doris
doris
Find Schools
Events
Saved schools
My account
Parent Guide Parent testimonials Community Transparency Charter About For Schools
Currency
A

Aspendale Gardens Primary School

Australia, Melbourne

Save school
Share
Navigate

· Reviewed by · Co-founder & CEO

Independently researched by doris.
Not yet claimed by the school
Claim your profile
The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees A$591 - 700
Ages Not listed
Type Co-educational
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP)
Taught languages Mandarin
Strengths Performing Arts, Languages, Outdoor Education
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Primary School
Introduction

Aspendale Gardens Primary School delivers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) to students from Foundation to Year 6, organized around six transdisiplinary themes and inquiry-based learning. The curriculum develops the whole child as an inquirer within a global framework, guided by the Learner Profile. Mandarin is offered as an Additional Language, with Confucius Classroom accreditation, partnerships with China and an annual China Tour. Specialist subjects include Physical Education, Visual Arts, Performing Arts and a Kitchen/Garden program, with camps as part of extracurricular offerings. The campus features thirty classrooms, two Art rooms, a Library, an Information Technology area, two Performing Arts rooms and a gymnasium with a full-sized indoor basketball court, plus extensive outdoor fields and playgrounds. The Kitchen/Garden program promotes cooking and sustainable practices, and the school maintains international sister-school connections and a visiting intern. Enrichment clubs, instrumental music and year-level productions such as Moana Jnr enrich student life.

96 Kearney Drive, Aspendale Gardens VIC 3195

The Essentials

Aspendale Gardens Primary School has instruction in English.

Location
96 Kearney Drive, Aspendale Gardens, VIC 3195, Australia. Aspendale Gardens Primary School is a Victorian government primary school. Aspendale Gardens Primary School became an authorised International Baccalaureate World School in 2017, officially offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP). The PYP focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer both within and outside the classroom; it is based within a framework that considers the social, academic and emotional wellbeing of students.

Stages
Prep to Year 6

Country affiliation
Australia
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The school colours are navy and jade. The Summer uniform includes a dress (school print) or dress fabric culottes, a navy skort or shorts, a jade polo shirt, a navy windcheater and a wide-brimmed Sunsmart hat; Winter includes a navy box-pleat skirt or tunic, navy or jade polo shirts, a navy windcheater and a polar fleece jacket or vest. A wide-brimmed Sunsmart hat is required in Terms 1 and 4. Uniforms can be purchased through the PSW Uniform Shop (Carrum Downs) or online; second-hand uniforms are available from the school office.

Food Options
The canteen is outsourced to two past-parents and is open on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday for lunch orders and lunchtime over-the-counter sales. Lunch orders can be placed online via QKR for a two-week window, and orders can also be paid for with a paper bag and cash. A canteen menu is provided.

Governance and Ownership
School Council is the governing body of the school. It comprises elected parents and school staff who are representatives of the school community. The Council consists of twelve members, with four staff and eight parent members, and operates committees in Finance, Facilities, Education and Fundraising. It is responsible for developing and monitoring the school's strategic plan and education policy, recommending appointment of the Principal, employing non-teaching staff, developing a student code of conduct, reporting to the school community and the Department of Education, financial management, and contracting for services.
Fees

Annual tuition at Aspendale Gardens Primary School ranges from AUD 591 to AUD 700 for 2026/27.

Application fees
- No application or compulsory enrolment fee is charged for Aspendale Gardens Primary School; school contributions are voluntary.

Tuition / compulsory fees by year group (annual amounts and per-term equivalents)
- Note: the school requests voluntary parent contributions; the amounts below show the annual contribution requested by category and an equivalent per-term figure (annual divided by four) for budgeting.

Foundation (Prep)
- Curriculum contributions (annual): AUD 365.50.
- Other contributions (non-tax deductible) (annual): AUD 90.00.
- Building Fund (tax-deductible, voluntary) (annual): AUD 50.00.
- Extra-curricular (user-pays optional) (annual): AUD 140.00 (includes yearbook and optional incursions/excursions; swimming cost to be advised).
- Total annual (all categories): AUD 645.50 — Equivalent per term: AUD 161.38.

Year 1
- Curriculum contributions (annual): AUD 319.50.
- Other contributions (non-tax deductible) (annual): AUD 90.00.
- Building Fund (tax-deductible, voluntary) (annual): AUD 50.00.
- Extra-curricular (user-pays optional) (annual): AUD 140.00 (includes yearbook and optional incursions/excursions; swimming cost to be advised).
- Total annual (all categories): AUD 599.50 — Equivalent per term: AUD 149.88.

