| Curriculum |
|
|
|
|
CURRICULUM OFFERINGS
This section outlines our curriculum framework , extra curricular and distinctive curriculum offerings activities that are conducted at our school
CURRICULUM FRAMEWORK
This school has developed its approach to curriculum over a number of years. It has consulted consistently with senior staff members, the broader teaching staff and the School Council and other representative parent groups such as the Key Class Parents as to what approach is most effective and accepted for this school population. The approach was given form through the Leading Schools’ Program (1997-99) when the ideas of Professor Peter Hill (University of Melbourne) were explored and shaped to suit this site.
Core Learning is documented by Key Learning Areas (K.L.A.) into school wide programs. Teachers can and do integrate K.L.A.’s where appropriate e.g. Music/Technology, Science/SOSE. English/Literacy and Mathematics are timetabled as discrete teaching areas, proficiency in such is fundamental to achievement in the other learning areas.
In 1997, the school had grown to such a size that it was decided that there was a need to specify a preferred approach to the teaching of reading on this site. Our purpose was to maximize student learning in reading, ensuring that there was consistency across drafts and that the program could be sustained regardless of the staff involved in the implementation.
Over a period of time, our approach has involved the development of –
Educational structures – e.g. Transition Class in Year 1, class placement of students to allow Reading Withdrawal Groups for children in Years 2 and 3 with significant needs, English Groupings for Years 4-7, Composite classes set up as Gifted and Talented group (when required)
Programs and pedagogy – e.g. Sight Vocabulary Program, Developmental Phonic Program Preschool – Year 5, Variation in teaching emphasis according to ability grouping Years 4-7 English
Realignment of resources – e.g. funds directed towards additional hours for speech pathology
Creation of school based positions – e.g. additional support teacher positions titled Literacy
Numeracy Support teachers.
Our whole of school approach to teaching, and in particular the teaching of reading, achieves successful outcomes for all learners at Burpengary State School.
|
