Barcaldine Prep-12 State School is located in the township of Barcaldine in Central West Queensland, approximately 600 km west of Rockhampton. In 2012 the school celebrated its 125th Anniversary with many reunions and whole community events. Barcaldine is the home of the Tree of Knowledge, site of the Shearer’s Strikes and often acknowledged as the birthplace of the Labor Party as well as the Conservative party of the time. The Australian Workers’ Heritage Centre is located here and the community also has the Wanpa-rda Outdoor Education Centre co-located with the Australian Workers’ Heritage Centre.
It offers a quality co-educational program for students from Preparatory Year to Year 12. Enrolment trends over the years remain at approximately 280. Students and staff enjoy the many benefits of a well-resourced school with very pleasant and spacious grounds. A committed and dedicated teaching staff is supported by specialist teachers and ancillary staff, all of whom display a willingness to be involved in school and community based activities. A focus on data, especially literacy, numeracy, attendance and Indigenous outcomes is a key area for school improvement. The school offers a broad senior curriculum delivered face to face and via Distance Education and Virtual Schooling, and is well supported by the community to provide vocational opportunities for students. TAFE and Agricultural courses are also available. There is a wide range of extracurricular opportunities in sport and cultural areas - such as performance and music and community events. Successful academic and social behaviour outcomes characterise the school through the motto “In all our best’.
Our school is characterised by a balance of experienced staff who have been here for many years, and a number of new staff each year. The school regularly hosts practicum teachers who enjoy the rural experience and often return to teach in remote areas.