BONEO PRIMARY SCHOOL CURRICULUM
ENGLISH
At Boneo Primary school our Literacy Program is developed and implemented using the Professional Learning Communities approach to teaching and learning.
Class teachers focus on setting clear individualised learning goals for students. Teachers work collaboratively to create a Literacy curriculum that is based on the individual needs of each child using constant assessment to understand what it is students need to learn.
At all levels of the school students engage in daily independent reading with a strong focus on comprehension strategies to enhance understanding. Student’s writing is designed to offer them opportunities to write for authentic purposes, with quality feedback between the teacher and student.
Literacy is integrated across the entire curriculum. A number of themed days are encouraged throughout the year to promote the values of Literacy.
HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Our Physical Education Program commences at Prep, with students participating in Perceptual Motor Program. P.M.P is a movement based program designed to assist in the development of eye/hand and eye/foot co-ordination, fitness, balance, locomotive and eye tracking skills.
All classes from Prep to Year 6 participate in weekly Physical Education sessions. Sessions are designed to promote continued development of motor skills, co-ordination and fitness, with an emphasis placed on teamwork, sportsmanship, communication skills and encouraging students to enjoy being active.
Students at all levels are provided with the opportunity to experience many different sports. During Term 1 and 4 we teach students the basic rules and skills for Cricket, Ultimate Frisbee, Rounders, Tennis, Basketball and Netball. In Term 2 and 3 there is a focus on Football, Rugby, Soccer, Hockey as well as Cross Country and Athletics.
Whole school sports days are a highlight, where we encourage the families and the wider school community to get involved and come along to support.
District events provide students from Year 3 to 6 the opportunity to represent Boneo, competing in various sports against local Primary Schools. Division, Region and State competitions are offered for students who qualify through each stage.
HUMANITIES
Boneo Primary School implement the Victorian Curriculum Levels F-10.
In the Victorian Curriculum F–10, the Humanities includes Civics and Citizenship, Economics and Business, Geography and History. Geography and History are taught right throughout the primary school years. Civics and Citizenship commences at level 3 and Economics and Business at level 5.
The Humanities provide a framework for students to examine the complex processes that have shaped the modern world and to investigate responses to different challenges including people’s interconnections with the environment.
In Civics and Citizenship and Economics and Business, students explore the systems that shape society, with a specific focus on legal and economic systems. Students learn about Australia’s role in global systems, and are encouraged to appreciate democratic principles and to contribute as active, informed and responsible citizens.
In History and Geography, students explore the processes that have shaped and which continue to shape different societies and cultures, to appreciate the common humanity shared across time and distance, and to evaluate the ways in which humans have faced and continue to face different challenges.
KITCHEN GARDEN PROGRAM
At Boneo Primary School Year 3 and 4 students have the opportunity to experience our Kitchen Garden Program. There are many positive educational outcomes for the children as this program is integrated into the curriculum, particularly in the areas of Science, Math and English.
Students participate in garden activities and cook the produce in the outdoor kitchen. Through this process the children grow their own food, enjoy the harvest of the seasons and learn how to prepare, cook and share this food with others.
We are very fortunate to have recently completed a custom designed outdoor kitchen, providing our budding chefs access to modern cooking facilities and a purpose built pizza oven.
Teaching children to grow, harvest, prepare and share their own fruit and vegetables is proven to have a positive impact on the food choices students make. This learning extends beyond the classroom – research shows that engaged, excited students are likely to share their new skills with their family. Pleasurable food education teaches Australian children positive food habits through fun, hands-on learning.
“We get so much feedback from principals, parents and of course from the students themselves, about how popular this is and how it’s changing children’s attitudes towards fresh food.
If they have developed that understanding and willingness to expand their horizons as far as food goes, and understand what goes on in the garden and how that food has got on their plate, those insights and understandings will be there for life.” Stephanie Alexander
MATHEMATICS
At Boneo Primary School we aim to provide a Mathematic curriculum that prepares our children for a lifetime of Mathematical experiences. We work collaboratively, to explore the different ways that we can link our student’s learning with relevant experiences, providing them with the knowledge and skills to survive and thrive in everyday life.
