Teaching and Learning

INTRODUCTION TO TEACHING AND LEARNING

At Daylesford Primary School, we aim to establish a stimulating and secure learning environment that encourages students to become competent and confident learners.

Our curriculum is devised within the framework of the Victorian Essential Learning Standards. These Standards describe what students should know and be able to do at different stages of learning. For further information about the Victorian Essential Learning Standards go to: http://vels.vcaa.vic.edu.au

Early Years (Prep-Year 4)
Laying the Foundations
In these years the curriculum focuses on developing the fundamental knowledge, skills and behaviours in literacy and numeracy and other areas including physical and social capacities which underpin all future learning.

Reading Recovery

Reading and Recovery is an early intervention program designed to assist Grade 1 children who are at the risk of falling behind in reading and writing. Children who fit the criteria for selection, as specified in the Program Guidelines, work individually with a specially trained teacher everyday for half an hour. Children are usually involved in the program for 15-20 weeks.

Middle Years
(Years 5-8)
Building Breadth and Depth

In these years students progress beyond the foundations and their literacy and numeracy becomes more developed. An expanded curriculum program provides the basis for in depth learning developed around three core strands : Physical,Personal and Social Learning; Discipline-based Learning and Interdisciplinary Learning.

Integrated Curriculum

The Integrated Curriculum merges the boundaries of traditional subject groupings. It based on enhancing students' perceptions of how the world works by focussing on the development of deep understandings and rich conceptual knowledge.

Integrated units are developed for all year levels and each unit is generally taught over the course of one term. The discipline based areas of humanities and science are developed through the Integrated Units.

LOTE (Italian)

The LOTE program at Daylesford Primary School aims to provide the opportunity for students to develop their knowledge of Italian language and culture in a fun, meaningful way.
It aims to foster a 'love of language learning' which promotes a continuation of language learning in Secondary School. Language learning develops an important understanding of the systematic nature of Italian and languages in general.

The activities are progressive, building on a prior knowledge in the 4 strands of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Children can enjoy learning Italian through a variety of activities including collage, songs, computers, mime, cooking and games. Each year the whole school produces artwork and participates in the local Swiss Italian Festa.

Visual Arts

The Visual Arts Program at Daylesford Primary School allows children to experience a wide range of art materials and forms. They dabble in painting, drawing, modelling, construction, puppet and mask making and textiles.

Individuals are encouraged to progress at their own speed and skills are built on in a progressive and sequential program. Children are encouraged to participate in various programs and exhibitions out of the school, ncluding the Local Show, Swiss Italian Festa parades and extension programs at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery.

Performing Arts

The Performing Arts are an important outlet for the communication of ideas, feelings and beliefs and are a major source of intellectual, physical, spiritual and emotional development, understanding and enjoyment. The Performing Arts program comprises the two key elements of Music and Drama and aims to give students a foundation for both individual and collaborative creative expression.

Sport

Students in Grades 3 to 6 have the opportunity to be actively involved in a broad sport program to helps them develop and sustain a healthy, active lifestyle.

Children that are introduced to sports in primary school and taught the basic skills often carry these sports into their teenage years and then into adult life. The whole emphasis of our program is on participation: every child is encouraged to 'have a go' regardless of their ability or skill level.

Some of the sports that the children are involved in include swimming, athletics, cross-country, golf, netball, football, soccer and basketball.

The school is an active member of the 'Goldfields' Zone and participates on a regular basis with other schools for many sporting events.




	INTRODUCTION TO TEACHING AND LEARNING At Daylesford Primary School, we aim to establish a stimulating and secure learning environment that encourages students to become competent and confident learners. Our curriculum is devised within the framework of the Victorian Essential Learning Standards. These Standards describe what students should know and be able to do at different stages of learning. For further information about the Victorian Essential Learning Standards go to: http://vels.vcaa.vic.edu.au Early Years (Prep-Year 4) Laying the Foundations In these years the curriculum focuses on developing the fundamental knowledge, skills and behaviours in literacy and numeracy and other areas including physical and social capacities which underpin all future learning. Reading Recovery Reading and Recovery is an early intervention program designed to assist Grade 1 children who are at the risk of falling behind in reading and writing. Children who fit the criteria for selection, as specified in the Program Guidelines, work individually with a specially trained teacher everyday for half an hour. Children are usually involved in the program for 15-20 weeks. Middle Years (Years 5-8) Building Breadth and Depth In these years students progress beyond the foundations and their literacy and numeracy becomes more developed. An expanded curriculum program provides the basis for in depth learning developed around three core strands : Physical,Personal and Social Learning; Discipline-based Learning and Interdisciplinary Learning. Integrated Curriculum The Integrated Curriculum merges the boundaries of traditional subject groupings. It based on enhancing students' perceptions of how the world works by focussing on the development of deep understandings and rich conceptual knowledge. Integrated units are developed for all year levels and each unit is generally taught over the course of one term. The discipline based areas of humanities and science are developed through the Integrated Units. LOTE (Italian) The LOTE program at Daylesford Primary School aims to provide the opportunity for students to develop their knowledge of Italian language and culture in a fun, meaningful way. It aims to foster a 'love of language learning' which promotes a continuation of language learning in Secondary School. Language learning develops an important understanding of the systematic nature of Italian and languages in general. The activities are progressive, building on a prior knowledge in the 4 strands of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Children can enjoy learning Italian through a variety of activities including collage, songs, computers, mime, cooking and games. Each year the whole school produces artwork and participates in the local Swiss Italian Festa. Visual Arts The Visual Arts Program at Daylesford Primary School allows children to experience a wide range of art materials and forms. They dabble in painting, drawing, modelling, construction, puppet and mask making and textiles. Individuals are encouraged to progress at their own speed and skills are built on in a progressive and sequential program. Children are encouraged to participate in various programs and exhibitions out of the school, ncluding the Local Show, Swiss Italian Festa parades and extension programs at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery. Performing Arts The Performing Arts are an important outlet for the communication of ideas, feelings and beliefs and are a major source of intellectual, physical, spiritual and emotional development, understanding and enjoyment. The Performing Arts program comprises the two key elements of Music and Drama and aims to give students a foundation for both individual and collaborative creative expression. Sport Students in Grades 3 to 6 have the opportunity to be actively involved in a broad sport program to helps them develop and sustain a healthy, active lifestyle. Children that are introduced to sports in primary school and taught the basic skills often carry these sports into their teenage years and then into adult life. The whole emphasis of our program is on participation: every child is encouraged to 'have a go' regardless of their ability or skill level. Some of the sports that the children are involved in include swimming, athletics, cross-country, golf, netball, football, soccer and basketball. The school is an active member of the 'Goldfields' Zone and participates on a regular basis with other schools for many sporting events.