1

Primary Campus Years Prep - 6

Curriculum Information Booklet

KAWANA WATERS STATE COLLEGE

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to Kawana Waters State College Primary Campus

Primary schooling is critical to a child’s education, in laying the foundation for future learning and engagement at school and life beyond. At Kawana Waters State College Primary Campus, we strive to address not only the educational needs, but also the special emotional, social, and intellectual needs that are specific to these young learners.

Kawana Waters State College provides opportunities for young children to learn and grow in ways that acknowledge and respect this particular phase of their development. It is critical that during the Primary years of schooling, students have a school environment which:

promotes a feeling of self-worth

stimulates a love of learning and a thirst for new knowledge

gives them confidence in their ability to cope with the basic challenges of life, and

provides them quality educational experiences. At Kawana Waters State College, primary curriculum design and delivery encourages active learning, problem solving, effective communication, creativity, social adjustment and participation to benefit children’s long-term success in education and citizenship. Learning experiences are planned and implemented to accommodate students’ current stages of development and to provide them with the necessary tools for success.

The Primary curriculum at Kawana Waters State College embraces the College values of Respect, Excellence, Diversity and Enjoyment. It also places an emphasis on meeting the needs of our students by:

catering for the transition from home to early learning and preparing students for

adolescent learning, encompassing the physical, social and psychological dimensions in a Prep – Year 12 community

providing a sense of stability and continuity by focusing on the links between the early and middle phases of learning

organising the curriculum on the basis of identified needs of the age group and allowing for the range of intellectual abilities involved

teaching strategies and classroom management based on the physical, social psychological needs of the students

acknowledging and encouraging the need for parents and the wider community to be actively involved in the education of our students

Our Primary curriculum aims to enable all students to pursue individual excellence, a concept that extends beyond the classroom into all facets of College and community life.

Ruth Murray Principal – Primary

2

KAWANA WATERS STATE COLLEGE

KEY STAFF MEMBERS

Executive Team

Colin Allen Waters- College Principal Ruth Murray - Principal Primary

Lyn Duffy - Deputy Principal Primary

The Executive and Heads of Department can help if you have questions relating to any of the curriculum information listed in this booklet, and can be contacted on (07) 5436 9333.

3

Mr Colin Allen-Waters

College Principal Ms Ruth Murray

Principal – Primary

Miss Lyn Duffy

Deputy Principal - Primary

CURRICULUM LEADERS

Heads of Departments

4

Mr Dave Mayfield Head of Department

Teaching and Learning

Mr Steve Olsen Head of Special

Education Services

Mr Chris Humphreys Head of Curriculum -

Primary

Ms Donna Whyte Head of Department

Student Services

KAWANA WATERS STATE COLLEGE

PHILOSOPHY

CURRICULUM ORGANISATION

Our curriculum is aligned to the Australian Curriculum through the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA), and Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) mandates. We are currently attending to Australian Curriculum (ACARA) development and implementation timelines. Kawana Waters State College is a High Reliability School implementing an Art and Science of Teaching (ASoT) pedagogical framework. Our focus is achievement by design, strengthening the delivery for continual improvement of quality learning. Teachers are working collaboratively in Professional Learning teams (PLTs) to develop the Kawana Waters State College, Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum, in the key learning areas of Mathematics and English. Science, Geography and History will also be prioritised and developed. The Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum ensures content is explicitly taught in the time available and in every classroom through high expectations of the ASoT Pedagogical framework. Progressive curriculum design assures students know and own what they are learning. WHAT WE BELIEVE ABOUT TEACHING AND LEARNING

At Kawana Waters State College (KWSC) our intention is to provide an explicit, innovative and future focused curriculum that prepares students for the 21st Century. Our College provides students with opportunities for development as life-long learners, who make a positive contribution to a global society. Our pedagogical framework is informed by Marzano’s Art and Science of Teaching where students are explicitly taught the skills of critical, creative and higher-order thinking to develop and demonstrate their knowledge, understanding and skills in each key learning area. The KWSC Primary curriculum key learning areas of; English, Mathematics, Science, History and Geography are devised, implemented and moderated using the Australian Curriculum, ACARA guidelines, KWSC prioritised curriculum and resourced by Education Queensland’s Curriculum into the Classroom units of work. The Head of Curriculum (Primary), Head of Department – Junior Secondary with class teachers and relevant Learning Area HODs are responsible for overseeing and monitoring appropriate curriculum development in the Primary phase of learning.

