Curriculum
Literacy
At Norris Bank Primary School we work in Learning Communities to cater for our children's learning needs. This ensures children are targeted at their point of need for the next step in their individual learning.
We have a dedicated two hour daily Literacy block where children are immersed in targeted learning experiences to develop their learning. We have a strong reading culture embedded into our school. We use the Workshop model with Independent Reading. We plan in teams to ensure our students' are the centre of all learning experiences.
All our parents receive a copy of their child's new Individual learning goals for reading comprehension every term.
We use both Formative and Summative Benchmarking Assessment to cater for every child at their point of learning. Our students also use self assessment and peer assessment to assist them in their reading goals.
Numeracy
Our Numeracy program consists of 5 intensive sessions per week. Our focus every week culminates in a rich Numerical Problem Solving task/s. We use school wide assessment practices both formative and summative to track and monitor our children's development in Numeracy.
Each student is benchmarked against state norms twice per year. Essential Assessments in Numeracy is used for planning Numeracy lessons and the online platform Mathletics is set as homework tasks for the practise of new skills. This information alongside regular formative assessment is used to shape our programs to ensure we are catering for all of our students'learning needs.
Our learning communities cover different content areas in Numeracy: Number, Measurement and Geometry, Statistics and Probability.
We aim to provide students with access to important mathematical ideas, knowledge and skills to problem solve complex numerical tasks, that will build a foundation for later Maths in secondary
Digital Technology
In Digital Technologies, students use computational thinking and information systems to analyse, design and develop digital solutions. The Digital Technologies curriculum recognises coding (programming) as one of the skills to support learning in this area.
Norris Bank PS currently has a ratio of 1 Student laptop to 2 students, as well as numerous Desk top Computers. Families do not have to purchase their own.
Oral Language
Our Oral Language Centre is set up with a different learning centres every term. Here children get to develop and practise spoken language. This assists with the development of writing and reading
S.T.E.M
STEM – science, technology, engineering and mathematics – covers a wide range of disciplines and skills, which are increasingly in demand in our rapidly changing world. STEM skills and knowledge are important for all stages of our learning, jobs and everyday lives.
Through our S.T.E.M program students are guided to inquiry, conduct in dialogue and critical thinking. The desired outcome is students who take measured risks, engage in experiential learning, persist in problem-solving, embrace collaboration, and work through a creative process.
These are the innovators, educators, leaders, and learners of the 21st century!
Social Emotional Learning Skills
Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies (PATHS) is a school-based preventive program for children in primary school.
The program is designed to enhance areas of social-emotional development such as self-control, self-esteem, emotional awareness, social skills, friendships, and interpersonal problem-solving skills while reducing aggression and other behavior problems.
Skill concepts are presented through direct instruction, discussion, modeling, storytelling, role-playing activities, and video presentations.
At Norris Bank Primary School the program is taught at all year levels by the classroom teacher.
L.O.T.E Japanese
Students at Norris Bank Park Primary School learn Japanese from Prep throughout their primary school years.
The Japanese language program incorporates the Victorian Curriculum which aims to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to ensure that students:
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communicate in the language they are learning
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understand the relationship between language, culture and learning
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develop intercultural capabilities
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understand themselves as communicators
All lessons are taught by our specialist Japanese teacher, Satoko Kuhlmann (Kuhlmann Sensei).
The four skills of language learning (listening, speaking, reading and writing) will be taught through games, songs and rhymes.
The students start to read and write Japanese characters from Prep years. Writing characters the correct way helps develop fine motor skills and encourage good concentration.
The students have many opportunities to explore Japanese culture in the lessons. They learn about key Japanese festivals including Bean Throwing
Science
At Norris Bank P.S we use the Primary Connections program which is based on an inquiry-orientated learning model. Students use their prior knowledge to develop explanations for their hands-on scientific experiences/experiments .
Students have opportunities to represent their developing scientific understandings. Students develop investigations skills and an understanding of the nature of science.
The Arts
All students have the opportunity to explore The Arts through their weekly specialised Visual Art and Performing Arts sessions. They can participate in our choir 'The Glee" club, with performances at our fortnightly assemblies and other special venues and events
We also offer individual or group instrumental lessons during school hours taken by qualified Metro Music teachers at a very reasonable cost to parents.
Physical Education
At Norris Bank all our children participate in a one hour specialised Physical Education lesson weekly. These lessons’ focus on the important early foundations of play and fundamental movement skills. It focuses on the acquisition and refinement of a broad range of movement skills.
Students have an opportunity to apply movement concepts and strategies to enhance performance and move with competence and confidence. Students develop skills and dispositions necessary for lifelong participation in physical activities.
We also focus on being a health individual by focusing on supporting students to make decisions about their own health, safety and well-being and on developing the knowledge, understanding and skills to support students to be resilient.
Norris Bank PS participates weekly in the Watsonia District Sports Competition in Term 1 & Term 2 every year. We play against a number of local schools in our area.
