Foundation/Prep
Four mornings a week students participate in Investigation Time. This involves students on a fortnightly roster being the Focus Student, and a Reporter and Photographer. While investigating, students link their interests with new learning and skills which is scaffolded by the teacher. Investigation Time at the beginning of the day, then springboards learning into different curriculum areas of Numeracy, Reading and Writing (Two hour literacy block), Religious Education, and other additional subjects. All of the Core Subjects are explicitly taught and enhanced through authentic links to Investigation Time.
Specialist subjects include, Art, Music, Physical Education, STEM and Italian are taught once a week by specialist teachers.
Students take part in other activities outside the school including, swimming and gymnastics. They also participate in an all day excursion, with the Year 1/2 students, that links with the focused curriculum area.
In Prep, students become familiar with their school and classroom routine through multiple transition experiences. Students are invited to come along with the current Year Preps and experience their first Investigation Time, understanding how play based learning is enhanced in a school setting. From there, students are then involved in a number of whole group transitions where they become familiar with their peers, teachers and school for the following year. Students also meet with their Year 5 buddies and are provided with opportunities to build the relationships ready for the following year. Students have their buddies for two years, which assists with smooth transitioning into Prep and Year 1.
Our whole school spelling approach, SMART Spelling, begins in Prep. It teaches students sounds and words in context, with a new word and sentence each week. Prep students also develop their letter and sound knowledge through the Little Learners Love Literacy program. Once the students have learnt the letters of the alphabet, the students come together to have a party where they celebrate their learning.