Curriculum
MATHEMATICS
Mathematics at Albion North Primary School is taught with the aim of helping children to think flexibly in situations that require an understanding of number (including counting, the four operations and fractions), shapes and their properties, location and direction, measurement (including measurement of length, area, perimeter, mass, time and capacity), the collection of information and representation through graphs and diagrams and probability.An emphasis on estimation, mental & written calculation and understanding in areas of number and measurement is seen as both a necessary survival skill for children in modern society and also as a building block for further studies in mathematics in secondary school.
It is the belief of the school that children learn best by doing, and for this reason there is an emphasis in activity based mathematical activities. A problem solving task centre and Maths 300 support this activity learning.
The school mathematics curriculum is based on that set out in the Victorian Essential Learning Standards document. The Signpost Maths set of text books is used in classes to support this, and to provide continuity as children progress through the school.
Children in the Early Years (Grade Prep to 4) are monitored through the Early Years Numeracy Interview to ascertain their understanding of different areas of mathematical learning. An instrument for the Middle years (Grades 5 & 6) is currently in the early stages of development.
Parents can assist in their children’s mathematical learning by:
* Regularly quizzing them on their basic number facts (Addition and subtraction within 20, multiplication facts to 10x10 etc)
* Encouraging them to recognise and read numbers in the environment and media
* Recognising shapes in the environment
* Involving children in counting activities
* Encouraging children to help them in activities involving measuring (cooking etc.)
* Involving them in estimation and mental calculation activities while shopping.
* Talking to them about their mathematics homework, and their mathematics learning at school.
LITERACY
Literacy is a key component of all learning at Albion North Primary School. The development of literacy skills is vital to all students as we recognise that active and effective participation in Australian society depends on the ability to engage in speaking, listening, reading, viewing and writing with confidence, purpose and enjoyment in a wide range of text.All grades incorporate Speaking and Listening, Reading and Writing skills into their daily literacy program. Teachers plan as teams using VEL guidelines for explicit instruction and effective assessment, to create a program that is stimulating and engaging.
Students are immersed in a wide range of literacy resources and activities including Book Week, Education Week etc.
Both AIM and NAPLAN results have shown Albion North Primary School to be above like schools and state average.
English is the Prep to Grade 4 area is taught using the Early Years Literacy model which involves students working on specific reading, writing, speaking and listening activities which involves students reading, writing, speaking and listening daily. Students participate in Guided Reading and Writing sessions sharing their work within the class.
Grades 5 and 6 take this one step further and use Middle Years Literacy approaches. Students are involved in literature circles, reading responses and look at a variety of styles for writing. Our aim is to foster and develop independent literacy skills.
WHAT ARE HABITS OF MIND?
Habits of Mind or (HoM) are a set of behaviours requiring discipline of the mind which are consistently practiced so that they become a habit. By teaching children these habits we can develop in students a set of behaviours that they can draw upon when faced with problems or challenging situations.Professor Art Costa from University of California did a study and found that successful people from different backgrounds had the use of 16 habits in common. Being an educator he thought it would be beneficial for students to develop the use of these habits so that they would have a way to respond and behave when they don’t know an answer.
The 16 Habits are:
1. Persisting
2. Listening with Empathy and Understanding
3. Thinking about your Thinking (Metacognition)
4. Questioning and Problem Solving
5. Thinking and Communicating with Clarity and Precision
6. Creating, Imaging and Innovating
7. Taking Responsible Risks
8. Thinking Interdependently
9. Managing Impulsivity
10. Thinking Flexibly
11. Striving for Accuracy and Precision
12. Applying past knowledge to new situations
13. Gathering data through all senses
14. Responding with Wonderment and Awe
15. Finding Humour
16. Remaining open to continuous learning
At Albion North we have decided to teach these habits to the students. Two habits a term are covered. The Habits which are being stressed during Term 1 are - Thinking Flexibly and Applying Past Knowledge to New Situations. Students are made aware of the other habits as well, as they are mentioned by teachers during class sessions. These habits aim to develop personal thinking skills and help students with their own goal setting and taking responsibility for their own learning.