5

KAWANA WATERS STATE COLLEGE

SUBJECT OFFERINGS

Kawana Waters State College offers a range of subjects determined by the Australian Curriculum.

Students undertake studies in the following Key Learning Areas in Prep:

English

Mathematics

Science

History

Geography

Health and Physical Education

The Arts

Languages Other Than English (Japanese)

Teachers of Prep also use the Early Years Curriculum Guidelines to provide links with children’s prior learning and the curriculum described in the Learning Area syllabuses. The early learning areas are:

Social and personal learning

Health and physical learning

Language learning and communication

Early mathematical understandings

Active learning processes

Students undertake learning experiences in the following Learning Areas in Years 1-6:

English

Mathematics

Science

History

Geography

Health and Physical Education

The Arts

Technology

Languages Other Than English (Japanese)

6

The study of English is central to learning and development of all of our students. Through this, they learn to analyse, understand, communicate with and build relationships with others and the world around them. The studies undertaken in English also help students to engage imaginatively and critically with literature to expand the scope of their experience.

The development of English at KWSC and in alignment with Australian Curriculum: English aims to ensure that students:

learn to listen to, read, view, speak, write, create and reflect on increasingly difficult texts with accuracy, fluency and purpose

appreciate, enjoy and use the English language in all its variations and develop a sense of its richness and power

understand how Standard Australian English works in its spoken and written forms and in combination with non-linguistic forms of communication to make meaning

develop interest and skills in inquiring into the aesthetic aspects of texts, and develop an informed appreciation of literature

English is taught across three strands, namely Language, Literature and Literacy

Students will engage in activities to learn about the following:

Prep to Year 2 Students engage with purposeful listening, reading, viewing, speaking and writing activities for different purposes and contexts, developing their skills and expanding their knowledge of language. Students engage in engaging and fun experiences of literature and through the beginnings of a repertoire of activities involving listening, viewing, reading, speaking and writing.

Years 3 to 6 Students develop an increasingly sophisticated understanding of grammar and language, and are increasingly able to articulate this knowledge. They learn to classify words, sentence structures and texts. To consolidate both ‘learning to read and write’ and ‘reading and writing to learn’, students explore the language of different types of texts.

Years 7 to 10 Students continue to practise, consolidate and extend what they have learned from previous years. They also extend their understanding of how language works, and learn to transfer this knowledge to different contexts. They are introduced to increasingly sophisticated analyses of various kinds of literary, popular culture, and everyday texts, and they are given opportunities to engage with the technical aspects of texts, including those of their own choosing – and to explain why they made that choice.

Students in Prep study four units of English across the full year (one unit per term) Students from Years 1-7 study eight units of English across the full year (two per term)

7

LEARNING AREA ENGLISH

The Mathematics curriculum provides for the variety of learning styles and abilities of students as well as providing them with essential mathematical skills and knowledge in Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry and Statistics and Probability. It develops the numeracy capabilities that all students need in their personal, work and civic life and provides the fundamentals on which mathematical specialties and professional application of mathematics are built.

The curriculum focuses on developing increasingly sophisticated and refined mathematical understanding, fluency, logical reasoning, analytical thought and problem solving skills. These capabilities enable students to respond to familiar and unfamiliar situations by employing mathematical strategies to make informed decisions and solve problems efficiently.

At KWSC, Mathematics is taught across three strands, namely Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry and Statistics and Probability. This content is explored and developed through the proficiency strands of Understanding, Fluency, Problem Solving and Reasoning.