Year 2
- Curriculum contributions (annual): AUD 361.50.
- Other contributions (non-tax deductible) (annual): AUD 90.00.
- Building Fund (tax-deductible, voluntary) (annual): AUD 50.00.
- Extra-curricular (user-pays optional) (annual): AUD 140.00 (includes yearbook and optional incursions/excursions; swimming cost to be advised).
- Total annual (all categories): AUD 641.50 — Equivalent per term: AUD 160.38.

Year 3
- Curriculum contributions (annual): AUD 419.50.
- Other contributions (non-tax deductible) (annual): AUD 90.00.
- Building Fund (tax-deductible, voluntary) (annual): AUD 50.00.
- Extra-curricular (user-pays optional) (annual): AUD 140.00 (includes yearbook, optional incursions/excursions, optional camp TBA; swimming cost to be advised).
- Total annual (all categories): AUD 699.50 — Equivalent per term: AUD 174.88.

Year 4
- Curriculum contributions (annual): AUD 352.50.
- Other contributions (non-tax deductible) (annual): AUD 90.00.
- Building Fund (tax-deductible, voluntary) (annual): AUD 50.00.
- Extra-curricular (user-pays optional) (annual): AUD 140.00 (includes yearbook and optional incursions/excursions; camp and swimming costs to be advised).
- Total annual (all categories): AUD 632.50 — Equivalent per term: AUD 158.13.

Year 5
- Curriculum contributions (annual): AUD 350.50.
- Other contributions (non-tax deductible) (annual): AUD 95.00 (includes PYP membership, wellbeing, first aid and School Sports Victoria where noted).
- Building Fund (tax-deductible, voluntary) (annual): AUD 50.00.
- Extra-curricular (user-pays optional) (annual): AUD 140.00 (includes yearbook, optional camp TBA, optional incursions/excursions; swimming to be advised).
- Total annual (all categories): AUD 635.50 — Equivalent per term: AUD 158.88.

Year 6
- Curriculum contributions (annual): AUD 305.50.
- Other contributions (non-tax deductible) (annual): AUD 95.00 (includes PYP membership, wellbeing, first aid and School Sports Victoria where noted).
- Building Fund (tax-deductible, voluntary) (annual): AUD 50.00.
- Extra-curricular (user-pays optional) (annual): AUD 140.00 (includes yearbook, optional interschool sport events, optional incursions/excursions, graduation costs TBA; swimming to be advised).
- Total annual (all categories): AUD 590.50 — Equivalent per term: AUD 147.63.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- The school requests payment of the voluntary parent contributions in full early in the school year; for 2026 the requested payment date was in February (payment-by dates in the 2026 notices appear as Friday 13 February 2026 in the year-level contribution documents). Payments can be made via the school's Compass portal or at the school office. Credit/Debit card via Compass is listed as the preferred payment method.

Boarding fees
- Boarding is not applicable; Aspendale Gardens Primary School is a day primary school and does not operate boarding facilities.

Other costs and typical additional charges
- Uniform: The school's uniform is supplied through Primary School Wear (PSW). Sample prices (price list dated 15 October 2025) include polo shirts from around AUD 36.45–39.45, bomber jackets AUD 55.45–59.45, polar fleece jackets AUD 50.45–54.45, school backpack AUD 59.45, and other items; second‑hand uniform items are available from the school office at AUD 5.00 per item.
- Yearbook: AUD 20.00 (listed as an extra-curricular item for each year level).
- Incursions / excursions: typically listed as an optional levy of around AUD 120.00 per year level (amount variable by year). Swimming program, camps and some excursions are additional and are listed as "to be advised" or priced when scheduled; camps may be charged separately at the time of organisation.
- Specific optional program charges appearing in year-level notices include interschool sport or event fees (example: Year 5/6 interschool items and event charges where noted). These are user-pays and vary by year and event.

Refund information
- Requests for refunds are considered at the school's discretion and assessed on a case-by-case basis. Refunds are provided where the school deems this reasonable and fair, taking into account whether a cost has been incurred and relevant Department of Education policies.

Fee payment options
- Preferred payment: Credit/Debit Card via the Compass portal (school portal). Payments can also be made at the school office. The school uses QKR for some canteen and payment transactions in practice. Uniform purchases are processed through PSW online or at their retail outlet.

