Schooling plus
Territory schools recognise that a good learning environment must provide more than a narrowly focused ‘one size fits all’ approach. That’s why schools in the Territory:
- take account of the individual needs and interests of all children
- provide health and dental care to all students
- give students access to a broad range of multi-purpose information technology skills
Learning and Technology in Schools (LATIS)
Through this project, all children have access to computers and the internet in the classroom. LATIS reflects the importance of information technology in our lives and the potential for IT to enhance children’s learning.
LATIS will:
- improve learning through and about technology for Territory students
- introduce a Territory-wide online network for schools
- provide professional development and training for teachers
Health care at school
All students benefit from School Nursing Services, which provides primary health care and promotes health. Students with disabilities receive extra support through School Therapy Services.
Dental care for students
All Territory school students receive free dental care. Dental therapists visit primary schools and aim to review and treat all students annually.
Secondary students can visit their local government dental clinic to receive free treatment.
English as a Second Language
There are English as a Second Language (ESL) specialists in most urban schools to assist students whose first language is not English.
Intensive English Units operate in some Darwin schools for students who need an intensive course in English before joining mainstream classes.
Languages Other Than English
Languages Other Than English (LOTE) is one of the eight key learning areas recognised nationally. A wide range of languages is taught in Territory schools at primary and secondary levels.
Northern Territory School of Languages runs after-school and holiday language programs in Darwin. The Alice Springs Language Centre also runs after-hours classes as well as supporting schools in the region to deliver language programs.
Opportunities for sports
NT School Sports Council and Sport Health and Physical Education School (SHAPES) facilitate activities that help keep Territory students healthy and fit.
Students throughout Territory schools have a wide range of opportunities to participate in sporting competitions, exchanges and championships.
Opportunities for gifted and talented students
Territory students have many opportunities to participate in a variety of national and Territory competitions.
Competitions cover a wide range of areas including but not limited to: Mathematics; Science; English; Debating; Public speaking; and The Tournament of Minds, a popular problem-solving challenge.
Some schools have gifted and talented classes for the benefit of identified students.
School-based Policing Scheme
School-based constables are located in secondary schools. They provide a range of services to secondary schools and primary schools in the feeder area. The scheme aims to develop a positive image for police with young people.
Driver Training and Licensing Program
The Driver Training and Licensing Program (DTAL) provides professional driver training and education to eligible young Territorians. Through the course, learner drivers gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills to help them become safe, efficient and skilful drivers. Driver training is available for 16-year-old students.
NT Music School
The Darwin-based NT Music School provides tuition and runs music camps. Students with the NT Music School participate in a wide range of productions including Musica Viva, the Festival of Darwin and The Beat.
Over the years, 4 000 students have been directly taught music through the NT Music School.
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