Our planning aims to ensure that our program develops our student’s mathematical understanding, fluency, problem solving and reasoning. This is achieved through a range of teaching and learning methods, which involves a mix of grouping students at points of need and teaching students in their normal class structure. The grouping of students allows specific targeted teaching and learning that is then shared and built upon back in the student’s own classes.
Regular assessment occurs to identify the goals for the point of need teaching and to assess the areas that require further focus and explanation.
The way that we implement our Mathematics program at Boneo Primary School is routinely and regularly reflected upon, as we strive to provide our students with the very best opportunities to grow and learn.
SCIENCE
Science allows students to explore and investigate the world they live in. Students are encouraged to ask questions and to develop a variety of inquiry skills, with the vision of fostering a curiosity and interest in Science.
Boneo offers a comprehensive Science program for all year levels. Science is embedded in the classroom curriculum and is also taught as a specialist program. Biological, Chemical, Physical and Earth Sciences are the key content areas covered. Students are developing their scientific knowledge in combination with critical thinking and analytical skills.
TECHNOLOGIES
The reality is that we live in an ever-changing technological world. At Boneo Primary, we want students to have the opportunity to become active contributors and think creatively to design and create new and wonderful possibilities in the future. Our SPARK center will be a central hub where students can apply technical knowledge, process and computational thinking skills in a range of technological contexts.
PERFORMING ARTS
Music at Boneo is based on two overarching principles. Students will learn as musicians and as audience members, and will learn through making and responding. Skills and techniques developed will allow students to manipulate, express and share sound as listeners, composers and performers. Learning Music has a significant impact on cognitive, affective, motor, social and personal competencies. Through continuous and sequential music learning, students listen to, compose and perform with increasing depth and complexity.
The Music program at Boneo aims to develop students’ confidence to be creative, innovative, thoughtful, and informed musicians and give them the skills to listen, improvise, compose, interpret, perform, and respond with intent and purpose.
Students at Boneo will have the opportunity to participate in our instrumental music program, with the chance to join our band and choir. There is an annual Music Camp, Musical and whole school concert.
VISUAL ARTS
The opportunity to engage in the Visual Arts has many and varied benefits. These include fostering creativity, building self-esteem, encouraging flexible thinking, advancing an understanding of different cultures and providing an opportunity for expression.
As Picasso said, “Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.”
At Boneo, the students from Prep to Year 6 participate in weekly Art sessions where a balance of exciting and stimulating activities are provided.
Through a wide range of activities, the students have the opportunity to experience a variety of materials and techniques. They create a range of visual arts forms, including painting, drawing, printmaking, collage, textiles, construction and modelling.
The students develop an awareness and appreciation of the visual arts from different cultures and from different periods of time. Many of the works they produce are inspired by artists they learn about.
“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” Picasso
TREC PROGRAM – TECHNOLOGY, RESEARCH, EXPLORATION and COLLABORATION
The TREC Program is an immersive educational initiative specially crafted for Year 5 and 6 students, aiming to foster a holistic and engaging learning experience through a diverse array of lenses and contexts. TREC, which stands for Technology, Research, Exploration, and Collaboration, is a multifaceted educational platform designed to stimulate curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity in young learners. Students are able to select the program that suits their interests, strengths and passions and experience a range of learning opportunities and experiences throughout the year.
Program Structure:
Technology Integration: TREC incorporates technology as a fundamental tool for learning. Students will engage with various technological components, including coding, robotics, digital media creation, and exploring the application of technology in different fields.
Research-Based Learning: The program encourages inquisitive minds by focusing on research skills. Students will learn how to frame questions, conduct investigations, and analyze data across multiple subjects, instilling a passion for inquiry and discovery.
Exploratory Learning: TREC provides hands-on experiences that involve exploration across diverse areas such as science, health, sports, the arts, and the environment. Excursions, experiments, and practical activities will deepen understanding and make learning more tangible.
Collaborative Projects: Collaboration is at the heart of TREC. Students will engage in team-based projects that encourage sharing of ideas, problem-solving, and communication. Collaborative efforts across different subjects will emphasize the interconnection between various disciplines.
Outcomes:
The TREC Program aims to produce well-rounded individuals who are not only academically proficient but also equipped with essential life skills. By engaging with the world through multiple lenses, students will develop critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and a deep understanding of various subjects, preparing them for the challenges of the future.
