- Literacy, Numeracy and Welfare
Mrs Annette Clarke is The Head of The Junior School, Years K – 6. Currently there are two Kindergarten and Year One classes, one class in each of the years 2– 3 and two classes in the years 4 – 6. It is planned to continue development of the Junior School so that by 2011, there will be two classes for all years K-6. Whilst our application to Sutherland Shire Council to slightly increase our overall school size is considered we will not be adding a Year 4 class to our school. Thus, the 2011 Year 4 intake will become a 2012 Year 5 intake, subject to the decision of council.
Mrs Clarke is assisted by The Director of Junior School Welfare, Mr Greg Gordon, and Director of Junior School Teaching, Learning and Curriculum, Mrs Julie Davis.
Teachers at Inaburra follow The Board of Studies Syllabus Documents to plan and implement their Programs. Students are offered excellent programs that engage them in learning enabling them to develop confidence in all areas of the Curriculum. Major focus is given to Literacy, Numeracy, Critical and Creative Thinking and Christian Endeavour. Students benefit from Specialist teaching in Music, Physical Education and Mandarin.
Teachers at Inaburra offer programs that focus on both differentiation within the classroom and on students with particular interests and abilities. Students requiring extension and enrichment are supported by our Gifted and Talented teacher, Mrs Fiona O’Neill, whilst those requiring further support receive specialist development in either Literacy or Numeracy by either Mr Greg Gordon or Mrs Chris Avard.
The Junior School provides support programs to identified students in both Literacy and Numeracy. The support programs may be in the form of withdrawal from the class program for individual or group tuition, or the complimenting of class work in consultation with the class teacher.
The Literacy Support programs are coordinated by Mr Greg Gordon and are divided into the three stages of Primary Education as follows:
Stage 1(Kinder, Year 1 and Year 2); Early Intervention Program
Stage 2(Years 3 and 4); Moving Forward Program
Stage 3(Years 5 and 6); Bridging the Gap
While each program provides a general learning structure to promote the literacy skills of students from the three stages, the programs are specifically tailored through careful assessment to meet the learning needs of the individual students involved.
The Numeracy Support programs are coordinated by Mrs Christine Avard.
Numeracy Support in the Junior School looks different in different classrooms. Some classes have a small group that Mrs Avard works with, in others Mrs Avard gives the lesson or team teaches with the teacher with a whole class focus. Students are assisted according to their needs. In some cases the student is assisted one on one to help them to grasp a concept. Hands on materials are used and sometimes alternate methods are needed to reach success. The aim is daily success and growing confidence!!
The staff in the Junior School strongly believe that programs should be differentiated for the students in their classes, and that each student is challenged and excited by programs which are aimed at appropriate levels. Each class, from Year 2, in the Junior School, offers contacts which allow for such differentiated curriculum.
Students are also given the opportunity to attend Extra Curricular Programs that are on offer during lunchtimes. These include: “God Squad”, a program where students can develop a closer relationship with Jesus, Debating, Chess Group, Science Club, Maths Olympiad, Computer Club, Band, Choir or Dance Group.
Peripatetic Teachers are available to teach musical instruments or singing as individual lessons.
Exciting programs are offered for our Year 6 students.
Year Six students are the leaders of the Junior School. They are encouraged in their leadership roles and are provided with many and varied responsibilities. These include escorting Kindergarten students into School, speaking at Assemblies and general tasks.
A very significant and innovative program is in operation for our Year Six students. The program, entitled, The Year Six Transition into Secondary School, has been applauded by students and parents alike. This program provides a more rigorous academic program than would normally be made available in a Primary setting.
Whilst still enjoying the benefit of the individual primary class teacher, each of our Year Six students is provided with lessons from Secondary teachers. Subject-specific skills, knowledge, training & expertise are imparted by these specialist teachers.
Currently our Year Six students are taught the following subjects by Secondary Teachers:
- Mandarin
- P.E.
- Music
- Art
- Media Studies
- Science
- Extra Curricula Programs
Additional Sporting Activities enhance our Year Six P.E. Program. These include Surf Awareness, Golf and Basketball. These are outsourced by external providers.
The Year Six students also attend Secondary Assemblies from time to time. They are also invited to other Secondary Activities.
The Year Six students particularly enjoy inclusion in the Secondary School’s Extra Curricula Program, where once again students enjoy Secondary Teachers’ expertise. Students in Year Six are able to select from many varied activities including Robotics, Self Defence, Remote Control Car Club, Mexican Cooking for Beginners and Chess. These operate on a Tuesday afternoon, in school time.
In class, Year Six students are provided with their own Secondary School Timetable and are issued with a Secondary Diary, enabling them to learn the skills of organizing homework & numerous teachers’ requests.
Former Year Six students, who have participated in this program, have demonstrated a smoother & less anxious transition into Secondary School. They feel comfortable as a result of exposure to both Secondary staff & facilities such as Music Rooms, Art Rooms & Gymnasium facilities.
The Year Six Transition into Secondary School provides a more rigorous academic program, as well as the nurturing & support of the Primary classroom.