Financial assistance and payment plans
- The school identifies financial support options such as the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund and may offer payment plans or alternative arrangements for families experiencing financial difficulty; a nominated contact is provided for confidential discussions.
Academics

Aspendale Gardens Primary School teaches IB (PYP).

Curriculum
The school delivers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP). The PYP focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer within a transdisciplinary framework. Units of inquiry are organized under six transdisciplinary themes: Who we are; Where we are in place and time; How the world works; How we express ourselves; Sharing the planet; How we organise ourselves. The curriculum emphasizes inquiry-based learning and action, guided by the Learner Profile. Mandarin is offered as an Additional Language from Foundation to Year 6 (one hour per week), with Confucius Classroom accreditation, partnerships with China and an annual China Tour; specialist subjects include Physical Education, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, and a Kitchen/Garden program, with camps as part of extra-curricular offerings.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school implements the Respectful Relationships initiative to promote and model respect and equality and to teach students how to build healthy relationships, resilience and confidence. A whole-school approach supports primary prevention of gender-based violence and embeds a culture of respect and equality. Professional learning supports school leaders, teachers and staff, and resources are provided for staff and students. The school builds relationships with the community, including prevention and response services and families. Social and emotional learning and respectful relationships education are delivered in accordance with the Victorian Curriculum.

Mental Wellbeing
Social and emotional learning and respectful relationships education are delivered in line with the Victorian Curriculum. The school undertakes a cycle of continuous improvement to identify gaps in culture, policies, structures and practices with feedback from staff, students and families. It identifies and uses Respectful Relationships funding and resources to implement actions promoting respectful relationships and gender equality. The school monitors and evaluates progress in implementing the whole-school approach to Respectful Relationships. The school provides support and resources for staff and students.

Safeguarding
The school has Child Safety Code of Conduct Policy, Child Safety Responding & Reporting Policy, and Child Safety & Wellbeing Policy to protect students and guide staff. The policies set out obligations for staff, volunteers and contractors to act safely and to report concerns promptly. The school is an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (PYP) World School, which includes a focus on student wellbeing as part of its framework.
Parent Experience

Community
Positive, respectful, and supportive relationships sit at the heart of the school. The school warmly welcomes families into the community and aims to build long, meaningful partnerships. The staff are dedicated, talented, and professional, delivering an IB Primary Years Programme–grounded learning program. Belonging supports students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The School Council is the governing body of Aspendale Gardens Primary School. It comprises elected parents and school staff who represent the school community. The Council operates a committee structure with Finance, Facilities, Education and Fundraising. The twelve-member Council includes four staff and eight parent members, with the Principal serving as Executive Officer. The Council can co-opt a community member. Council responsibilities include developing and monitoring the school strategic plan and policies, recommending appointment of the Principal, employing non-teaching staff, developing a student code of conduct, reporting to the school community and the Department of Education, and managing the school's finances.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Aspendale Gardens Primary School is situated on spacious, well-maintained grounds. The school has thirty classrooms, two Art rooms, a Library, an Information Technology area, two Performing Arts rooms, a gymnasium with a full-sized indoor basketball court, a Friendship room, a Kitchen/Dining room, and two Mandarin classrooms. The grounds include a safe junior and senior playground, a sandpit, and a large open playing field. The extensive vegetable garden supports a Kitchen Garden program led by a qualified Horticultural teacher and a Food Technician who educate students in growing, harvesting and cooking produce. Quiet areas are scattered throughout the courtyard and surrounds. The Before and After School Care program is run by Their Care and the holiday program by Team Kids.

Sports Facilities
The gymnasium has a full-sized indoor basketball court. There is a large open playing field for outdoor activities. Two safe playground areas provide space for physical activity for both junior and senior students. These facilities enable a broad range of sports and active learning throughout the school day.

Academic Facilities
The school has a Library and an Information Technology area to support research and digital learning. There are two Art rooms and two Performing Arts rooms. Two Mandarin classrooms support language learning. A Kitchen/Dining room supports the Kitchen Garden program, with a Horticultural teacher and a Food Technician educating students in growing and cooking produce. Quiet areas scattered around the courtyard provide spaces for reflection and independent study.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Before and After School Care is run by Their Care. A holiday program is run by Team Kids. Lunchtime Activities are offered, along with Special Events and Instrumental Music as part of the extracurricular program. Camps are included in the extracurricular program.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Enrichment clubs are offered during lunchtimes; staff run them for students during lunch and there are multiple clubs on offer each week. The IB Primary Years Programme guides Aspendale Gardens' teaching and learning, emphasizing inquiry-based learning, personal growth and global-mindedness. The school runs a camps program that provides year-level outdoor learning experiences to build resilience and collaboration.

