Learning Areas

Maths

The Math curriculum is built around three content strands: Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, and Statistics and Probability. Integrated within the three content areas, classroom programs and teaching seek to build Understanding, Fluency, Problem Solving and Reasoning proficiency.

The early years (Kindergarten to Year 2) lay the foundation for learning mathematics. Students at this level can access powerful mathematical ideas relevant to their current lives and learn the language of mathematics, which is vital to future progression. The middle years of schooling (years 3 to 6) emphasise the importance of students studying coherent, meaningful and purposeful mathematics that is relevant to their lives. Students still require active experiences that allow them to construct key mathematical ideas, but also gradually move to using models, pictures and symbols to represent these ideas.

The teaching of math at Bambara Primary School is supported by ‘Big Ideas’ a program designed to develop students’ knowledge, concepts, skills and processes so they can make meaningful connections with mathematical concepts and the world around them.

The content in the Science as a Human Endeavour develops an appreciation of the unique nature of science and scientific knowledge, including how current knowledge has developed over time through the actions of many people. It considers the use and influence of science explores how science knowledge and applications affect peoples’ lives, including their work, and how science is influenced by society and can be used to inform decisions and actions.

The Science Inquiry Skills relate to identifying and posing questions; planning, conducting and reflecting on investigations; processing, analysing and interpreting evidence; and communicating findings.

Primary Connections is an innovative program and is used by teachers at Bambara PS as it links science with literacy and enhances student investigative skill.

Health and Physical Education

Health and Physical Education provides students with an understanding of health issues and the skills needed for confident participation in sport and recreational activities. This enables students to make responsible decisions about health and physical activity and to promote their own and others’ health and well-being.

At Bambara Primary School students participate in a specialist physical education program. The Physical Education program in the early years is underpinned by the Fundamental Movement Skills, focussing on developing movement and ball skills. In the senior years of schooling students learn specialised ball skills which lead into minor games activities where ball skills are applied. Application of Game Rules and Game Etiquette are explored as students compete in a number of events including the Interschool Lightening Carnival.

During Term 2 and 3 the athletic program dominates the physical education program, it involves all students from Pre Primary to Year 6 and leads to the much anticipated, Cross Country Events, Faction and Interschool Athletics Program.

Students are placed in a Faction on enrolment and family members will always be placed in the same Faction. Students are encouraged to wear their faction tee-shirt during all physical education lessons and on Friday afternoon sports.

LOTE

Teaching Languages provides students with opportunities to communicate and interact effectively with people from other cultural backgrounds. They develop literacy skills through identifying similarities and differences between English and other languages. Critical literacy skills are developed when students reflect on their own language.

At Bambara PS all students in Pre-Primary and Year 6 learn Japanese, they learn about the Japanese culture and basic phrases and scripts for communication. The lessons are highly interactive and integrate with all aspects of the primary curriculum.

Learning a language in primary school forms a good foundation if a student wishes to pursue the study of foreign languages in high school.

Technology and Enterprise

All learning in Technology and Enterprise involves the Technology Process. Depending on the nature of activities in which students engage, emphasis will be given to particular focus on Materials, Information and Systems. Teaching and learning activities are generally integrated with other curriculum areas.

At Bambara PS students are provided with learning experiences which require providing solutions to problems. In all activities students learn innovative thinking and behaviours, they learn the importance of planning, organisation, practical application and enterprise.

Humanities and Social Science

History is organised into two areas; Historical Knowledge and Understanding and Historical Skills. Students are given the opportunity to study personal, family, local, state or territory, national, regional and world history. There is an emphasis on Australian history in its world history context at Foundation to Year 10 and a focus on world history in the senior secondary years. Historical skills promote the process of historical inquiry: chronology, terms and concepts; historical questions and research; the analysis and use of sources; perspectives and interpretations; explanation and communication. Within this strand there is an increasing emphasis on historical interpretation and the use of evidence.

The teaching of history is supported by the specialist library program in which students learn to develop focus questions, undertake research and communicate their findings in a range of modes.