Curriculum Updates
I have been working closely with all the classroom teachers on focus learning areas to ensure students are being met at their starting point and explicit teaching is covered at every level. We are focusing on the improvement of knowledge and skills for each individual student which will be seen through our Targeted Grouping sessions. This term has started at full speed. Students have been assessed in Key Learning Areas in preparation for our grouping sessions. Years 3 and Year 4 have successfully begun their lessons in Spelling and the students are very excited to be working with their peers across the grade.
Targeted Grouping Focus:
- K-2 will engage in Macquarie University’s Initialit program through groupings – while teachers will still administer Initialit programs every day, the grouping sessions will be facilitated three times a fortnight. This will begin this week and next week and is based on all data collected via Term 1 assessments
- Stage 2 Spelling and Vocabulary Development – teachers will facilitate these group sessions once a week and it will be done across the grade level. Small groups of 10-14 students are taken by classroom teachers, support teachers and learning support officers to ensure all students are being met at their starting point.
Teachers will continue to reflect and review the benefits of these sessions and adapt accordingly. Last week, seven teachers were involved in further professional development in Macquarie University’s Initialit program to ensure it is being delivered seamlessly. We have seen great growth in children’s reading and writing skills across Stage 1 and look forward to the year ahead.
Excursions and incursions
Teachers have been working hard in searching for and booking interactive and engaging excursions and incursions for each grade across the Key Learning Areas. Bookings will be finalised in the coming weeks, we look forward to a rich year ahead of learning!
NAPLAN
Year 3 has been undertaking practice tests for Reading, Writing, Language Conventions and Numeracy. The Year 3 teachers have been preparing the children by breaking down NAPLAN questions and explicitly teaching students how to read and answer a range of questions to ensure the students feel comfortable when sitting the tests. Here is a handy link to information for parents and carers on how best to support your child in preparing for NAPLAN. Please note, excessive preparation at home is not recommended. We are very proud of our students and we encourage them to do their best.
Kate Bakhos
Curriculum Leader P-4