Curriculum

Curtin Primary School offers a well-balanced educational program with an emphasis on developing literacy and numeracy skills.  Quality teaching, learning and presentation of work is promoted at all times.  Attention is paid to building a solid basis for further learning and living in a technologically and socially changing community. Teachers are currently working to implement the Australian National Curriculum in English, Mathematics, Science and History.

Key Learning Areas

 

Essential Learning Achievements

Essential learning in the ACT school curriculum:

The ACT curriculum framework identifies the learning that is essential for students as they progress from preschool to year 10 through 25 Essential Learning Achievements. Essential Learning Achievements are statements of what is essential for ACT students to know, understand, value and be able to do from preschool to Year 10. These supplement the Australian Curriculum, but will not be used when the National Curriculum is complete.

English

The aim of the program is to develop the child's ability and desire to listen, speak, read and write.  Thinking is integral to all meaningful language activities and is considered essential to the program.  A wide range of language/communication experiences are provided:

• reading - at an individual level
• writing - using a process approach
• handwriting
• spelling
• grammar
• speaking
• listening
• viewing
• drama
• library/literature immersion

Mathematics

The teaching of mathematics has an emphasis on understanding mathematics and becoming competent in basic number facts, mathematical operation and application.  The curriculum reflects the Australian National Curriculum - Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry and Statistics and Probability.

In particular:

• gaining knowledge and understanding of facts and concepts in the areas of numeration, geometry, algebra and applying this knowledge and understanding in the solving of practical problems.
• developing skills in communicating with mathematical symbols, terms, diagrams and models and applying this in solving practical problems.
• gaining knowledge and understanding of the impact of technology on mathematics.
• gaining skills in thinking mathematically, decision making and problem solving.

Studies of Society and the Environment (SOSE)

The aim is to contribute to the development of individuals who can operate flexibly, autonomously, co-operatively and responsibly in their changing environment.
This is achieved by:

• developing thinking processes by which children can acquire, transform and apply concepts and generalisations to give meaning to their environments and to solve social problems.
• positive feelings towards oneself and other people, and towards the environment.
• an awareness of values and ability to make judgements based on both evidence and belief.
• patterns of responsible action based on the values people hold and the decisions they make.

Languages Other Than English (LOTE)

The Indonesian LOTE program at Curtin Primary offers students the opportunity to develop communication skills that allow them access to societies and cultures beyond their own, through developing skills in understandings, interaction, reading, responding and writing. 

Science

At Curtin all children participate in an interactive Science program which emphasises process skills, manipulative skills, positive attitudes, concepts and hands-on activities. Children are exposed to studies in:

• Working Scientifically - practice of science in different contexts
• Earth and Beyond - an investigation of the immediate environment to assess the impact of human activities
• Energy and Change - the transfer and conservation of energy
• Life and Living - study of plants and animals in a local habitat and the underlying interrelationships
• Natural and Processed Materials - designing and carrying out investigations to measure and compare the properties of materials.

Technology

Technology is the result of servicing a need by using creativity and ingenuity to come up with practical solutions.  At Curtin Primary the study of technology is a dynamic process with elements of designing, making and appraising or evaluating, encouraging children to ask questions about their world.  Technology is experienced across all areas of the curriculum.

Health and Physical Education

Our program aims to give attention to the maximum development of each child physically, mentally, morally and socially.   Health education focuses on developing skills for children to take responsibility for their own health and safety, while physical education stresses the importance of fitness, cooperation and sports skills development.

The Arts

Our program encompasses the areas of Dance, Drama, Media, Music and Visual Arts.  Active participation by all children is encouraged to create, make and present, while developing an understanding and appreciation of The Arts.

Many other programs enrich our curriculum, such as:

• Performing arts specialist program
• Physical Education specialist program
• Values education
• Camps and excursions
• Peer support and buddies program
• Student Representative Council (SRC)

Homework Policy

Executive Summary: Participation in the Homework Program is strongly encouraged as an important co-curricula activity, but remains voluntary, subject to family beliefs.  While teaching teams have shared expectations of the Homework Program, teachers have discretion in setting particular tasks, which meet the needs of their students. Homework tasks directly contribute to students’ learning. Homework will be reviewed but will not constitute a part of students’ formal reporting.

Click here to view the full homework policy 

Specialist programs

Gifted and Talented Education (PALS)

The Pathways for Accelerated Learners (PALS) Program provides a range of opportunities for gifted and talented students. Curtin Primary School continues to develop flexible pathways through an array of services, experiences and opportunities, which nurture gifted and talented learners in discovering and fully developing their unique talents.

Program Goals
Students will access curriculum challenges and opportunities which foster

• advanced academic curriculum, skills and processes
• creative talent
• sporting talent

Staff
Staff receive support and resources to allow participation in and implementation of gifted and talented education initiatives.   The program is overseen by a PALS Support Committee (Special Needs Committee), which includes staff with professional qualifications in Gifted and Talented Education. 

The Program
The PALS Program has a school wide focus with a range of activities and events accessible to students irrespective of class groupings.  In 1997 special classes were established to increase options for gifted and talented students.

Extension Activities
The school offers a range of opportunities for students to develop their gifts and demonstrate their talent. These activities support quality outcomes for all involved.  Some of these activities include participation in the ACT Science Fair, Rostrum, English and Maths Competitions, Maths Olympiad, Instrumental Band Program and performances, ACT and District Sporting Events and Community Resource Programs.

Identification
A multifaceted approach is used to develop a student profile.  This process can include parent nomination, teacher nomination, peer nomination, IQ tests, English and Mathematics assessment, specific ability tests, school reports and work samples.
Early entry is supported in consultation with the Department.

 

Learning Support Centre (LSC)

Special Education Facility
Curtin Primary School operates as an area facility for Special Education.   Resourcing is provided for up to 14 students who require intensive support using an Integrated Resource Model approach.  A special education teacher and an assistant are provided.  Placement is organised through the Department.
The purpose of this resource is to provide small group and/or individual instruction to students experiencing a range of educational needs, especially in literacy and numeracy.  Ongoing resourcing depends on an annual assessment of need.  All students are placed in mainstream classes.

Learning Assistance

This program is designed to assist children who have been at school for a year and are finding difficulty with the reading and writing process.  The intervention program usually lasts for 20 weeks and is carried out on a one-to-one basis.  Following this, the classroom teacher monitors the situation carefully and discusses progress with the Reading Recovery Teacher, with provision for ongoing assistance where necessary.

English as a Second Language (ESL)
An ESL teacher provides assistance for children in mainstream classes whose first language is not English, or for children with little exposure to English.  Depending on the need, assistance is provided in the classroom or on a withdrawal basis. 

Extra Curricular / Additional Programs

In addition to the Essential Learning Achievements and Key Learning Areas of the Curriculum, Curtin Primary offers the opportunity to participate in additional programs, and a range of competitions and activities for children to access, which may include:

	ACT School System Band Program for Years 5 & 6 (selection annually for Year 5 students)
	Chess Program
	School choirs
	Jason Project
	University of NSW Maths, English, Science and IT Competitions
	Maths Olympiad
	Rostrum Public Speaking Competition
	Science Fair
	Tournament of Minds
	ICAS
	Wakakirri Primary Schools' Dance Festival
	School representative sports
	Sports clinics and competitions