Performing Arts

With a long and proud history of award winning performances, in 2009 Ashmore State School will again participate in many sections of the Gold Coast Tropicarnival Eisteddfod. Featuring our Junior, Intermediate and Senior String Ensembles, Junior and Senior Bands, Junior and Senior Choirs and Dance Group. In 2008 our Senior Choir was judged Most Outsatnding Primary School Choir and our Dance Group won their section at their first ever competition. Our performance program involves a three year rotation of major events - A School Musical, Wakakirri Story Dance Competition, a Cultural Evening. In 2009 we will be particapting in the Wakakirri Story Dance Festival. Utilising the many skills of our staff and year 7 students, our theme for this year is 'the perception of heros through the grenerations'. Our Instrumental Music Program has teachers available for strings, brass, woodwind and percussion.

Sport

Our dedicated Physical Education Specialist provides a comprehensive program for all students which includes ball skills, dance, athletics, swimming, game skills and general fitness. In 2009 Ashmore State School participated in Interschool Sports in both Winter and Summer seasons. Sporting teams travel to various locations on the Gold Coast and compete against other local schools. Sports offered in 2009 include - Rugby League, Netball, Softball, Baseball, T-Ball, Touch Football, Basketball and Soccer. In 2009 we again offered a Dance program as part of our Interschool Sports program. This dance group performs at various events included "Danc-Ed In The Spotlight" - a Gold Coast celebration of dance programs in schools. Ashmore participates succesfully at a Gold Coast District level winning overall Runners-up at the District Athletics carnival in 2007.

Curriculum

Ashmore State School offers a balanced and connected curriculum. All classrooms are connected to the internet with banks of up to six computers in every room supported by three computer laboratories spaced throughout the school campus and an increasing number of Interactive Whiteboards. Classroom teaching and learning programs are based on Education Queensland Essential Learnings and are delivered by dedicated, caring and professional staff. Key Learning Areas include -English, Maths, Languages Other Than English (French), Science, Studies of Society and the Environment, Technology, Health and Physical Education and The Arts. A number of specialist teachers deliver programs in Music, Physical Education, LOTE, Library and Learning Support. Students have the opportunity to be involved in activities such as Business Enterprise studies, Double Helix Science Club, Eco-Challenge, CREST Science Awards and UNSW annual competitions as well as comprehensive orientation programs with local high schools. A chess program is offered to all year three students during class time. Students are also supported by our Guidance Officer, School Chaplain and Teacher Advisory Educational Adjustment. Educational outcomes and Leadership opportunites are supported by a Year 7 Trip to Canberra and Jindabyne, a Year 6 non-residential three day leadership camp to Tallebudgera Camp School and various year level excursions during the year.

Community

Ashmore State School was the first primary school to employ a school chaplain in 1998. One of the many initiatives of our chaplain is our Breakfast Club which operates one morning each week and provides a free breakfast for students. An active P and C committee meets monthly and is dedicated to fundraising and supporting all school events. The Committee for After School Care operates daily alongside the provision of a delivery and pick up service by several local child care centres. The Commonwealth Bank offers a School Banking Sevice to all students each week.

School Structures

A tuckshop operates daily utilising the "Smart Choices" healthy food and drink strategy. Award winning grounds provide both open space and shaded gardens. An air-conditioned hall is used extensively by both the school and wider community. Our netball courts are to underwent an extensive $70 000 refurbishment in 2008. In 2009 all classrooms were single rooms with the structural capacity to open connecting doors and combine classes for team learning experiences.

Student Services

A Queensland Health dental van visits the school annually as does the School Nurse. They provide a free health and dental services to our students. An elected student forum meet regularly along with our student leaders (School Captains, Vice School Captains, House Captains and Vice House Captains) to discuss issues and to support fundraising for both in-school activities and community charities. This is evidenced by our annual Christmas food drive for the Salvation Army, the supplies drive for the Animal Welfare League and support of our sponsored student - Abwino in Malawi. 'Peacemakers' is a student driven support program which had been running at Ashmore State School for many years. Volunteer senior school students are trained to act a mediators in the playgrounds during play time. Many junior and senior school classes team up and operate a "Buddy Class" system which allows senior students to mentor younger students in a supportive capacity.

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