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

Gold Creek School

Australia, Canberra

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 Fees not listed
Ages 4 - 16 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 1998
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), Australian Curriculum
Strengths Sport, Outdoor Education, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Preschool, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

Gold Creek School is a public IB World School on Nicholls campuses. The Junior Site (Preschool–Year 6) is at 40 Kelleway Avenue, and the Senior Site (Year 7–10) is at 130 Kelleway Avenue, serving students aged 4 to 16. The school offers IB alongside the Australian Curriculum. The Junior Site delivers PYP; the Senior Site delivers MYP. IB groups are Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Society, Science, Mathematics, Health and Physical Education, the Arts and Design. In Years 7–8 students study all eight groups; in Years 9–10 they may specialise. Language options include French, Indonesian, Japanese, and Korean (Year 7 only). Assessments follow MYP criteria and ACT descriptors, with inquiry-based learning and global perspectives aligned to the Australian context. Facilities include two libraries, a synthetic sports field, and a gym; the Junior Site library operates with Holy Spirit School. Extracurriculars include music bands, outdoor education, and academic competitions.

Junior site (Preschool–Year 6): 40 Kelleway Avenue, Nicholls ACT 2913; Senior site (Years 7–10): 130 Kelleway Avenue, Nicholls ACT 2913. Postal: Gold Creek School, Kelleway Avenue, Nicholls ACT 2913

The Essentials

Gold Creek School has instruction in English.

Location
The school has two campuses on Kelleway Avenue in Nicholls, ACT 2913. The Junior Site (Preschool to Year 6) is at 40 Kelleway Avenue. The Senior Site (Year 7 to 10) is at 130 Kelleway Avenue.

Stages
Junior Site - Preschool to Year 6; Senior Site - Year 7 to 10.

Type
Public school with two campuses delivering International Baccalaureate education from Preschool to Year 10.

Pupil Nationality Mix
The school has over 35 different cultural backgrounds represented.

Additional learning support
Adjustments for students with disability are provided, including extra visual cues and information, breaking down tasks, providing more practice of learning tasks, changes to the environment, access to quiet spaces, and, when needed, smaller group learning.

Country affiliation
Australia

School day structure
Reception Hours: 8:30am–3:30pm, Monday to Friday. The Junior Site operates 8:45am–2:45pm with two breaks (10:25am–11:05am and 12:35pm–1:15pm). The Senior Site operates 8:50am–3:00pm Monday–Thursday and 8:50am–2:45pm on Friday, with two breaks (11:06am–11:36am and 1:32pm–2:02pm; Friday breaks 10:51am–11:21am and 1:17pm–1:47pm). Nicholls Preschool hours: Session 1 9:00am–3:00pm (Monday, Tuesday and alternate Wednesday); Session 2 9:00am–3:00pm (alternate Wednesday, Thursday and Friday).

Bus service
There are a variety of transport options for children to commute to and from our school. Walking or riding is the preferred option.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Uniforms are compulsory at Gold Creek School. Junior Campus uniforms include a sky-blue check dress with navy bottoms, while the Senior Site requires a GCS shirt (white or navy polo) with navy, royal or black bottoms.

Food Options
Canteen services are provided by Empire Catering for both the junior and senior sites, operating under the ACT Public School Food and Drink Policy; the YMCA assists with Nutri-Y's project to support school canteens.

House System
Gold Creek School has a strong house system across Preschool to Year 10. From 2024 students are allocated randomly into Eucalyptus, Blue Gum, Waratah, or Wattle.

Governance and Ownership
Gold Creek School is an ACT public school governed by the ACT Education Directorate. A School Board provides policy oversight; there is also a P&C association.
Fees
Application fees

- There is no application fee charged for enrolment as a student of the school for domestic/resident families; enrolment follows the ACT public-school process and no tuition-style application charge is required.

Tuition fees by year group (per term / per year)

- The school does not charge tuition fees to domestic/resident students for any year group. There are no recurring per-term or per-year tuition charges for compulsory curriculum instruction. Optional or external services and activities (listed below) may incur separate charges.

Voluntary contributions and levies (annual amounts and how they apply)

- Voluntary family contribution: AUD 90 per student for the year (applies Preschool through Year 10).
- Junior school additional technology subscription (K–6): AUD 20 per student per year for specified digital subscriptions (for example decodable readers and IXL).
- High-school subject/elective contribution (Years 7–10): AUD 50 per student per year to support elective/subject resources.
- Families can designate part or all of their payment as general family contribution, Library Fund donation (tax-deductible), or Building Fund donation (tax-deductible). Tax-deductible donations are treated as donations and are non-refundable.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Voluntary contributions and other school invoices are requested on an annual or activity-by-activity basis; contributions for the year are collected as a single annual amount unless the school issues a separate invoice specifying otherwise. The school issues invoices/requests for payment by email with a secure payment link. An automated receipt is generated after payment.
- For particular optional activities (excursions, camps, elective excursions, instrument hire, OSHC booking fees, etc.), charges are invoiced before the activity or at the time the activity is offered; payment deadlines and refund arrangements for those specific activities are set at the time of invoicing.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not applicable. The school operates as a day school (Preschool to Year 10) and does not charge boarding fees.

