The Curriculum Framework describes the curriculum experiences that students may need at each phase of their schooling to achieve the outcomes. It is acknowledged that each phase is not confined to particular years but is overlapped according to the needs of the individual child.

At Gooseberry Hill Primary School students are grouped into classes across at least 2 year levels. This is to allow teachers to focus on the individual needs of the child. Each phase of schooling recognizes that at each stage of their development the learning experiences that are provided need to encourage growth.

In the early years the emphasis is on exploration of their own world. The learning program builds upon each child’s understandings, skills, values and experiences with many opportunities to manipulate and explore objects, materials, technologies and physical movement.

The middle childhood phase recognizes that children’s sense of themselves is expanding. Children need opportunity to work collaboratively and to develop their social skills. Activities will typically be integrated across learning areas.

In the early adolescence phase, students often align strongly with their peer group. The learning experiences need to build on the exploration of patterns, processes and phenomena.

The Overarching Learning Outcomes describe the outcomes “all students need to attain in order to become lifelong learners.” (Curriculum Framework – 1998)

• Students use language to understand, develop and communicate ideas and information and interact with others.
• Students select, integrate and apply numerical and spatial concepts and techniques.
• Students recognise when and what information is needed, locate and obtain it from a range of sources and evaluate, use and share it with others.
• Students select, use and adapt technologies.
• Students describe and reason about patterns, structures and relationships in order to understand, interpret, justify and make predictions.
• Students visualise consequences, think laterally, recognise opportunity and potential and are prepared to test options.
• Students understand and appreciate the physical, biological and technological world and have the knowledge and skills to make decisions in relation to it.
• Students understand their cultural, geographic and historical contexts and have the knowledge, skills and values necessary for active participation in life in Australia .
• Students interact with people and cultures other than their own and are equipped to contribute to the global community.
• Students participate in creative activity of their own and understand and engage with the artistic, cultural and intellectual work of others.
• Students value and implement practices that promote personal growth and well being.
• Students are self-motivated and confident in their approach to learning and are able to work individually and collaboratively.
• Students recognise that everyone has the right to feel valued and safe, and, in this regard, understand their rights and obligations and behave responsibly.

Learning Areas

Our school curriculum is divided into 8 learning areas–

English
Students learn about the English language and how to use it effectively. The study of English plays a vital role in the development of literacy, enhances student’s learning in all areas of the curriculum, and provides them with the communication skills and critical understanding of language necessary for active participation in society.

Mathematics
Students use ideas about number, space and chance, and mathematical ways of representing patterns and relationships, to describe, interpret and reason about their social and physical world. Mathematics plays a key role in the development of student’s numeracy and assists learning across the curriculum.

Science
Students investigate, understand and describe the physical, biological and technological world and value the systems and process that support life on our planet. Science helps students become critical thinkers who use evidence to construct conclusions.

Languages Other Than English
Students communicate effectively in languages other than English and further develop their skills and understandings in English. 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. The language we currently offer is Indonesian.

Health & Physical Education
Students develop an understanding of the health issues and the skills needed for confident participation in sport and recreational activities. It enables students to make responsible decisions about health and physical activity and to promote their own and others health and well-being.

The Arts
Students develop creative skills, critical appreciation and knowledge of artistic technologies in dance, drama, media, music, visual arts and combinations of art forms. The Arts develop student’s sense of personal and cultural identity and equips them for lifelong involvement in appreciation of the arts.

Technology & Enterprise
Students apply knowledge, skills and resources in the development of practical solutions to problems. Through this process they learn to be innovative, adaptable and reflective as they select and use appropriate materials, information and systems to achieve worthwhile results.

Society & Environment
Students develop an understanding of how individuals and groups live together and interact with their environment. Students develop a respect for cultural heritage and a commitment to social justice, democratic process and ecological sustainability.

Specialist Programs
The specialist programmes are highly valued in helping to achieve the school’s aim in developing each child in all areas. They give each child the opportunity to participate in a range of experiences and to find areas in which they can excel.

Visual Arts
The Visual Arts program offered in this school is second to none and is valued by all members of the educational and school community. All primary students have access to this program and parents are always delighted with the quality of work their child displays. Many of our senior students access special art programs as a result of their involvement in this special program at our school.

Performing Arts
In 2003 the P&C funded a new position in the Performing Arts area. All students have access to this area and participate in a variety of activities in the wider community to demonstrate their expertise in this area.

The Department of Education & Training provides peripatetic instrumental music teachers to students in Years 3, 6 & 7 who have achieved highly in an aptitude test. Currently guitar, flute and trumpet are offered to the children. Year 6 flute and trumpet students must hire their instrument; Year 6 & 7 guitar students must have their own. The music teachers will make contact with the successful children and their parents. Students have opportunities to display their talents at assembles and are able to participate in the high school bands once they become more proficient.