Curriculum

English

English is taught using an integrated approach, with programs combining elements from the 3 strands, literature, language and literacy, to support and reinforce the acquisition of skills. Our teachers collaborate to plan comprehensive and innovative programs.

•           Literature – the interpretation, analysis, evaluation and creation of texts.
•           Language – the acquisition of knowledge about language and how it works
•           Literacy – the application of reading, writing, speaking and listening skills to interpret and create texts

Reading and writing skills are explicitly taught within a variety of contexts and curricular areas. This cross curricular approach ensures literacy skills are effectively embedded in student learning and more easily applied to learning in other areas. The development of oral language is a key component of all literacy work.

In addition to the integrated literacy program, we explicitly teach spelling rules and conventions using the Words Their Way program. Students explore patterns and similarities between groups of words, leading them to formulate rules to support their spelling.

ABC READING EGGS (K – Year 3) and Literacy Pro (Years 4-6) are our home reading programs. Both allow students to read texts at an appropriate level and earn points which are rewarded through our Values Passport System.

Mathematics

Mathematics is organised around the interaction of three content strands and four proficiency strands. The content strands are:

•           Number and Algebra
•           Measurement and Geometry
•           Statistics and Probability.

The proficiency strands are:

•           Understanding
•           Fluency
•           Problem Solving
•           Reasoning.

This approach has been adopted to ensure students’ proficiency in mathematical skills develops throughout the curriculum and becomes increasingly sophisticated as students progress through the year levels.

We support a hands-on, student-centred approach to teaching Mathematics. Our policy does not support the use of a class text book, as we feel this will not cater for individual student needs.

Cross curricular links are also emphasised and students are encouraged to apply their mathematical skills to learning in other subjects, particularly science and HASS.

Mathletics is our homework program. Student solve problems and complete tasks  in a range of mathematical contexts, earning points which are rewarded through our Values passport System.

Science

“In Science, students learn to investigate, understand and communicate about the physical, biological and technological world and value the processes that support life on our planet. Science helps students to become critical thinkers by encouraging them to use evidence to evaluate the use of science in society and the application of science in daily life." 

At Mullaloo Heights, science is taught by a specialist teacher. During theses sessions, scientific concepts are taught through a ‘hands on’ approach so that investigative skills are embedded.

Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS)

The HASS curriculum is compromised of skills and content in the following areas:

•           History
•           Geography
•           Civics and citizenship
•           Economics and Business

Where appropriate, subject content is integrated with English, maths and science and taught through a topic-based, inquiry approach. Students work with their teacher to generate lines of inquiry before locating useful information from a range of primary and secondary sources to answer their questions and solve problems. Research is presented in a range of range of formats, including ICT, multimedia, the arts and more traditional mediums.

The Arts

"In the Arts learning area, students develop creative skills, critical appreciation and knowledge of artistic techniques and technologies in dance, drama, media, music, visual arts and combinations of arts forms. The art develop students’ sense of personal and cultural identity and equips them for lifelong involvement in and the appreciation of the arts." 

Classroom teachers use a variety of strategies to cover the wide range of aspects included in the arts. In addition, specialist teachers visit the school each week and work with selected children in clarinet. The Music Coordinator is involved in both the senior and junior school choirs, which were established several years ago and perform at a range of venues.

Information, Communication Technology (ICT)

At Mullaloo Heights, we aim is to equip students with the appropriate ICT skills for the 21^st century. We believe ICT is a teaching tool to be applied where it enhances teaching and learning. As a result, ICT  is fully integrated into the curriculum through the development of authentic learning tasks that address Australian Curriculum content descriptors in a number of learning areas. This supports our cross curricular approach to learning. Cyber safety and technical skills are also taught within the context of these authentic tasks.

The school is well resourced with a computer lab, banks of ipads in each phase group and additional PCs housed in each classroom. All students, from Kingerdaten to Year 6, access these resources.

Health and Physical Education

"Health and physical education provides students with an understanding of health issues and the skills needed for confident participation in sport and recreational activities. This enables students to make responsible decisions about health and physical activity and to promote their own and others' health and well-being." 

Physical education is taught by all teachers from Pre-Primary to Year 6. The school is also involved with local schools in lightning carnivals, interschool sport, cross-country and an interschool athletics carnival. A school athletics carnival in term 3, is always well supported by parents and friends. In addition to these programs, all students from Pre Primary to Year 6 are involved in the Education Department's in-term swimming program. 

Languages - Indonesian

Students learn to communicate effectively in Indonesian. They gain an understanding of other societies, the ability to interact with people and cultures other than their own and practical skills which they can use in future social, cultural and vocational areas.

Students are also able to further develop their skills and understandings in English and of literacy in general." Indonesian is taught from Year 3 to Year 6, with students receiving an hour of teaching each week.

Technology and Enterprise

"In the Technology and Enterprise learning area, students apply knowledge, skills, experience and resources to the development of technological solutions that are designed to meet the changing needs of individuals, societies and environments. Students become innovative, adaptable and reflective as they select and use appropriate materials, information, systems and processes to create solutions that consider the sort- and long-term impact on societies and environments." 

Teachers develop classroom-based projects and activities in the area of Technology and Enterprise within the context of other curricular areas, such as Science, Maths and HASS.