Other costs and typical optional fees

- Stationery / book packs: Year-level stationery and book-pack lists are provided; families are expected to purchase required supplies or order available packs. Costs vary by year level and supplier. Education/learning platform levies (for example Education Perfect) are charged as separate annual levies where used in the curriculum.
- Instrumental music tuition and instrument-hire: Individual or small-group tuition and any instrument-hire fees are provided by external music providers; these lessons and hire arrangements incur separate charges determined by the provider.
- Canteen purchases: Student lunches and snacks are paid per purchase using the canteen's ordering system (Flexischools) or over-the-counter; these are paid directly by families as consumed.
- Before / After School Care and vacation-care: Before/after school care and holiday-care are operated by an external OSHC provider; attendance attracts session fees and booking/payment arrangements are with that provider. Fees, bookings and any applicable child-care subsidy arrangements are managed by the OSHC provider.
- Uniform and school bag: School uniform items are required; families may purchase new uniform items or use second-hand options. Families experiencing financial difficulty may request assistance through the school's equity support arrangements. P&C-run fundraising orders (for items such as senior hoodies) may be available at set times and are optional. Costs for uniform items vary by supplier.
- Excursions, camps and optional activities: Charges for excursions, camps, specialist elective activities or external providers (e.g., certain performing arts, sports programs, or transport for activities) are invoiced per activity and must be paid before participation; amounts vary by activity and are published on the activity permission note or invoice.

Refund information

- Tax-deductible donations (for example Library Fund or Building Fund donations) are non-refundable. Voluntary family contributions are voluntary and a student's access to education is not dependent on payment.
- Refunds or credits for optional activity charges, instrument-hire, OSHC bookings, canteen orders or external-provider services are managed under the terms of the relevant activity or external provider; invoices and payment confirmations indicate the provider or activity-specific refund terms. Automated receipts are issued after payments.

Fee payment options

- Online payment platform: The school uses a secure online payments platform for emailed invoices and payment links (SentralPay). Families using the Parent Portal can pay through the app or online.
- Credit card: Credit card payments can be made at the senior-site front office or by phone as specified by the school.
- Cash: Cash is only accepted for small payments (typically under AUD 10) and for fundraising events as stated by the school.
- External providers (OSHC, instrumental-music providers, canteen ordering platforms) accept payment according to their own published methods (online booking/payment portals, card payment, or other methods set by the provider). Receipts are issued automatically for electronic payments.

If your family will be using optional services (OSHC, private music tuition, instrument hire, excursions, canteen credits, or purchasing uniforms), budget for those separate charges in addition to the voluntary family contribution and stationery/technology levies listed above.
Academics

Gold Creek School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), Australian Curriculum for students aged 4 to 16.

Curriculum
Gold Creek School is an International Baccalaureate World School offering the Primary Years Programme on the Junior Site and the Middle Years Programme on the Senior Site. The Junior Site (Preschool to Year 6) delivers the PYP framework, while the Senior Site (Year 7–10) uses the MYP framework. The eight subject groups are Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Society, Science, Mathematics, Health and Physical Education, the Arts, and Design. In Years 7–8, students study all eight subject groups; in Years 9–10, they may specialise in specific subject groups and undertake pathways to extend their learning. Language acquisition is a key component with options including French, Indonesian, Korean (Year 7 only) and Japanese, taught from Year 7 to Year 10. Assessments follow the IB MYP criteria, with end-of-course grades aligned to ACT A–E descriptors, and the programme is designed to align with the Australian Curriculum; the MYP framework emphasizes inquiry-based learning and conceptual understanding across a global context.

Student Teacher Ratio
Total enrolment in the period was 1,251 students. Teaching staff (FTE) consisted of 71.57 permanent and 23.55 temporary teachers, plus 44.83 non-teaching staff, totaling 95.12 FTE teaching-related staff. This yields an approximate student-to-teacher ratio of about 13:1.

Exam Results
BASE 2024 mean raw scores: Reading start 58 and Reading end 121; Numeracy start 37 and Numeracy end 54. NAPLAN mean scores by year show Year 3 results: Reading 410 (ACT 406) and Numeracy 401 (404). Year 5 results: Reading 480 (501) and Numeracy 470 (492). Year 7 results: Reading 510 (535) and Numeracy 505 (532). Year 9 results: Reading 530 (565) and Numeracy 522 (555).

