Instead, the school publishes voluntary Parent Payment Arrangements (Curriculum Contributions, Other Contributions and Extra‑Curricular items) for each year level. For 2026 the school has published year‑level Parent Payment Arrangements for Prep, Year 1 and Years 2–6 (these set recommended contributions and itemised charges). Because there are no mandatory tuition charges, there are no mandatory per‑term tuition fees to list.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Parent contributions are voluntary and are organised according to the school's published Parent Payment Arrangements for each year level; the school's 2026 arrangements identify the recommended contributions and how they are presented by year group. Payment timing and instalment options are set out in those year‑level arrangements. For out‑of‑hours care, session fees are charged per session and billed via the OSHC system (see OSHC section below for session rates and cancellation terms).

Boarding fees
- Berwick Primary School is a day primary school; there are no boarding programs and no boarding fees.

Other costs and common additional fees
- Compulsory uniform: A school uniform is required. Uniform items (summer, winter and sport/PE items) are purchased from the school's supplier, Noone Imagewear (local outlet and online purchasing available). Expect to purchase polo shirts, jumper, sports polo, hat, and footwear from the supplier. Payment for uniform items is handled directly with the supplier.
- Booklists / stationery: Booklist packs are supplied via Office Corporate; there are options for a Full Pack or a Mini Pack and a delivery charge applies for orders placed after the school's free delivery deadline (a $6.95 fee is applied from 1 December for home delivery). These booklist costs are in addition to voluntary Parent Payments and are charged through the booklist provider.
- Camps, sports and excursions support: Families holding an eligible Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card may qualify for the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF); the school's 2026 material references CSEF assistance.
- Out of School Hours Care (OSHC): Before School Care is charged at AUD 20 per session; After School Care is charged at AUD 25 per session; Vacation Care / CDC day rate is AUD 50 per day. Late collection and cancellation terms are applied: if a session is cancelled after 6:00pm the night prior (or a failure to cancel), the full gap fee is charged; casual late bookings incur a $5 fee; late collection fees apply ($10 flat fee if within 10 minutes, then $1 per minute thereafter). Child Care Subsidy (CCS) can apply to reduce OSHC fees for eligible families; OSHC enrolment and billing are processed through the OSHC Parent Portal.

Refund information
- Parent Payments: Contributions are voluntary; rules about refunds for voluntary contributions or for extra‑curricular activities are determined under the school's Parent Payment Arrangements and by School Council processes. Specific refund terms for particular activities (for example, if an excursion is cancelled or a program is not delivered) are set out in the school's year‑level payment documents and program permission/consent communications.
- OSHC refunds and cancellations: The OSHC service applies its cancellation policy: the full gap fee is charged for sessions cancelled after the stated cut‑off (after 6pm the night prior), and a late booking fee applies to casual bookings made after that time. Late collection fees apply as specified.

Fee payment options
- OSHC payments and enrolment are managed through the OSHC Parent Portal (SmartCentral); Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is applied where eligible and reduces billed fees. The school's uniform supplier operates online and in‑store payment channels. The school's Parent Payment Arrangements set out the accepted payment methods and any payment‑plan options for voluntary contributions. Typical payment channels used by Victorian government schools include online payment portals, BPay or direct debit / instalment plans where offered, but the exact methods and instalment schedules for Berwick Primary's Parent Payments are specified in the school's year‑level payment documents.

Note on detailed year‑level contribution amounts: Berwick Primary publishes year‑level Parent Payment Arrangements for 2026 (Prep, Year 1 and Years 2–6) that itemise recommended curriculum contributions, other contributions and extra‑curricular charges for each year level. The school's 2026 arrangements are the source of the specific recommended contribution amounts and any term/instalment options for those recommended contributions. I was able to confirm the existence of those 2026 year‑level Parent Payment Arrangements and separate OSHC session rates, but the individual line‑item contribution amounts and any per‑term instalment figures are contained in the school's published year‑level payment documents.
Academics

Berwick Primary School teaches IB (PYP), Bespoke Curriculum.

Curriculum
Berwick Primary School is an authorised International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme World School. The PYP framework is used across Humanities, Science and the Arts, supporting inquiry-based learning alongside explicit teaching. The curriculum is aligned with Victorian Curriculum Version 2.0 and VTLM 2.0. From 2026, core English and Mathematics lessons are designed and delivered using the Gradual Release of Responsibility model. English is taught for 10 hours per week and Mathematics for at least five hours per week. Spanish is taught weekly to all Foundation to Year 6 students by a specialist teacher (introduced in 2012). Units of Inquiry underpin the curriculum, connecting different learning areas and fostering curiosity, collaboration, and deeper thinking.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school is an authorised International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme World School. The PYP provides a rich framework for teaching and learning that encourages students to think critically, ask questions and take action in their learning. Units of Inquiry connect Humanities, Science and other learning areas, bringing the Victorian Curriculum 2.0 to life and promoting cross-disciplinary understanding. Strong foundations in literacy and numeracy are developed through explicit English and Mathematics instruction and through structured novel studies that deepen comprehension and vocabulary.

Arts & Creative
Visual Arts fosters creativity, confidence and skill development. Specialist Art teachers deliver weekly sessions, and the Berwick Art Show showcases student artwork to the local community. In Music & Performing Arts, students develop creativity, collaboration, movement and active listening through weekly Kodály-trained lessons; expression through dance and drama is woven throughout the curriculum and annual productions showcase the work. Hundreds of students participate in the school's thriving choir and band programs, with ensembles regularly performing at assemblies, concerts, community events, local aged care homes, inter-school music festivals and eisteddfods; the program is supported by Casey Concert Band and on-site tuition from iRock Music Academy.

Cultural & Language
Spanish is taught to all students from Foundation to Year 6 in weekly timetabled lessons with a specialist teacher (introduced in 2012). The language program provides social and cultural benefits, teaching not just words but the lives and places of people around the world. The Library also celebrates Children's Book Council of Australia Book Week each August, recognising the joy of reading and Australian children's literature.

Social & Hobbies
Year 6 students can join summer and winter sports, including football, netball, soccer, volleyball, softball, cricket and handball. Other options include Fitness Club, Joggers' Club, Soccer Club and Aerobics. Years 3–6 participate in Athletics and Cross-Country events with opportunities to progress to District-level competitions, while Prep to Year 2 enjoy a fun annual athletics carnival. Before-school, lunchtime and after-school programs add further opportunities to stay active and engaged.

Community & Service
Performance ensembles regularly take the stage at assemblies, concerts, community events, local aged care homes, inter-school music festivals and eisteddfods, reflecting strong community connections. The Berwick Art Show showcases student artwork to the local community, highlighting the school's commitment to sharing student achievement. The school's partnerships, including the Casey Concert Band and on-site iRock Music Academy tuition, reinforce ties with the wider community and provide authentic performance experiences.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The Physical Education program is dynamic and designed to build fitness, skills, teamwork and a love of movement, with specialist PE teachers delivering weekly lessons across all year levels. Before-school, lunchtime and after-school programs provide additional opportunities to stay active. Athletics & Cross-Country involve Years 3–6, with district-level progression, and a fun athletics carnival is run for Prep to Year 2. Grade 4–6 embark on three-day camps to Camp Manyung, Phillip Island Adventure Resort and Melbourne city, promoting independence and cooperation.
Languages

Language Provision
Spanish is taught to all students from Foundation to Year 6 in a weekly timetabled lesson with a specialist teacher. English is the language of instruction across the curriculum. The school is authorised International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme World School.
School Events
The school has not added events
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