Learning & Leadership

Curriculum, learning areas and capabilities

What’s involved with each subject? What specialist programs does WPS offer? What is inquiry based learning? How are students assessed for growth? What learning support, or learning extension opportunities does WPS offer? All these answers can be found on this page.

Curriculum

The curriculum program at Windsor Primary School is based on the State Government’s Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority. English, mathematics and inquiry learning form the basis of the classroom academic program along with the school’s personal, social and emotional program. Specialist subjects of Greek, music, physical education and visual arts are part of the school’s weekly program. Embedded into all of the school’s programs are capabilities such as cultural awareness, ethics, creative thinking, critical thinking, and technology. The school also provides an English as Another Language (EAL) program for eligible students.

Inquiry learning

At Windsor Primary we use the inquiry approach to learning. This involves students forming their own questions about a topic and having time to explore the answers. The approach focuses on the skills that students need to reach the right outcome as well as learning the content involved in each task. Every year, students take inquiry units developed to incorporate global concepts that increase their general understanding, higher order thinking, deep questioning, and curiosity. Some examples of these Inquiry topics are:

Science focus: Everything around us is science.
History focus: All events have an impact on the world.
Cultural focus: Culture is something with which we can connect or identify.
Social focus: Events such as Commonwealth/Olympic games bring people together.
Sustainability focus: The Earth’s ongoing capacity to sustain life.
Art focus: Art can take many forms.

Academic opportunities

We encourage our students to challenge themselves. We provide additional learning support for those who need it, and a range of extension opportunities for students who need an extra challenge. Extension programs and competition opportunities include: Gateways , Bright Sparks, University of NSW ICAS tests, the Maths Talent Quest, Premier’s Reading Challenge.

Measuring and reporting student progress

Our annual assessment schedule closely monitors student learning and growth. Students are regularly assessed against the Victorian Curriculum. And teachers create programs around the needs of every student. Semester progress reports are delivered in June and December. Formal parent-teacher meetings are held twice a year to discuss student progress, however parents or carers can meet with their child’s teacher at any stage.

Preps 1.jpg — Literacy

We are committed to helping students continue to grow their literacy skills and love of reading, writing, speaking and listening. Our teaching methods are consistent from prep to grade 6 and focus on helping students to become successful readers and writers who have the skills to engage with different forms of information and texts. Each day students practise the four processes of Literacy (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening). Through the study of Literacy we hope students develop a love of literature and learning and develop skills to experiment with ideas and expression, to become active, independent and lifelong learners.

Grade 2 (_) 2.jpg — Numeracy

At Windsor Primary School we promote the idea that maths is everywhere and students are taught the knowledge, skills, and understanding of mathematical concepts which they use daily in both the classroom and outside in everyday life. We are focussed on developing understanding, fluency, problem-solving, modelling and reasoning skills across three strands: number and algebra, statistics and probability, and measurement and geometry. We teach using a consistent approach across the school and utilise a range of technology, programs, tools and open-ended activities to help students further their understanding of mathematical concepts in the world around them.

unnamed (29).jpg — Physical Education

We aim to instil students with a life-long healthy attitude towards physical activity. And most of all, to make sure they enjoy it! On a weekly basis students take four sports-based lessons. Our specialist teacher introduces students to a variety of sports including: athletics, cross country running, soccer, AFL, cricket, netball, basketball, tennis, skateboarding, hockey, swimming, bicycle riding, gymnastics, golf and more. Sports sessions are conducted on school grounds and in nearby parks.
While our program focuses on fun and skills, we also provide a chance to compete. Every year the school holds a twilight sports festival, and from year three students take part in swimming, cross country, and track and field carnivals. We are part of Southport district, which means top place getters at school carnivals can progress to district, division, regional, and then state level competitions. See www.ssv.vic.edu.au for more information about representative opportunities.

Art room_2.jpeg — The Arts (Visual and drama)

Windsor Primary students are given many opportunities to develop their creative flair such as weekly visual arts classes, drama workshops, in-class dancing, assembly performances and a bi-annual all-school musical production which links to all areas of the classroom curriculum. These creative activities provide valuable learning experiences including team-building, problem-solving, public speaking, performing and literacy. Visual arts and Drama also enables the development of creativity, communication skills and critical thinking through collaborative learning.

The Arts (Music)

Our specialist music teacher (who is also a very talented musician!) conducts classes with students once a week from a curriculum that is rich in musical experiences. Additional musical opportunities exist for students including performances, choir, band, and bi-annual school musical.

Grade 2 (_) computer_1.jpg — Technology:

Digital literacy is vital in today’s modern world. Using digital tools and technology across all areas of the curriculum, our students enhance their learning in ways that are engaging, collaborative, interactive and real-time. With access to computers, iPads, laptops, students learn how to navigate the internet in a safe way, and they become proficient with programs, apps and software for presenting, communicating and creating digitally. We educate our students on the importance of cyber-safety and support our students on the journey to becoming responsible digital citizens.

Classroom 2.jpg — Languages other than English: Greek

Students receive weekly lessons to learn Greek language. Learning another language fosters respect for other cultures and extends a students’ ability to attempt something quite different. A second language helps students appreciate their own language and understand the structures of language. In our Greek classes students focus on three areas - firstly listening, responding, and speaking in Greek. Then viewing, reading, and responding. And finally students are encouraged to study and compare Greek culture and lifestyle.
The school also hosts a very popular Harmony Day every year that celebrates the many different cultures which exist and flourish at our school.

100 days of prep Reading 3.jpg — Library

Research and access to reliable knowledge and information are crucial elements of school programs, and also important in adult-life! WPS library is designed to meet the students’ recreational reading needs and provide a variety of resources to support and enhance the curriculum. Students attend Library lessons once a week and are encouraged to borrow new books to explore (book bags are available from the office). Reading is integrated into each class daily, starting with reading circle. WPS also participates in the Victorian Premiers Reading Challenge, with great results. The Program encourages students to stretch themselves by reading widely. Many students take up the challenge each year.

Classroom decorations.jpg — English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Windsor Primary offers a comprehensive program for both non-English speaking children and children who speak a language other than English at home.

100 days of prep hand.jpg — Genius Hour

Genius Hour is an approach to learning that encourages students to explore different passions, interests, expand on background knowledge and ignite creativity in the classroom. Our grade 3 and 4 students work on their genius hour projects throughout the year.
**Click here to see an example** of a Windsor Primary student’s Genius Hour project.

Preps Annika.jpg — Inquiry - Science, Health, Society and Environment

Windsor Primary School students learn about and discover the natural and made worlds through inquiry learning where students are encouraged to delve into and discuss particular topics and issues. Inquiry learning centres on the idea that learning should be based around a student’s own questions and during weekly Inquiry lessons students will cover topics such as: technology, health, economics, geography, history, science, and civics and citizenship. These subjects not only teach our students about the real world, but also how to explore evidence and investigate ways to discover, develop and produce solutions to real world problems.