Department of Education Learners First
Department of Education - Learners First
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Learning and Teaching

Australian Curriculum

Nixon Street Primary School is fully engaged with the Australian Curriculum.  Our teachers are committed to using best practice, whole of school approaches in the teaching of Australian Curriculum English, Mathematics, Science and Humanities and Social Sciences. Dedicated time is allocated to these learning areas, Prep to Year 6.

 

Click here for more information about the Australian Curriculum

ENGLISH:

Students’ skills in speaking, listening, reading, viewing and writing are developed across K-6 and based upon the Early Years Learning Framework and the Australian Curriculum for English.

At Nixon Street we are committed to excellence in reading: best practice in teaching it, resourcing it and nurturing the enjoyment of it in our students.  In the early years this takes the form of modelling oral language through rhyme and stories and conversations – it is very much a planned part of the learning program.   This builds a solid foundation for the next step: learning to read. In Prep students are taught how to ‘decode’ through carefully sequenced lessons on letters and the sounds they make to create words (this is called synthetic phonics).  At NSPS we use the research-based InitiaLit approach to teaching these phonic skills. Every prep child will have this solid foundation in ‘decoding’ print to begin their reading journey.  Through years 1 and 2, lessons in decoding more complex sounds/print continues, as does the teaching of other comprehension skills.  Our curriculum emphasises oral language, phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension: these are recognised as the ‘Big Six’ essential to learning to read.

From Year 3 to 6 there is a greater emphasis on reading to learn; that is, to find out about topics, ideas and the world from texts: books, novels, websites etc.   Specific reading skills that are taught and practised include fluency and making inferences.  As students’ progress into upper primary, they are taught more complex vocabulary and to discuss, summarise, question, evaluate and use what they are reading.

Fine motor skills, print and handwriting are taught and practised as per the Australian Curriculum – we use the Tasmanian handwriting Script up to year 4.  Writer’s Workshop is one process we use for our students to craft their own texts: stories, poems, information texts, essays etc.

Opportunities to enjoy, analyse and create literature form the foundation of our English curriculum at NSPS.

MATHS:

Learning mathematics creates opportunities for and enriches the lives of all. Mathematics provides students with essential mathematical skills and knowledge in number and algebra, measurement and geometry, and statistics and probability. It develops the numeracy capabilities that all students need in their personal, work and civic life, and provides the fundamentals on which mathematical specialties and professional applications of mathematics are built.

SCIENCE:

Science provides opportunities for students to develop an understanding of important science concepts and processes, the practices used to develop scientific knowledge and of science’s contribution to our culture and society. It provides an understanding of scientific inquiry methods, a foundation of knowledge across the disciplines of science, and develops an ability to communicate scientific understanding. Science allows students to use evidence to solve problems and make evidence-based decisions. Students develop the scientific knowledge, understandings and skills to make informed decisions about local, national and global issues.

Humanities and Social Sciences:

HASS comprises four sub-strands:

  • History (commences in Foundation)
  • Geography (commences in Foundation)
  • Civics and Citizenship (commences in Year 3)
  • Economics and Business (commences in Year 5).

In a world that is increasingly culturally diverse and dynamically interconnected, it is important that students come to understand their world, past and present, and develop a capacity to respond to challenges, now and in the future, in innovative, informed, personal and collective ways. Students develop a sense of wonder, curiosity and respect about places, people, cultures and systems throughout the world, past and present, and an interest in and enjoyment of the study of these phenomena

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES:

Technologies draws together the distinct but related subjects of Design and Technologies, and Digital Technologies. It ensures that all students benefit from learning about, and working with, traditional, contemporary and emerging technologies that shape the world in which we live. In creating solutions, as well as responding to the designed world, students will contribute to sustainable patterns of living for themselves and others.

Launching into Learning (LiL)

Our Lil Sessions run each week of the school term for children from Birth to 4 yrs and their families. These sessions are run by qualified teachers and teacher assistants. Our LIL room is a delightful environment that provides rich experiences for you and your child. Our goal is to work in trusting relationships with children, families and educators, to build relationships and engage in learning together.

It is widely known that the early years are critical to a child’s ongoing development. The more positive experiences a child has during the years before they start school, the more successful their future outcomes are likely to be. Our LiL families have fun, playing and being involved in experiences that support their child’s development in literacy, numeracy, creativity, social and motor skills.

Each term a flyer is available through the school to show session times and programs. These can also be accessed via our Facebook Page (Launching into Learning – Nixon Street Primary School)

Health and Physical Education (PE)

In an increasingly complex, sedentary and rapidly changing world, it is critical for every Australian to not only be able to cope with life's challenges but also to flourish as healthy, safe and active citizens. At the core of Health and Physical Education is the acquisition of movement skills and concepts to enable students to participate in a range of physical activities – confidently, competently and creatively. As a foundation for lifelong physical activity participation and enhanced performance, students acquire an understanding of how the body moves and develop positive attitudes toward physical activity participation.

All students K - 6 participate in the following

  • Weekly PE lessons
  • Class daily PE sessions
  • Athletics carnival that leads to students being selected to participate in the NWSSSA Twilight Carnival.
  • Learn to swim classes
  • Water Awareness Program
  • Cross Country that leads to students being selected to participate in Inter-School Cross country competitions.
  • Leadership opportunities are also available in 5/6 through the Aussie Sports Leader Program.
  • Years 3/4 and 5/6 participate in sports expos.
  • As a school, we encourage students to participate in school sports teams that compete in local sporting competitions.

Music

The music lessons are created to develop an aesthetic appreciation and enjoyment of music. The students develop their confidence by being creative and building skills to understand and perform music.

Students have the opportunity to be a member of the Year 3 to 6 School Choir and to participate with the School Band. The Band students have the option to learn to play brass, woodwind, guitar and percussion instruments in Years 5 and 6. 

Japanese

The Japanese program at the school aims to develop students awareness of other cultures. In Years 3 - 6 students participate in a Japanese program for two terms every year. This allows students to learn some basic language, explore the features of Japan and develop an appreciation for other's cultural backgrounds.