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Our school curriculum, which comprises all of the learning experiences which take place
within the school from Kindergarten through to Year 6, is organised in six Key Learning
Areas. Our aim is to promote competence in all of these areas.
Our curriculum is developed in stages relevant to grades. It is expected that whilst
children develop and learn at different rates, most children will achieve outcomes as
follows:
INFANTS
| Foundation Stage |
Early Stage 1 |
Mid Stage 1 |
Later Stage 1 |
|
Kindergarten |
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
PRIMARY
| Early Stage 2 |
Mid Stage
2 |
Later Stage 2 |
Early Stage 3 |
Mid Stage
3 |
Later Stage 3 |
| Year 3 |
Year 4 |
Years 5 and 6 |
ENGLISH
Reading
Reading is an important communication skill and contributes to learning in all areas of the
curriculum from Kindergarten to Year 12 and beyond. It is a passport to knowledge and to
the world’s literature.
We aim to develop all the skills that contribute to students' ability to interpret the
printed word successfully in a range of situations.
As each class is likely to contain students with a range of reading abilities, programs
ensure that each child receives instruction at his/her own level.
The Reading Program is based on a developmental approach, with due recognition of each child’s
differing abilities, needs and interests.
Writing (Including Handwriting and Spelling)
We teach Writing to enable students to record their thoughts and communicate clearly with
others. Students are encouraged to view writing as a process of composing meaning for
intended readers. They are given opportunities to write frequently and for a range of
real purposes and audiences. Writing is integrated as a natural part of the learning
experiences in each subject area.
Students are given opportunities to draft and revise their writing as is necessary.
Through specific lessons and writing conferences with teachers and peers, they are given
feedback that assists them in improving their writing. Teachers will intervene as often
as necessary in the writing process before publication. Students are taught the accepted
conventions of written language, grammar, punctuation and standard spelling and receive
systematic instruction in these skills.
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Talking and Listening
Learning activities in oral language development provide the child with many opportunities
to make sense of themselves and the world around them.
Students are encouraged to talk and listen for a variety of purposes. They do so in a range
of formal and informal situations in both small and large groups. They are encouraged to
draw on a range of experiences, including previous language learning. In addition to
cooperative learning activities students experience theatre, films, television, literature,
problem solving exercises, debating, verse speaking and excursions. All activities assist
greatly in oral language development.
Literature
Good literature enriches the lives of all people by opening up the world of fine writing.
Students are encouraged to read widely and the teacher provides a model as an interested
reader. The use of technology to present literary texts is also examined. Students are
introduced to a wide range of literature, including poetry, prose and drama to foster
their understanding, enjoyment and appreciation of the written word. This occurs both
within class lessons and within the Library Program.
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MATHEMATICS
Programs aim to develop understanding of number, measurement, space and geometry, patterns and
algebra, data and working mathematically. All students K-6 have frequent opportunities to
explore, discover, describe and record mathematical patterns and relationships. They frequently
engage in problem solving activities in small groups where they share ideas, manipulate materials
and practise fundamental skills and routines. Where possible, these activities relate to
situations which are relevant to daily experiences. Count Me In Too strategies
are used to actively solve Mathematical calculations and problems.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Science provides a foundation for a lifelong interest in the physical environment. Students
identify problems, pose questions and experiment. They observe and handle objects, plants
and animals. They organise, analyse information and do 'design and make' activities. They
learn information gained from these first hand experiences, and record their findings.
Computer Education:
The importance of technology in today’s society is acknowledged. The school provides a
positive program to provide all students with access to the latest in computers and related
technologies. Students share access to educational satellite broadcasts and the Internet.
Children have use of computers in the Library and classrooms.
 Students at Oxley Vale will learn basic computer operations, keyboard skills, how to use
various programs and how to print their work. Access to teaching/learning software will
support classroom activities in a motivating and challenging environment. The development
of research skills will be facilitated through use of a range of compact disc titles as well
as the Internet. Regular acquisition of contemporary software and new equipment will assure
that students are continually extended in this vital aspect of learning.
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HUMAN SOCIETY AND ITS ENVIRONMENT
Social Studies investigations involve obtaining knowledge and understanding. By gathering and
organising information, students answer questions which are related to their personal, social
and environmental concerns. Wherever possible, information is drawn from the student’s own
real-life experiences.
General Religious and Moral Education
Lessons in religious instruction are provided each Wednesday by visiting lay personnel. In
day-to-day learning, students discuss and apply the underlying moral rules and principles on
which our society is based. Parents need to signify on enrolment if they do not wish their
child to undertake lessons.
Values
The school supports and encourages values education. The core values are integrity,
excellence, respect, responsibility, cooperation, participation, care, fairness and
democracy.
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HEALTH, PHYSICAL EDUCATION and PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Health Studies
Programs contribute to the protection, promotion and maintenance of physical, mental and
social well-being. Learning experiences focus on health and safety both now and in later
life.
Physical Education
Organised physical activity provides a medium for the development of physical and social
skills in the student and improved physical fitness. In Physical Education, students will
acquire skills through natural movements and develop physical fitness through endurance,
flexibility and strength activities. Team sports are an important part of physical
education. Athletics and swimming carnivals are held each year. An intensive swimming program
is conducted in Term 4.. Participation of teams and individuals in district carnivals is
encouraged.
Personal Development
Students engage in an ongoing program to develop and enhance self-esteem and social skills related to security, happiness, friendliness and achievement. A peer support program operates throughout the school.
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CREATIVE AND PRACTICAL ARTS
 Visual Arts
Students frequently use different media to record their direct experiences of their world.
Through observation and experience in their environment they perceive qualities and
relationships of colour, line, texture, tone, form, patterns, movement, repetition and
structure which may be translated to imagined situations outside their experiences. Programs
of work to develop these concepts are followed.
Craft
Students gain personal satisfaction through their use of different tools and materials to
express themselves. In so doing they learn specific skills, habits of cooperation
and self-direction and understanding
of design.
Music
Students have experiences in singing, percussion and other instruments, movement (dance) and
in organising sound. Choirs practice regularly and perform at various functions including the
Tamworth Eisteddfod. Children also have opportunities to participate in Dance Festivals.
Drama / Dance
Self expression through movement, expression and language is a vital part of all teaching.
Students are encouraged to perform in front of an audience to develop confidence and
technique.
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