The development of Mathematics at KWSC and in alignment with Australian Curriculum: Mathematics aims to ensure that students:

are confident, creative users and communicators of mathematics

develop an increasingly sophisticated understanding of mathematical concepts and fluency with processes

are able to pose and solve problems and reason across all strands

Students will engage in activities to learn about the following:

Prep to Year 2 Students access powerful mathematical ideas relevant to their current lives and learn the language of mathematics, which is vital to future progression

Years 3 to 6 Students engage in active experiences that allow them to construct key mathematical ideas, but also gradually move to using models, pictures and symbols to represent these ideas

Years 7 to 10 Students participate in key activities such as the exploration, recognition and application of patterns, the capacity for abstract thought can be developed and the ways of thinking associated with abstract ideas can be

Students in Prep study four units of Math across the full year (one unit per term) Students from Years 1-7 study eight units of Math across the full year (two per term)

8

LEARNING AREA MATHEMATICS

At Kawana Waters State College, the Primary Science program covers four strands of study:

Biological Sciences

Chemical Sciences

Physical Sciences

Earth and Spaces Sciences

The program aims to provide students with a range of learning activities and hands on experiences to engage them in scientific discovery and learning. These activities provide opportunities for students to develop an understanding of important science concepts and processes and the practices used to develop scientific knowledge and science’s contribution to society and its application.

The development of Science at KWSC and in alignment with Australian Curriculum: Science aims to ensure that students develop:

an interest in science as a means of asking questions and speculating about

the changing world

an understanding of the nature of scientific enquiry and the ability to use a range of scientific inquiry methods

an ability to communicate scientific understandings and findings to a range of audiences

an ability to solve problems and make informed evidence-based decisions

an understanding of historical and cultural contributions to science as well as contemporary science issues

a solid foundation of the knowledge of the biological, chemical, physical, Earth and space sciences

Students at KWSC will study the following aspects of Science

Years 7 to 10 - Explaining phenomena involving science and its applications

Year P to Year 2 - Awareness of self and the local world

Years 3 to 6 - Recognising questions that can be investigated scientifically and investigating them

Students from Prep to Year 6 study four units of Science across the full year (one unit per term) Students in Year 7 study eight units of Science across the full year (two per term)

9

LEARNING AREA SCIENCE

History helps students appreciate how the world and its people have changed as well as the significant continuities that exist to the present day. The process of historical inquiry develops skills that are transferable to other learning areas. These skills include the ability to ask relevant questions, critically analyse and interpret sources, develop interpretations and communicate effectively.

The development of history at KWSC and in alignment with Australian Curriculum: history aims to ensure that students develop:

interest in, and enjoyment of, historical study for lifelong learning and work, including their capacity and willingness to be informed and active citizens

knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the past and the forces that shape societies, including Australian society

understanding and use of historical concepts, such as evidence, continuity and change, cause and effect, perspectives, empathy, significance and contestability

capacity to undertake historical inquiry, including skills in the analysis and use of sources, and in explanation and communication

History is taught through two inter-related strands:

Historical knowledge and understanding

Historical skills

Students from Prep to Year 6 study two units of History across the full year (one unit per semester) Students in Year 7 study three units of History across the full year

Students will study the following aspects of history:

Prep to Year 2 - Awareness of family history and community heritage

Years 3 to 6 - Local/national history and use a range of sources

Years 7 to10 - World and Australian history, the analysis and use of sources and historical interpretation

10

LEARNING AREA HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

In Geography, students learn to question why the world is the way it is. They reflect on their relationships with and responsibilities for the world, and propose actions designed to shape a socially just and sustainable future.

Students will investigate the effects of location and distance and will learn about the role of the environment in supporting the physical and emotional aspects of human life and interrelationships between people and environments.

At KWSC, we use an inquiry approach to assist students to make meaning of their world, teaching them to respond to questions in a geographical way. They will conduct fieldwork and map and interpret data and use spatial technologies, thus developing skills for everyday life and possible future career opportunities.

The development of history at KWSC and in alignment with Australian Curriculum: history aims to ensure that students develop:

A sense of wonder, curiosity and respect about places, people, cultures and environments throughout the world

A deep geographical knowledge of their own locality, Australia, the Asia region and the world

The ability to think geographically and be competent users of geographical inquiry methods and skills

As informed, responsible and active citizens who can contribute to the development of an environmentally and economically sustainable world

Students will study the following aspects of geography:

Prep to Year 2 - Exploring local and more distant places

Years 3 to 4 - Investigating places and environments

Years 5 to 6 - Explaining places and investigating the world

Years 7 to 10 - Regional and global places in an environmental and human geography context

11

LEARNING AREA HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

LEARNING AREA LANGUAGES

JAPANESE

The Japanese course offers exciting and varied opportunities for learners to effectively communicate in another language. Students have the opportunity to use their skills in real-life situations with visiting Japanese students and volunteers.

