 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Educational ProgramsKey Learning Areas: KLAsNeutral Bay Public School offers quality education in all KLAs. These include:
Across curriculum issues are incorporated into all key learning areas. These include multicultural education, gender equity, Aboriginal education, mass media and technology. Assessment and Reporting ProceduresChildren's learning is continually assessed to determine what each child has achieved, what new learning is now needed and any special needs for support a child might have. Teachers use a range of informal and formal assessment strategies to gather information about progress. These include:
Procedures for reporting to parents on student progress through the year include:
TechnologyAll KLAs are supplemented by computers and technology. Neutral Bay has a large number of computers for teaching and learning and an extensive range of software which includes word processing, paint and draw, multi media presentation, programming, typing skills and maths practice. During the past 12 months, we have installed a number of interactive whiteboards (using school and parent funding). LibraryWe are proud that our library is a memorial to the great Australian author of children's books, May Gibbs. The school library is the major educational resource centre for the school community and is central to supporting all other school programs. It makes available to every student and teacher the resources and environment which will stimulate interest and enthusiasm in learning through reading, listening and viewing. All children are instructed in library use and encouraged to borrow regularly. Parents can assist by:
The library is open for non classroom use Monday to Friday from 8.45 - 9.10am Ð 1.15 - 1.45pm Languages Other Than English (LOTE)A teacher of Italian language and culture is funded jointly by the Italian Consulate, State and Commonwealth Governments and parents. A teacher of Japanese is appointed as a community languages teacher by the Department for two days a week. Each year children in Years 2-6 participate in one of these programs depending on school organisation. Each program aims to give children insights into the language and culture of these countries and to develop positive attitudes to further study of other languages and cultures. MusicA very strong tradition in music programs is reflected in our school assemblies, concerts and annual participation in district and state performances. These include Middle Harbour Festival of Music and various Eisteddfords. Visiting performances by Musica Viva contribute to the development of music appreciation and skills for all children. Class based Creative & Practical Arts programs include instruction in dance, singing, recorder and percussion. We are resourced by a wonderful array of percussion instruments. Children are encouraged to participate in:
SportChildren from Yrs K-6 at Neutral Bay Public School take part in weekly sport activities. Yrs K-2 participate in a weekly school based program combining fitness and skills. A K-2 sport carnival is held each year. Years 3-6 participate, on a rotating basis, in a games skills program of tennis, cricket, football, softball, volleyball, basketball, athletics and swimming. Local community venues including Cammeray and Forsyth parks are used. In Terms 2 and 3, our school participates in the inter-school PSSA competition. Annual school based cross country, swimming and athletics carnivals are held and all children in Years 3-6 participate. From here successful competitors are selected to compete in zone and regional carnivals. Houses:Children in Years K-6 are allocated to a House for sport. This promotes a healthy team and group spirit. The house names and origins are: Boyd (red): after Benjamin Boyd who took a leading role in the whaling industry, the whale oil being processed at Neutral Bay. Gilmore (green): after the poet and author Dame Mary who attended our school as a trainee teacher. Milson (blue): after James Milson who arrived in Sydney Cove in 1804 and was given a land grant which today bears his name. Warung (yellow): Aborigines called the north side of the harbour 'Warung' which means the other side. House captains and vice captains, two for each house, are elected by grade peers at the beginning of each school year. Houses compete for the Grimaldi Shield by gaining points in all aspects of school life. Special Swimming SchemeIn keeping with Australian traditions and encouraged by the Department of Education and Training, this school aims for every child to learn to swim. Annual intensive swimming classes with qualified instructors are conducted for children in Year 2 and those children needing extra assistance in higher grades. It forms an integral part of the sport program. Parents assistance with this scheme is appreciated. Programs for Children with Special AbilitiesWe recognise there are many kinds of giftedness and we have many children with special abilities in all K-6 classes. Providing a range of strategies to cater for these children is a priority at this school. Staff are trained to identify gifted learners and to differentiate curriculum to match their learning needs. Accelerated progression and extension and enrichment programs are used to cater for gifted learners in regular classes. Opportunity Classes in Years 5 & 6 are hosted by this school. Two classes in each grade cater for academically gifted learners. Placement is by the Selective Schools Unit following a selection process. This includes OC Placement testing in Year 4. The acceptance of OC placement is a two year commitment for Years 5 & 6. Enrolment at Neutral Bay Public School does not guarantee a place in the OC class as selection is made from this school, and other nearby government and private schools. Similarly, OC placement does not guarantee placement in Selective High Schools. This involves a further selection process in Yr 6. Programs for Children Experiencing Difficulties with LearningPause Prompt Praise: a volunteer tutoring program is manned by trained parents and supports children in Years 3-6 who need more time and support with reading. Literacy Support: is a program in which teachers from Years 1 & 2 are released from whole class teaching to work with small groups of their own children who need extra time and help with reading. Leadership ProgramsStudent leadership and involvement in the life of the school is facilitated through a Student Representative Council (SRC). 26 students elected from Year 6 form the SRC. The SRC is a means of shared communication between students, staff and the School Council. Each class K-6 is represented by an SRC member who meets weekly with a designated class and brings their ideas back to SRC via the 'wiki' page http://neutralbaysrc.pbwiki.com. SRC also coordinates fundraising by students for nominated charities. All students in Year 6 participate in a Peer Mediation Training Program which provides training in effective communication and listening, self awareness, assertiveness and group skills. The students then implement their skills in the playground through the Best Buddies Program. Year 6 children are rostered on each playtime to help sort out playground issues and to foster a positive playground environment. A spirit of friendship and caring is nurtured through the buddy class program. This program assists new and younger children to settle into school life by having a senior and junior class work together in learning and games activities. It provides a one to one personal buddy who can also be a friendly face in the playground during the settling in period. |