WA Education Awards finalists: Excellence in teaching and learning – primary

Four public primary schools have been recognised in the WA Education Awards 2026 for their excellent teaching and learning and their support for student learning.

Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School, East Kalgoorlie Primary School, Oakwood Primary School and Warriapendi Primary School were all named finalists in the Excellence in teaching and learning – primary category.

This award acknowledges primary schools that create an environment to benefit students' learning and demonstrate collaboration, inclusion and innovative ways to enhance student achievement.

The winner will be announced at an award presentation event on Monday 16 November.

Here’s more about the finalists:

Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School

Guided by their school motto ‘Honouring our Past. Living in the Present. Preparing for our Future’, school staff demonstrate how high-quality instruction, cultural responsiveness and strong community partnerships work together to empower every learner.

Partnerships with Elders, families and the wider community, alongside authentic learning on Country experiences, strengthen learning, keep culture at the heart of students’ education, and create a culturally safe environment where students can thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

The school has accelerated student growth and improved achievement through targeted literacy instruction, earning an invitation to participate in the Australian Government's Closing the Gap through Literacy initiative.

Staff are supported to develop their teaching practice through professional learning, coaching, classroom programs and access to new resources. This approach empowers staff to contribute to improved student outcomes.

East Kalgoorlie Primary School

Teaching and learning at East Kalgoorlie Primary School is built on strong foundations, meaningful relationships and cultural responsiveness.

Staff work collaboratively with Aboriginal community members, industry and external agencies to support students’ academic, cultural and health needs.

Consistent, evidence-based teaching and targeted intervention support every student and create inclusive learning environments. Collaborative planning, moderation and coaching strengthen teaching practice and promote consistent expectations across the school.

Students’ cultures, identities and strengths are central to learning. Programs such as two-way science and the integrated learning model support culturally responsive teaching and help ensure every student is known, valued and supported to succeed.

Oakwood Primary School

Combining high performance with high care, Oakwood Primary School has built a culture where students, staff and families feel connected, valued and supported.

The school’s success is underpinned by evidence-informed teaching, collaborative professional practice and a relentless focus on student achievement. A consistent whole-school approach ensures students are at the centre of every decision.

Feedback from families and students directly informs school improvement priorities, strengthening community confidence and partnerships while ensuring student needs remain a priority.

A strong culture of continuous improvement drives professional learning through classroom walkthroughs, coaching and peer observation. Every aspect of the school environment, physical, social and emotional, is intentionally designed to maximise engagement, belonging and achievement.

Warriapendi Primary School

With the unwavering belief that every child can succeed, Warriapendi Primary School staff have built a culture where students are known, challenged and expected to thrive.

Guided by evidence-informed practice, the school’s consistent teaching and learning combines explicit teaching, early intervention and ongoing professional learning. Equitable access to learning is central to the school’s inclusive practice, with students supported through pathways tailored to their needs.

Distributed leadership builds capability, fosters collective responsibility, and empowers staff, students and families to lead. Staff strengthen their teaching expertise through learning teams, action learning groups and cross-school collaboration, promoting consistency while continually refining practice.

Inclusion is central to the staff’s approach, with diversity valued and equity promoted. Student are supported to transition into classrooms where they feel safe, are ready to learn and can thrive.