CURRICULUM


Building better futures

JUNIOR SCHOOL CURRICULUM


Lakes Grammar has developed a K-6 learning continuum which is of the highest standard and supportive of quality teaching and learning practices. While our school is structured to use the New South Wales curriculum, we do so in our own unique way. We want to ensure that our structured curriculum teaches students the fundamentals of English, Mathematics, Science, History and Geography, PDHPE and Creative Arts in a way that also supports and nurtures their natural love of learning.

We also adapt and include many other innovative programmes, providing unique learning opportunities. This is a key benefit of an independent school education.

Our Vital framework provides a clear direction for the exciting learning journey in Junior School. To prosper in the learning age, our students must learn the capacities to approach the future with curiosity and optimism and to embrace chance in the world with confidence.

Students are encouraged to take ownership of, and contribute direction to, the learning experience. The school facilitates this learning by providing timely and purposeful feedback and learning environments which promote a positive atmosphere of trust and safe risk-taking.

We provide learning experiences in each of the key learning areas in the K – 6 curriculum at Lakes Grammar for each child during each year of primary schooling.

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Science and Technology (including Design Technology with Woodwork)
  • Human Society and Its Environment
  • Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
  • Creative Arts (including Music, Dance, Drama and Visual Arts)
  • Christian Studies

English

English is the key learning area where students develop knowledge, skills and understanding about English language and literature. English also has a wider role as a means of learning in all key learning areas.

In K-2 we teach reading by teaching the explicit skills required to give students the core knowledge and strong foundations to become successful readers. We use the InitialLit program which incorporates a synthetic approach to the teaching of phonics alongside a rich literature and vocabulary component”

Click here to view the Multilit program


Mathematics

Mathematics involves students in analysing and solving problems in the areas of space, measurement and number. It involves the study of patterns and relationships and provides a means of communication.


Science and Technology

Science and Technology provides opportunities for students to learn about natural and made environments by engaging in scientific and technological activity. Science and Technology involves students in investigating, designing and making, and using technology.


Human Society and Its Environment (including History and Geography)

This area deals with the interactions of people with one another and with the social, cultural and physical environments as they attempt to meet their needs.


Creative Arts

The Creative Arts key learning area includes the art forms of dance, drama, visual arts and music. Learning in these art forms provides opportunities for students to develop their capacities to make works and appraise their own works and the works of others.


In Music each class enjoys a weekly music lesson with our specialist Music teacher. Students also have an opportunity to participate in Choir, Band, Strings and a range of musical ensembles.


Visual Arts is taught throughout the Junior School with access to a specialised Art Room for Years 2 – 6. Students have the opportunity to develop artworks in a range of media, including drawing, painting, sculpture and ceramics. Our teachers integrate this subject into core themes being taught in mainstream lessons.


In Drama, our students are offered a range of opportunities in class as a component of the curriculum as well as at our biennial ‘Showcase’ production for K- 6 where all students perform and some of our older students have involvement in directing, stage management, lighting, sound, technology and acting.


Our Dance program invites in a specialist dance teacher for a term’s block of learning dance.

 

PDHPE (Personal Development, Health and Physical Education

The Personal Development, Health and Physical Education key learning area helps students develop self-esteem, social responsibility, personal fitness and the ability to make informed decisions about health and lifestyle.


Personal Development and Health

A specialist teacher delivers a range of personal development and health lessons to each class for 45 minutes per week. This enables us to have a clear framework for the personal development and health of each student from Kindergarten to Year 6 where we can build on key themes as students move through higher grades in areas including child protection, cyber safety, healthy habits and social skills programs using the ‘Friendly Schools Plus’ framework. Our specialist PDH teacher works closely with the Co-ordinator of Student Wellbeing, our Junior School psychologist and a with range of external providers (including the Life Education Program for K - 6, and the ‘Amazing Me’ and ‘Interrelate’ growth and puberty programs for primary students.


Physical Education

Our physical education program is also delivered on a weekly basis by specialist PE teachers for all Junior School students. Our weekly 45 minute lessons for each grade are held on site using a variety of equipment to support the focus areas of Gross Motor (K – 1, Term 1), Athletics skills (Years 2 – 6, Term 1), Gymnastics (K – 6, Term 2) and Dance (K – 6, Term 3).


During Term 4, K – 6 students participate in our swimming program, with Kindergarten to Year 2 engaging in an intensive 10-day swimming school program, which is consolidated in Years 3 – 6 with lessons once a week throughout Term 4. During Years 5 and 6, students can also complete the Bronze Star, a component of the Royal Life Saving Association Bronze Medallion Award, and Years 5 and 6 also participate in surf awareness sessions at a local beach with the Surf Life Saving Association.

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