Primary Years (Reception to Year 6)

In the Primary Years, we recognise that every child is unique, arriving at school with their own set of skills, experiences, and knowledge. Our teaching approach is designed to build on these individual strengths and foster further development. We collaborate closely with families to understand each child and tailor our teaching to meet their specific learning needs.

Children thrive in a consistent, supportive learning environment. Our Primary School curriculum emphasises literacy and numeracy through a blend of formal lessons, activities, play programs, and locally contextualised learning experiences.

We follow the South Australian Curriculum, which provides a comprehensive framework to ensure all students receive a balanced education. The curriculum includes key learning areas such as English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, the Arts, Technologies, Health and Physical Education, and Languages. This structured approach ensures consistency in teaching and learning standards across the country.

We implement Playberry Laser T1, an evidence-informed literacy program for primary school students. We follow a structured, synthetic phonics approach to teaching reading and spelling, focusing on developing children’s understanding of the relationship between letters and sounds. Learning to read involves recognising individual sounds in words (phonemes) and linking them to the letters or groups of letters (graphemes) that represent those sounds. By explicitly teaching these relationships, children develop the foundational skills necessary for reading fluently and accurately. The efficacy of this approach is strongly supported by educational research.

In the early years of Playberry Laser, students learn to read and spell basic code (letter-sound correspondences) and progress to more complex letter-sound correspondences known as extended code. In the middle years, students consolidate their knowledge of extended code and more complex spelling patterns. In the upper years, students master less frequent spellings and spelling rules associated with meaningful word parts (morphemes). From Reception to Year 6, students are taught morphemes, grammar concepts, and common spelling rules.

Specialist Lessons

Our curriculum is enriched by specialist lessons that provide students with diverse learning experiences:

• Music: Students engage in music education, developing their musical skills and appreciation through various activities and performances.
• Indonesian: This engaging language program extends through to Year 7, immersing students in the Indonesian language and culture.
• The Arts: Students explore their creativity and artistic talents through a comprehensive arts program that includes visual arts, drama, and dance.
• The Farm: Our unique Farm program allows students to learn about sustainability, agriculture, and animal care, providing hands-on, real-world experiences.
• Digital Technologies: Students develop critical digital literacy skills, learning about coding, digital citizenship, and the effective use of technology in their studies.
• Health and Physical Education: Students build fundamental movement skills, learn about teamwork, and develop healthy lifestyle habits through physical activity and health education.

Wellbeing Support and Restorative Practices

We prioritise the wellbeing of our students through comprehensive support systems and restorative practices. Our approach includes:

• Wellbeing Support: Dedicated staff members provide emotional and social support to help students navigate challenges and build resilience. Programs and activities are designed to promote mental health and wellbeing, ensuring a positive and nurturing school environment.
• Restorative Practices: We implement restorative practices to foster a sense of community and responsibility. This approach focuses on repairing harm, restoring relationships, and building a respectful and supportive school culture. Students learn to resolve conflicts constructively, developing essential social and emotional skills.

Transition Programs

• Kindergarten to Reception: Our transition program from Kindergarten to Reception is designed to ensure a smooth start to formal schooling. We engage children in activities that familiarise them with the school environment, routines, and expectations. This includes orientation sessions and interactions with future classmates and teachers.
  
  
• Year 6 to Middle School: To support the transition from Year 6 to Middle School, we provide comprehensive programs that help students adapt to the changes in academic demands and social environments. This includes orientation days, meetings with future teachers, and activities that build confidence and familiarity with the Middle School setting.

Our team is dedicated to supporting individual students and fostering a sense of identity and belonging. We continually reflect on our practices and refine our pedagogy to ensure the best outcomes for your children. Our enthusiastic team is thrilled to be teaching your children.

Emma Zimmerman,
Head of Primary Years