We are active learners. Everything we do is connected to our everyday lives.

Literacy

We love recommending great books to each other and widening our reading choices by exploring different genres. Our students dig deeply into fiction and non-fiction texts during independent reading and during our Readers’ Workshops. We value being able to summarise, to locate evidence and discuss our ideas as we learn a range of comprehension strategies.

It is our belief that all children have the ability to be engaging writers if they are provided with the necessary skills. We teach how to structure different types of writing explicitly, with an emphasis on including detail and vivid descriptions that fire up the imagination.

The MSL (Multisensory Structured Language) program we follow ties everything together by teaching and reinforcing common spelling rules, patterns and word derivations.

Backyard Permaculture

Protecting our Environment, Food Supply and Health 

Permaculture offers positive solutions to many of the problems our society faces. Through our Sustainability Inquiry Unit, students develop an understanding about how modern agriculture is affecting the environment. We explore possible solutions to support the local environment and take control of our food production. Students are given hands-on experience to learn practical skills of biodynamic gardening, to help create a happier, healthier and more sustainable community and have lots of fun on the way!

 Mathematics

 We stretch our growing maths mind by: 

• Emphasising how Mathematics is related to the everyday world. Children are encouraged to talk and reflect about their processes and understandings. 

• Developing efficient mental strategies for handling numbers and applying these to real life situations.

• Understanding that language plays a pivotal role in Mathematical development.  

• Promoting flexible ways of thinking and encouraging reflections about processes.  

🎯 Our aim in the contemporary Mathematics classroom is to ensure students of all abilities experience engagement with content and classroom activities promoting lifelong learning. In addition to this, to develop a positive growth mindset in Mathematics by encouraging risk taking and being okay with making mistakes.

Health and Wellbeing

We focus on developing a growth mindset through understanding how the brain works. We learn to view mistakes and setbacks as a learning opportunity and to set personal goals in order to improve. Understanding emotions and their impact, as well as the importance of kindness, respect, fairness and consideration in friendships has also been a focus. 

We teach a variety of positive coping strategies which can be used to manage emotions and promote mindfulness and resilience. A series of sessions in the program, Sex Ed 4 Schools, is delivered to students wishing to participate. We continue to revise the character strengths, particularly honing in on Perspective, Self-Regulation and Perseverance.