Dalyellup is a suburb in Bunbury, Western Australia, which was established in 1999 and is still being developed. It is a small, family orientated community and holds the largest primary school in Western Australia which is Dalyellup Primary school and college. The school opened in 2001 so it relatively modern and new. It is split into two campuses which are across the road from eachother. The other campus holds a secondary school aswell as primary.
Dalyellup primary school classroom blocks are shaped in an oval shape with a field and playgrounds in the middle, designed so that teachers and adults are able to view all children and surroundings at once. Each year has four different classes, hence the school being the largest in WA and each classroom has one teacher and a teaching assistant. The curriculum is similar to the UK but follow different frameworks and concentrate on team building and children challenging and achieveing independatly. There isn't a dining hall or a cantine as the children eat outside every lunchtime, but there is a kitchen where you can buy food. The dress code for the school is comfortable but professionall. We wore shorts that come to the knee and vest tops that didnt come too low but there were a few teachers in dresses and skirts. The school holds an important policy which is no hat, no play. This is mainly for the children but every teacher had a hat and expected us to wear one when we were outside. Overall, the placement staff are very welcoming, friendly and helpful.
We stayed with relatives in Dalyellup, but around the school and community there isn't any acommodation. However, in Bunbury city around 3 to 4 miles (25 minute bus journey), there are hotels to stay in. The bus runs every hour into Dalyellup and there is a bus stop right outside the school.
To get to any amenities in Dalyellup, you will need a car they are not within walking distance, although there is a deli across the road from the school, but is very limited and expensive. Alot of people travel by cars and we was fortunate to be able to use a family members car as and when we needed. There is also a bus that runs through Dalyellup to Bunbury city which takes about 25 minutes. Our advice would be to hire a car if you do decide to have your placement at this school, unless u stay with relatives.
The culture of Australia is quite laid back compared to that of the UK. Dalyellup is a family orientated environment and families socialise with each other by having barbeques and beers rather than going to the pub. Everyone is friendly and people will approach you and make conversation so if you are heading out here by yourself then you would feel easily comfortable. The town of Bunbury is good for few shops and bars if you were looking to do something on the weekend. Alot of people head to the beach to socialise, walk their dogs and do water sports as the beaches are fairly quiet.
Things to do, things not to do
There isnt much you can do in Dalyellup other than go to the beach or to a park, however, in Bunbury theres more to do such as visit a wildlife park, dolphin tours and trips, visit other beaches and shopping. To see alot more of Western Australia you will need to travel an hour to two hours. There is a helpful tourist information centre in Bunbury city where you can find out what there is to do and see.
Ensure that you have enough spending money and it would be very useful to you if you hired a car. Dalyellup and Australia are lovely and we had an amazing time. Try to experience different things and see as much as you can. Also buy a hat for when you are at the school, not compulsory but its useful and also sets a good example for the children.
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