Learning a language promotes self-discipline and confidence and gives the students an upper-hand in our culturally and linguistically diverse society. A positive experience in learning a second language also enhances literacy in their first language; English.

KWSC students in Prep to Year 6 participate in Japanese lessons each week. The latter years curriculum is based on the Queensland Languages ‘New Land New Language’ Japanese online multimedia program.

12

At KWSC, students develop the knowledge, skills, processes and dispositions to promote health and wellbeing, actively engage in physical activity and enhance personal development.

Students participate in a range of learning activities to develop in these areas.

The specialisation program at KWSC affords children from Prep to Year 6 the opportunity to participate in Physical Education with a specialist teacher from this field of study. Students participate in these lessons on a weekly basis as well as having weekly specialised aquatics lessons in Terms 1 and 4.

In addition to this, all students further develop their knowledge and understanding of health and personal development through the College REDE Program. REDE is identified by the College values of Respect, Enjoyment, Excellence and Diversity and involves students developing their understanding of the importance of these values and the impact our behaviours can have on those of others.

Students also have opportunity to engage in extra sporting activities, namely:

Aquatics Prep to Year 6 students in Term 4 Cross Country Prep – Year 6 Term 2 Athletics Carnival Prep to Year 6 Term 3 Interschool Sport Years 5 - 6 Term 3 Swimming Carnival Prep to Year 6 Term 4.

13

LEARNING AREA HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION

The Football School of Excellence is a development program designed for experienced footballers aspiring for State and National selection. Students in the program study football as a subject for up to five hours a week. This time is made up of:

Technical development

Physical conditioning and fitness

Theoretical components

Scheduled games

The objectives of the Football Program of Excellence include:

developing skills in all facets of the game i.e. as a player, referee, coach, trainer and administrator

ensuring the course work and resulting accreditation enable pathways for future endeavours

providing a balance between football and academic studies

maintaining or improving academic achievement in all other subject areas

Students enrolling in Years 7 to 10 are invited to apply for a position in the Kawana Waters State College Football Program of Excellence. Information sessions are conducted in August each year and all applications must be received by the first week of October.

14

LEARNING AREAHEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATIONFOOTBALL EXCELLENCE PROGRAM

In Technology at KWSC, students from Years 1 to 6 explore the designed world and recognise that they can be both users and creators of technology. They assess the suitability of a range of resources for a specific purpose and context.

What does technology mean for students?

Technology provides students with opportunities to:

respond to design tasks by using their imagination to design and create

products or services using a variety of materials, techniques, processes and tools

explore and evaluate new and innovative products and designs manage technological processes in an efficient, appropriate and safe manner evaluate and reflect on the functionality and impact of products and how well

they meet the consumer's needs and wants

15

LEARNING AREA TECHNOLOGY

Students use their creativity, imagination and senses to express their observations, values and beliefs in personal and community contexts through Dance, Drama, Music, Media and Visual Art. They develop their aesthetic understandings of arts elements and languages. They create their own arts works and present and respond to their own and others’ arts works, considering different audiences and different purposes. They develop their arts practice through active engagement, both individually and collaboratively, with arts elements, techniques, skills and processes, working creatively and imaginatively to take risks and to interpret the arts from their own experiences and those of other artists. They develop their interpretations of arts works and reflect on the creative process that has occurred within one or across many arts disciplines.

The specialisation program at KWSC affords children from Prep to Year 6 the opportunity to study each strand of The Arts, ie Dance, Music, Visual Art and Drama with specialist teachers from of these fields. Each strand is studied every week for a semester at a time and covered once every two years, thus providing students with specialised teaching of that strand for a significant period of time.

16

LEARNING AREA THE ARTS