Primary

“Train up a child in the way they should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it” Proverbs 22:6.

In our formative years of the primary school our aim is teach children the biblical story of creation, fall, redemption and restoration in the hope that they will view the world from this lens.  While the practical goal is to develop literacy and numeracy skills we desire to teach our students how to use these skills to engage, critique and transform the world around them. During these early years, the Biblical story is carefully woven through the academic program and provides the basis for ongoing understanding in following years.   We use many tools to teach students to read, write and therefore communicate with others beyond the classroom.

We believe these early years of schooling are the most important in a child’s education.  They move from the less structured atmosphere provided in Kindy and Pre Primary and begin learning in the formal College setting.  We understand that children have a positive experience in these crucial foundational years.

In Year One

The primary academic focus of year one is in teaching students to read.  This is the most important academic skill a person can have in today’s literacy based world.  Students are taught to decode the alphabetic symbols using the THRASS program.  This is a phonetic approach.  While this program is the main one used throughout the primary school, we are mindful that not all children learn the same way so there are a number of other tools teachers use to develop literacy skills.

Our main focus in numeracy is supported by the “Go Maths” program.  Each class from Years 1-3 use this program and it allows our students to systematically develop skills in numeracy that will assist.  Again this program is supplemented by a number of other tools in order to cater for the individual needs of the cohort.

In Year Two

The focus in on consolidating and reinforcing the literacy and numeracy skills.  Students continue to build on their understanding of the Biblical story and how this applies to their family and local community.

In Year Three

Students begin to branch out beyond the classroom.   With a strong foundation of literacy and numeracy skills students are encouraged to move towards being independent learners and applying these skills in a way which reflects the transforming nature of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

It is in this year that students hone their reading skills by using the Accelerated Reading software and further their scientific skills through Primary Connections that have been filtered through the Biblical lens.

Year 3 is also the stage where we introduce students in a formal way to computer technology.  Our aim here is to provide students to be competent at touch typing so that they can manipulate the technology around them in a more efficient way.  Mavis Beacon (software) is the tool we use for this.

All students in Years 1-3 have specialist classes in Music, Drama, Lote (Indonesian) and Physical Education.

Years 4-7

As our students grow in their understanding of the Biblical story so does their application of this knowledge in the classroom and beyond.

In this stage of College students cover content from the eight learning areas as outlined in the Curriculum Framework.  It is our aim to assist our students engage with the world they live with Biblical eyes.

Educational support is available for students who need extra help in literacy.  Teachers also differentiate the curriculum to ensure students learning experiences are broad and challenging.

Parents are an integral part of our College and are always welcome in our classrooms.  Parents can also volunteer to assist with other school events such as swimming and athletics carnivals.  Our partnership with parents is helps to provide the best possible learning environment possible for students.