Gifted and Talented
Gifted and Talented provision at Gold Creek School caters for students from Preschool to Year 10 who meet ACT policy definitions of Giftedness and Talent. The program offers an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) where required, access to advanced classes, and opportunities for extension and enrichment. In-class provisions, cluster/grouping, mentoring, negotiated tasks, competitions, and a range of enrichment activities support gifted and talented learners, with placement and differentiation tailored to individual needs. An application for the Gifted and Talented Programme is available on the school website and the G&T coordinator can be contacted for more information.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school emphasises Positive Education and restorative practices. Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) is promoted across the school. A Senior Executive Leader for Student Engagement and Wellbeing oversees initiatives to support social and emotional learning.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Every child or young person is welcome to learn at local ACT public schools. The school is committed to removing barriers so all students can access learning. Adjustments may include extra visual cues and information, breaking down tasks or presenting them in a different way, providing more practice of learning tasks or repetition, changes to the environment, access to quiet spaces to assist with regulation, and smaller group learning when needed. Inclusion is underpinned by federal and state legislation including the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, the Disability Standards for Education 2005, the Anti-Discrimination and Human Rights Legislation Amendment (Respect at Work) Act 2022 and the Sex Discrimination Act 1984.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school provides English as an Additional Language and Dialect (EALD) support through Language Acquisition specialists. Maggie Quigley is an EALD teacher in the Kindergarten team. Nghi Perrim has Executive SLC Year 6, Specialists and EALD responsibilities. Language Acquisition teachers include Nam Kim (Korean), Matt Cusack (Japanese), Sakiba Rahman (Japanese) and Steven Sengstock (Indonesian).

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported by on-site psychologists (Elaine Tsoi and Bianca Partington) and a Student Services Coordinator on the Senior Site. A dedicated Senior Site Executive SLC for Student Engagement and Wellbeing oversees wellbeing initiatives.

Safeguarding
The school keeps children safe and has adopted the 10 ACT Child Safe Standards; it collaborates with the ACT Human Rights Commission to strengthen safeguarding practices. It provides online safety resources, and the ACT Education Directorate runs webinars each term on online safety. The school also ensures compliance with ACT child protection, wellbeing and mandatory reporting obligations.
Parent Experience

History
Gold Creek School was established in 1998 through the amalgamation of Nicholls Junior School and the newly constructed Senior School. The school now consists of two campuses: Junior Site (Preschool to Year 6) and Senior Site (Year 7–10). The Junior Site shares facilities with Holy Spirit School, a Catholic primary school, with a library, gymnasium, canteen, out-of-school hours care, and a synthetic sports field. The joint facility has been in operation since the inception of both schools in 1996. Gold Creek School provides an International Baccalaureate education across two sites. There are four Associate Principals across both sites, and each site has its own executive structure overseen by Principal Daniel Breen.

Community
Gold Creek School is a diverse community representing more than 35 cultural backgrounds. The school supports students to develop a global view of the world and the lives of others. The Arts, Design, and Sciences are areas where the school nurtures curiosity and creativity.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Parents & Citizens Association (P&C) is a group of parents and other carers who volunteer to support the school community. We advocate for families including both students and parents. Meetings are held at 6pm-7:30pm on Wednesdays, twice a term, with meetings held in the junior site staff room and the senior site staff room; everyone is invited to both meetings. Fundraising events include a colour run and other activities; most transactions are completed through Flexischools; funds raised beyond costs are spent on the students and school, such as bringing in authors for book week, hosting Mother's and Father's Day breakfasts, repainting the handball courts, or hosting a World Teacher's Day morning tea. Hoodies for the senior site are available; in-stock hoodies are purchased through the Square store, and large orders are managed through Flexischools. The P&C can be contacted by email or Facebook.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school has two campuses: the Junior Site (Preschool to Year 6) and the Senior Site (Year 7 to 10). The school provides an International Baccalaureate education across both sites. The Junior Site shares facilities with Holy Spirit School, including a library, gymnasium, canteen, after‑school care, and a synthetic sports field. There are two libraries, one on each site, with the Junior Site Library operated as a joint facility with Holy Spirit Catholic School.

