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Our Programs

Westall Primary School is focussing on perfecting the basics - building strong foundations for future learning

Reading a Magazine
Reading a Magazine

Literacy and Numeracy

At Westall - we recognise that literacy and numeracy are the key skill that underpins all learning.
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LITERACY

In 2022 Westall Primary School will undertake an exciting and significant refresh of our approach to teaching reading.

 

Sounds-Write is the high quality phonics program we use to build strong reading skills at Westall Primary School. Our staff undertake 50 hours of training in this area, and our school partners with SPELD Victoria (the training deliverer) to provide ongoing training and ensure continuing improvement of our program.

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For a quick introduction to Sounds-Write -  https://www.sounds-write.co.uk/page-96-video.aspx

 

For more info - https://www.sounds-write.co.uk/page-71-why-sounds-write-.aspx

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NUMERACY

In 2022 the school will increase its focus on numeracy. This will include:

  • Increased quality time on numeracy most mornings

  • Expanding our EMU program - a program run and facilitated by Monash University that focusses on developing number skills in the early years

  • Utilising well defined scope and sequences for each year level so that their is a structured approach across all year levels

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Glass Jars

Guaranteed Curriculum

At Westall - we aim to ensure that learning is planned, purposeful and follows a clearly organised sequence, so all students can fully develop their potential.

 

Westall Primary School is excited to announce that after much development in 2021 - the school has re-developed it curriculum program in Literacy (Reading and writing) and Numeracy.

 

Our re-developed program is highly organised and based on the Victorian Curriculum. The program has been developed to:

  • ensure that student learning is consistent across the school

  • caters for individual needs

  • clearly identifies exactly what standards students are expected to meet - which form the basis of student learning goals

  • identifies key skills - that immediately determine which students that are in need of further support 

  • ensure units of work (lesson sequences) are all linked and consistent across the school.

  • be a form of consistent, authentic assessment of student level of achievement across the school

  • ensure topics are aligned as much as possible across all year levels - so different work can be accessed for a broad range of student needs

 

Furthermore, the teaching of Literacy and Numeracy have been further prioritised so that:

 

  • Literacy is taught for a minimum of 10 hours a week

  • Numeracy is taught for a minimum of 5 hours a week

  • The majority of Literacy and Numeracy lessons are on in the mornings (not after lunch when kids are tired

  • The majority of these lessons are on at the same time so that teachers can collaborate, run flexible and other clinic group

  • Reading will be taught using the “Sounds Write” phonics approach in years F-2 and to other levels as needed

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Glass Jars
Yoga at Home

Wellbeing

At Westall we understand that student wellbeing is critical to child development and student learning

 

In 2022 the School is implementing the following programs:

 

  • A School Wide Positive Behaviour Approach - The school is redeveloping and implementing a consistent school-wide positive behaviour model

  • The Respectful Relationship Program - for 1 hour each week

  • Lunch Clubs -  a range of lunch 'clubs' and activities for students to be involved with as a participant or leader

  • Breakfast Club - several days a week

  • Therapy Dog Program - assisting in LOTE classrooms and with specific students

  • Martial Arts Therapy Program - to assist students to build confidence, self-control, overcome personal barriers, develop resilience and persistence to succeed, improve balance and coordination

  • Equine Therapy Program - to assist students to manage emotions, to overcome fear and anxiety, to learn self and animal care.

  • Friday Reward Program - time-out in the City of Kingston Library doing a range of activities including gaming, reading and other activities.

Inquiry

At Westall we know that students have a variety of interests and skills, and need to develop 21st century skills to self-manage, research and present to others

 

A number subjects are taught using an inquiry approach drawn from the well regarded "Kathy Walker" approach.

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This gives students more choice and flexibility in what and how they learn, as well as how they present to others.

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Areas included in this approach include

  • The Humanities

  • Health

  • Science

  • Some aspects of Literacy

Laptop On Tray
Little Girl Raising Her Hands

LOTE - AUSLAN

At Westall - all students learn AUSLAN

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All students learn AUSLAN (Australian sign language with a qualified AUSLAN teacher. This has multiple benefits:

  • Accessibility for students from all language backgrounds

  • Enhances understanding of the experience of people with disabilities

  • Can facilitate English language development

Sport and PE

At Westall - we want all students to be happy and active.

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The school runs a comprehensive sport and PE program including:

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  • PMP in the early years

  • Indoor and outdoor sports

  • Inter-school sports

  • After school sports program for year 5/6 students

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Catch up and Extension

At Westall - we recognise that students learn at different rates and have different strengths and challenges.

 

The school has a variety of programs that target particular student needs

  • TLI (tutor learning program) targeting students who need further support in Literacy

  • EMU program - intervention for early years in mathematics

  • High Achievers Program - in Maths/English for students in 5/6 at Westall Secondary College

  • Visiting Speach therapists

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