Curriculum

Literacy and Numeracy

All students at Roxburgh Homestead Primary School receive daily instruction in literacy and numeracy. Sessions include skills related to the development of oral language, reading, writing, number fluency, measurement, chance and data, working mathematically and mathematical structures. Students work in a range of whole and small group activities that are specifically designed to ensure that fundamental skills are achieved, built upon and applied within different contexts. Skill acquisition in literacy and numeracy is closely monitored by teachers and the focus is on moving students to their next level of learning. Intervention programs, in both literacy and numeracy, operate flexibly across the school to ensure learning targets are achieved.

Information and Communications Technology

Being able to use a range of Information Technology is a very important part of a child’s education. Students have access to networked computers in both the Information and Communications Technology Centre and their classrooms. Children have access to range of software programs that encourage problem solving, logical thinking, cooperation and creativity. Children are also able to use digital cameras, video cameras, scanners and printers.

Home Reading

Home reading is an important part of our reading program. It is important that you spend time reading to your child and listening to your child read to you. Students will be issued with a home reading folder and record book and are expected to borrow books from the Home Reading boxes each day. Please make sure you listen to your child read the book they have borrowed, then sign the reading record. If folders or books are lost or badly damaged you will be asked to pay for the replacement. Parents will be notified of a Prep Reading Information night held during Term 1.

Interschool Sport

Students in Year 6 participate in interschool sport with other schools in our area with an aim to develop not only sporting but also social skills and team spirit. Notices are sent home at the beginning of the season outlining the sport, where it will be played and any costs involved – eg bus fares. Permission forms cover the whole season and must be signed and returned to the class teacher to enable student participation. Money may be paid weekly or in a lump sum. Parents are also welcome to assist with training and to attend the games.

Junior School Council

The JSC is the students’ voice in the management of the school. Two students from Grades 5 and 6 are elected annually by their peers to represent them. The group meets regularly to discuss issues, concerns and ideas – such as improvements to the school – with any recommendations reported back to each class.

VELS

The Victorian Essential Learning Standards form the framework by which curriculum is planned and delivered. VELS provides rigorous standards for students at all levels and curriculum planning guidelines for staff.
Five educational principles underpin The Standards:

Learning for all

• Pursuit of excellence
• Engagement and effort
• Respect for evidence
• Openess of mind

The Principles are supported by Strands and Domains which support the three stages of learning.

• Prep to Year 4 ( laying the foundations )
• Years 5 to 8 ( building breadth and depth )
• Years 9 and 10 ( developing pathways )

School Strategic Plan and Annual Implementation Plan

The school strategic plan outlines what our school is striving to achieve over a four year period. It outlines the school’s purpose, values and desired student outcomes, expressed through goals and targets. The school will participate in a review this year which will result in the formulation of our school Strategic Plan.

The annual implementation plan describes how the key improvement strategies contained within the school strategic plan ( school charter ) will be implemented during each of the four years.
Special Events

Occasionally the school will hold a special event where students participate in special activities such as Education Week, Arts Week, Science Week or Book Week. Parents are welcome to attend these activities and will be notified via the Parent Bulletin.

Specialist Programs

The school currently offers programs in Art, Music and Physical Education (P.E.) and Health Education for Grades 3-6. The programs offered are dependent on staff and school priorities and are subject to change.
Students attending sessions in the Art/Craft Room will require an Art smock to protect their school uniforms. Students will also attend Library sessions to study literature and library skills. Multi-media resources are also available.
Roxburgh Homestead has a large, well-equipped gym to facilitate our P.E. program. Students in Years 3-6 have one P.E. session per week and students in Years P-2 have two.