Curriculum

This means all primary schools should use a teaching program based on the ‘Big 6’ of learning to read that includes a minimum of 25 minutes daily explicit teaching of phonics and phonemic awareness using a systematic synthetic approach in Foundation to Year 2.

The essential elements of reading are the ‘Big 6’ (Konza, 2014), each of which forms part of our structured literacy approach.

Oral language – knowing and using spoken words to express knowledge, ideas and emotions

Phonemic awareness –which is the knowledge of sounds (phonemes)

Phonics – knowing the sound (phoneme) and letter (grapheme) relationships

Fluency – reading accurately and at an appropriate rate with expression

Vocabulary – understanding words in isolation and in context

Comprehension – making meaning from text which includes developing knowledge of grammar.

These are the foundational skills that are necessary to enable students to independently read and respond to increasingly complex fiction and non-fiction texts.

Key areas of focus in Years 3-6 English:
Reading:
Word Reading: Students continue to develop their ability to decode words using phonic and morphemic knowledge, expanding their sight vocabulary, and increasing their understanding of complex words.

Comprehension: Students learn to infer, interpret, and evaluate information from a range of texts.
Text Types: Students engage with a wider range of texts, including literary, informative, and persuasive texts, and learn to analyse their structure and language features.

Writing:
Creating Texts: Students practice writing a variety of text types, including stories, reports, and persuasive arguments, developing their understanding of audience and purpose.
Grammar and Language: Students learn about grammar, punctuation, and syntax, using these skills to construct clear and effective sentences.
Handwriting: Students continue to develop their handwriting skills, ensuring legibility and fluency.

Speaking and Listening:
Interaction: Students learn to communicate effectively with others, expressing their ideas and responding to the ideas of others.
Language for Interaction: Students develop their understanding of how language varies depending on social setting, purpose, and audience.

Literature:
Exploring Literature: Students engage with a variety of literary texts, exploring themes, characters, and settings.
Analysing Literature: Students learn to analyse the language and structure of literary texts, connecting them to their own experiences and other texts.

In Foundation to Year Two, Mathematics covers the 5 domains of number, algebra, measurement, space and statistics. Students explore these concepts through explicit lessons, hands-on activities, games and problem solving. Pre and post testing of particular topics throughout the year enables teachers to ascertain where each student is at and teach at their individual point of need.
Students in Foundation to Level 2 will be introduced to more play, exploration and investigation-based learning, to assist them in developing proficiency with and positive dispositions towards Mathematics.

Throughout each Mathematics topic, students work towards proficiencies in Reasoning, Understanding, Fluency and Problem Solving.

Students are presented with PowerPoint slides to orally recall and recite Mathematics facts both individually and as a class. They also apply their knowledge on whiteboards answering short Mathematics questions.

In Years 3-6, Mathematics covers the 6 domains of number, algebra, measurement, space, statistics and probability. Students explore these concepts through explicit lessons, hands-on activities, games and problem solving. Pre and post testing of particular topics throughout the year enables teachers to ascertain where each student is at and teach at their individual point of need.

Times Tables are a strong learning focus for students in Years 3-6 as they are the cornerstone of multiplication, division and fractions.

Times Tables learning sequence is: 1, 5, 10, 2, 4, 3, 6, 9, 8, 11, 7, 12

Throughout each Mathematics topic, students work towards proficiencies in Reasoning, Understanding, Fluency and Problem Solving.

Students are presented with PowerPoint slides to orally recall and recite Mathematics facts both individually and as a class. They also apply their knowledge on whiteboards answering short mathematics questions.

Auslan is the rich, wonderful language of the Australian Deaf community.

Communication is conducted ‘through the air’ using hands, the body and facial expressions. It is a dynamic, engaging language for all students and is particularly suited for those kinesthetic and visual learners.

At Pearcedale each class has a 50-minute lesson per week. Games, songs, role plays, stories, art, cultural studies, code-cracking, partner work and small group activities are all part of the program.

For our super-enthusiastic students, there is the opportunity to be a part of our Auslan Choir. Students can learn their favourite songs in sign language and perform, on stage at assemblies and music nights.

Learning Auslan also promotes understanding of the Deaf community, fosters inclusivity and prepares students for a diverse world.

Come and sign with us!

Our curriculum features a wide range of art projects, from drawing and painting to sculpture and mixed media, allowing students to explore different techniques and materials; and through hands-on art experiences, they will develop essential skills in these areas.

Art is integrated across the curriculum, providing opportunities for students to explore different subjects through an artistic lens and it is often connected to the units of study within the classroom. Students are encouraged to think outside the box, experiment with new ideas, and develop their unique artistic voices. They are introduced to the works of diverse artists and art movements, fostering an appreciation for art history and culture.

The work of our students is celebrated through regular displays and exhibitions, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment, and providing opportunity for their work to be shown to all members of the community. We encourage parents to be involved in their child’s art learning by visiting our bi-annual exhibition, discussing work as it is sent home and supporting their child’s creative endeavours.

Foundation to Year 3, students learn dances from all over the world, play fun drama games to build courage and resilience, read and write music, sing and play instruments including keyboards, recorders, guitars, ukuleles and glockenspiels.

Year 4 to Year 6, students create and perform their own dances, dramatic shows and music pieces using skills learnt in earlier years. This includes stop motion movies, digital music creation, band projects, puppetry and mime performances.

Students participate in many performances, including the Foundation to Year 2 Christmas Concert, Year 3/4 Dance Spectacular and Year 6 Circus performances.

Students have the opportunity to participate in band, dance and music clubs during lunchtime and perform at community events and assemblies. Band students can also attend a special band camp with students from other local primary schools.

*Private music tuition is offered within school hours including singing, guitar, piano and drums.

Students participate in experiments, coding exercises, robotics projects, and engineering challenges that encourage problem-solving and critical thinking.

The STEM program often includes collaborative projects where students work in teams to design and build models, conduct scientific investigations, and explore real-world applications of STEM concepts. Additionally, within the projects, students are asked to utilise digital tools, resources, emerging technology and robotics to enhance their learning.

The goal is to create a learning environment that fosters student curiosity in the world around them.

Foundation to Grade 2 students focus on mastering Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) like running, jumping, and throwing. Grade 3 and 4 students apply these skills in game situations, while Grades 5 and 6 combine skills, strategies, and tactics in more advanced games.

Throughout the year all students participate in Water Safety, Cross Country and Athletics, as well as weekly Year Level Sport, promoting fitness and healthy competition. Year 6 students also have the opportunity to compete in inter-school sports, showcasing their skills and school spirit.