Sports Facilities
The Senior Site gymnasium is a large space capable of accommodating two basketball courts, two futsal courts, two netball courts and six badminton courts. The gymnasium can be hired by sporting organizations. The Junior Site and Senior Site share access to a synthetic sports field. The school has an extensive inter‑school sports program and fixtures across terms.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Band is offered for Years 7-10 and performs at assemblies and community events. Senior Site electives include Textiles, Visual Art, Dance, Music and Drama. Outdoor Education is available in Years 9 and 10, including Boot Camp for Girls and Boys and Sports Leadership. Homework Club runs weekly, and incursions with museums, guest author visits, and Book Week events are part of the program.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school provides an International Baccalaureate education from Preschool to Year 10 across two sites. In Years 7-10, elective subjects include Textiles, Visual Art, Dance, Music, and Drama. There are opportunities for extension through competitions and activities such as Debating, CREST, Tournament of the Minds, Da Vinci Decathlon, and Australian Maths Trust activities.

Arts & Creative
Junior Site Brass Band is auditioned, with Year 5 students able to sit a music aptitude test for a two-year place; three lessons each week and numerous performances throughout the year. Instrumental tuition is available in‑school through Musicorp. On the Senior Site, Band runs for one hour a week with options for experienced players, including Beginner Band, Jazz Band and Rock Band, plus Vocal Group; there are performance opportunities at assemblies, school events, and in the local community.

Cultural & Language
French, Indonesian and Japanese are offered at beginner and advanced levels.

Social & Hobbies
Musical ensembles are a central social/creative outlet, including Junior Site Brass Band, Senior Site Band, Beginner Band, Jazz Band, Vocal Group and Rock Band; auditions and sign-ups are coordinated through the Music staff.

Leadership & Professional
Sports Leadership is part of RAWS (Resilience and Wellbeing through Sport and Fitness) for Years 9-10 (Boys and Girls). There are student representatives on the Gold Creek School Board, reflecting student voice in governance.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Health and Physical Education is compulsory for Years 7-10. In Years 9-10, students can participate in Outdoor Education, Boot Camp for Girls and Boys, and Sports Leadership. Gold Creek School runs an extensive program of inter-school fixtures across Term 1–4, with a wide range of sports including Beach Volleyball, Basketball, AFL, Rugby League 7s, Softball, Tennis and Swimming (Term 1), Oztag, Touch, Indoor Cricket, Volleyball, Hockey, Cross Country, Athletics (Term 2), Netball, Badminton, Table Tennis (Term 3), and Boys Cricket, Ultimate-Frisbee (Term 4).
Languages

Language Provision
Languages form an important part of the learning at Gold Creek School. Students learn French, Indonesian or Japanese, these being offered at beginner and advanced levels. Languages other than English are guided by the Curriculum Framework for ACT Schools.
Admissions

Admissions
1) Two-site structure and IB program. Gold Creek School operates across two sites: the Junior Site (Preschool to Year 6) and the Senior Site (Year 7 to 10). The school provides an International Baccalaureate education across both sites and the two campuses share facilities such as the library, gym, canteen and out-of-school-hours care.

2) Enrolment via ACT Government online form. Enrolment is completed by submitting an ACT Education Directorate online enrolment/transfer form for ACT public schools. The form is available on the ACT Education Directorate website, and once submitted it is emailed to Gold Creek School, which will contact you to confirm provisional enrollment. Priority Enrolment Areas (PEA) for Gold Creek School apply in determining eligibility.

3) Submit required documents after submission. After the enrolment form is submitted, several documents must be sighted by the school to complete the application process, and you will be advised via email with further instructions. Refer to the How to Enrol information for the online form and guidance.

4) Enrolment timeline for 2027 admissions. The published timeline indicates: 4 May 2026 – applications open; 5 June 2026 – apply by this date to receive an offer from as early as 3 August 2026; 6 June 2026 – applications from this date onward can expect offers later in the year; 3 August 2026 – offers to applicants who submitted by 5 June 2026. Questions can be directed to the Enrolment Helpline at 6205 5429.

5) Additional guidance and transition resources. There are transition videos available on Education Directorate resources to assist families moving from primary to high school, and the school provides links to transition supports.

6) Defence family support. The Defence Transition Mentor is available to support families arriving from Defence backgrounds; families can complete the Defence Families form to access this support.

7) New student information and policies. The school provides new student information and links to relevant policies to assist families during the enrolment process, including information on the school's structure and offerings.

Scholarships
Future of Education Equity Fund (ACT Secondary Bursary Scheme) provides financial help to families in need and can cover costs such as uniforms, excursions, sporting equipment, activities and music lessons. Eligibility applies to low-income families with a child enrolled in an ACT school from preschool to year 12. If approved, a one-off payment for the school year is provided: $400 for preschool, $500 for primary, and $750 for high school and college students. For eligibility and how to apply, see the ACT Education Directorate information.
School Events
The school has not added events
Search for more schools
Search schools in Australia View all schools in Canberra View all schools in Australia IB curriculum schools in Australia Open days & tours in Canberra What is the IB curriculum? View all schools Search all schools