Curriculum

 

The 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.

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.

 

The 25 Essential Learning Achievements that make up the curriculum framework are listed below.

1.       The student uses a range of strategies to think and learn.

2.       The student understands and applies the inquiry process.

3.       The student makes considered decisions.

4.       The student acts with integrity and regard for others.

5.       The student contributes to group effectiveness.

6.       The student uses Information and Communication Technologies effectively.

7.       The student creates, presents and appreciates artistic works.

8.       The student listens and speaks with purpose and effect.

9.       The student reads effectively.

10.     The student writes effectively.

11.     The student critically interprets and creates texts.

12.     The student takes action to promote health.

13.     The student is physically skilled and active.

14.     The student manages self and relationships.

15.     The student communicates with intercultural understanding.

16.     The student understands and applies number.

17.     The student chooses and uses measures.

18.     The student recognises and represents patterns and relationships.

19.     The student understands and applies scientific knowledge.

20.     The student acts for an environmentally sustainable future.

21.     The student understands about Australia and Australians.

     22.     The student understands and values what it means to be a citizen within a democracy.

23.     The student understands world issues and events.

24.     The student makes informed choices about money and finance.

25.     The student designs, makes and appraises using technology.

 

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 National Profile strands - Working Mathematically, Space, Number, Measurement, Chance and Data and Algebra.

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
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.