Arts & Creative
An extensive Performing Arts program covers dance, drama, music and media, and includes an instrumental music program with lessons in singing, drumming, guitar and keyboard taught by external educators. Students are encouraged to join singing and choir groups, and the school showcases student performances at assemblies and events. In 2025, Year 5 & 6 produced Moana Jnr, illustrating the school's year-level performing arts productions and showcases.

Cultural & Language
Mandarin is taught to all students from Foundation to Year 6 for one hour per week by qualified language teachers, with the program connected to classroom units and complemented by Confucius Classroom accreditation. The school maintains international partnerships with two Chinese sister schools and runs an annual China Tour for Year 5/6 students, with ongoing opportunities to Skyp e with partner schools. These connections broaden cultural learning and global awareness; an intern from China visits yearly to share culture.

Social & Hobbies
Lunchtime Activities are offered by staff to provide a wide range of extracurricular opportunities during lunch, giving students time to explore new interests and socialise. The school celebrates a variety of special events throughout the year, including Harmony Day, Mothers' Day Breakfast, Fathers' Day Celebration, NAIDOC Week, Science Week, Book Week, Art Show, Open Night and Community Christmas Carols. These activities contribute to social engagement and enjoyment beyond academics.

Community & Service
The Kitchen/Garden program brings the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program to Years 2–5, with students gardening, harvesting and cooking; they explore cuisines from around the world and participate in lunchtime garden activities. The garden and aviary projects involve students in caring for living systems and sustainable practices, with gardens and cooking integrated into the lunch experience. The program also supports community connections through cooking, garden activities and school-wide garden maintenance.

Leadership & Professional
The School Council is the governing body of Aspendale Gardens Primary School, comprising staff and parent representatives. The Council develops and monitors the school's strategic plan, policies and budget, and oversees major areas including finance, facilities, education and fundraising. It operates through committees to govern school operations and strategic direction.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The school emphasizes wellbeing through the Respectful Relationships program and social-emotional learning aligned with the Victorian Curriculum. Circle Time, Restorative Practices and peer mediation support a caring school culture and student self-esteem. Camps, garden and kitchen programs promote healthy, active lifestyles and opportunities for social connection outside the classroom.
Languages

Language Provision
Mandarin is taught as an additional language to all students from Foundation to Year 6, with one hour of instruction per week by qualified language teachers. Lessons connect to the classroom's current units of inquiry and Mandarin is used in everyday classroom conversations. The school is accredited as a Confucius Classroom and maintains partnerships with two Chinese sister schools: Youfu West Street in Nanjing and Yucai Primary in Yangzhou. There are annual China Tours for Year 5/6 students, ICT exchanges (Skyping) with the sister schools, and an intern from China joins the school each year to share authentic Chinese culture.
Reputation

Accreditations
International Baccalaureate World School – Primary Years Programme (PYP), authorised in 2017.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Families are invited to contact the school office to book a tour or to learn more about the enrolment application process. The school office can be reached at (03) 9587 0877, and the email address is aspendale.gardens.ps@education.vic.gov.au. A flyer with tour dates is provided on the school page. This initial step helps families understand the school and its enrolment options.

2. The Department of Education and Training has a new state-wide Foundation (Prep) enrolment timeline. The school zone is available on Find My School. Information and resources about the timeline, including factsheets, are available on Victoria's Starting School pages. Foundation (Prep) enrolment for 2027 opens on Monday 20 April 2026; for enrolment in other year levels, follow the enrolment process linked below.

3. You can submit an Application for Enrolment Foundation (Prep) by Friday 31 July 2026 through the Education Department portal. You will be notified of the outcome of your application by Friday 13 August 2026. If you receive an offer of placement, you should contact the school to accept the offer by Friday 28 August 2026. Transition sessions and an Orientation Day are held during Term 4, 2026.

4. Your child will start Foundation (Prep) on Thursday 28 January 2027. This start date marks the commencement of the Foundation year. The Foundation (Prep) enrolment information pack provides additional details and requirements related to start and enrolment steps.

5. If enrolling in a year level other than Foundation for 2027, refer to the enrolment process linked on the page for those year levels.
School Events
The school has not added events
Search for more schools
Search schools in Australia View all schools in Melbourne View all schools in Australia IB curriculum schools in Australia Open days & tours in Melbourne What is the IB curriculum? View all schools Search all schools