In the heart of rural north-west Sydney, Glenorie Public School is drawing attention for an approach that’s as grounded as the community it serves: a renewed emphasis on evidence-based learning, driven by explicit teaching and a return to the fundamentals of literacy and numeracy. It’s a strategy that’s reshaping classrooms and delivering results—proving that sometimes the simplest ideas are the ones that make the biggest impact.
At Glenorie Public School, explicit teaching is woven into every lesson. Teachers present content in clear, structured steps, modelling skills and guiding students until they’re ready to confidently apply them on their own. It’s a method that leaves little to chance—and families say they are seeing tangible improvements in their children’s confidence and ability.
Strong phonics instruction anchors the early years, while upper-primary students benefit from robust, evidence-based spelling programs. Writing is taught through a cross-curricular lens, with lessons linked to geography, history, and science to ensure relevance and engagement. Visitors frequently remark on the school’s passion for writing, while parents say their children talk enthusiastically at home about the “block planners” that help shape their ideas.
For many families, this structured approach has been a turning point. Several parents say their children are enjoying writing for the first time, feeling genuinely capable of success. The planner-and-chant routine, they report, has become part of household conversation.
Mathematics follows the same philosophy. From Kindergarten through Year 6, lessons are deliberately sequenced so new concepts build on existing knowledge. Teachers continuously check for understanding, meeting students at their point of need and moving them forward with clarity and purpose.
The consistency of explicit teaching—where teachers model, guide, and gradually release responsibility—has become a defining feature of the school. Rather than relying on discovery-based learning, Glenorie’s educators break concepts into manageable parts, ensuring no student is left behind. The impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. At a recent Open Day, one parent remarked, “My child comes home proud of what they’ve learned. They’re not just keeping up—they’re enjoying the challenge.”
Despite its small enrolment, Glenorie Public School has earned a reputation for academic strength and warm, purposeful classrooms. Visitors often comment on the calm learning environment, where students understand exactly what they’re working towards. Teachers use assessment data daily to adapt lessons, ensuring support and stretch in equal measure.
But the school’s success isn’t limited to academics. As a rural hub, Glenorie Public School remains a focal point for local families, with events like Grandparents’ Day, the annual Colour Run, and community sporting activities strengthening the fabric of the area. Relationships between staff, students, and families form the backbone of its culture.
Principal Rebecca Wallace says the school’s strong results come from a balance of high expectations, explicit teaching, and a deep commitment to student wellbeing.
“Explicit teaching, when combined with a strong focus on wellbeing, creates a powerful learning environment,” she explains. “Students know what’s expected, feel valued, and are motivated to do their best. It’s an approach that not only builds skills and knowledge, but also resilience, confidence, and the positive mindset essential for lifelong success.”
At a time when many schools are juggling shifting programs and changing priorities, Glenorie Public School stands out for its clarity of purpose. By keeping things structured, simple, and grounded in proven practice, this small rural school is demonstrating that the basics are anything but basic—they’re the cornerstone of bright futures.
Glenorie Public School is currently accepting enrolments for Kindergarten to Year 6 in 2026. Out-of-area applications will be considered. For more information, contact the school office on 02 9652 1237.
