Learning

Classroom Curriculum

English

Our Foundation to Grade 2 reading program is grounded in the Science of Language and Reading, with students in the early years focusing on developing phonemic awareness through the explicit teaching of synthetic phonics and the use of decodable readers.

Students build knowledge and comprehension skills using rich mentor texts, where they receive daily instruction on fluency and vocabulary. Humanities topics are linked to our reading and writing programs to ensure students have multiple exposures to new learning and the opportunity to continually build upon this knowledge.

Our approach to teaching writing is based on building student capacity in relation to the 6 Traits of Writing. This approach focusses on development in the six key areas of:

  • Ideas
  • Sentence Fluency
  • Organisation
  • Word Choice
  • Voice
  • Conventions

Our leadership team work closely with classroom teachers to identify students requiring additional support in English. Differentiation of classroom activities, classroom-based intervention programs, and MultiLit delivered via the tutor program are some of the strategies we use to support students with additional needs.

Mathematics

At Castlemaine Primary School, the teaching and learning of Mathematics is centred around the four proficiencies:

  • Understanding
  • Reasoning
  • Problem Solving
  • Fluency

Teachers work collaboratively to plan rich, meaningful, and engaging learning experiences that foster a positive attitude to Mathematics learning. In Foundation to grade 2 classes, students play games, sing songs, and use manipulatives to explore early number concepts and develop their mathematical vocabulary. As students move through the school, skill development is supported by practical problem-solving activities that focus on real life experiences.

Ongoing assessment processes allow teachers to tailor Mathematics learning activities to support whole class and individual needs. Foundation to Grade 2 students are assessed using the Maths Online Interview, which is administered one to one by teachers throughout the year. Students from Grade 3 onwards are assessed using a range of methods, including online assessment platforms, project work, classroom activities and student self-assessments. Classwork is differentiated across the school to ensure students are engaging with learning at their point of need.

Science & Humanities

Each term students investigate a Science and Humanities topic. The units are sequenced from Foundation to Grade 6, enabling students to build their knowledge and understanding as they move through the school. The units are often integrated into other key learning areas, such as English or Mathematics, depending on the area of study. The units aim to promote student agency, collaboration, and questioning.

Specialists

Visual Arts

Our designated Visual Arts Room provides a lovely studio space for students to experience working with mediums including clay, paint and ink. From our junior grades, students begin learning about different art movements and the artists that influenced these periods. Students use this learning to create inspired works linked to their life and knowledge of the world.

Performing Arts

Performing Arts focuses on giving students the opportunity to develop music and performance skills through a range of hands-on activities and games. Students can learn to play the marimba or ukulele through the music program, with opportunities for performances at school events and through our bi-annual concert. Private music tuition in guitar, drums and singing can also be organised through the school.

PE

We love getting involved in sport and fitness at Castlemaine Primary School! PE lessons ensure students develop the skills and knowledge needed to participate in a range of sports and physical activities such as running, hitting, striking, and catching. Students also benefit from the school swimming program at Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre, along with a range of other interschool sports events that focus on tennis, cricket, netball, football, AFL, basketball, and golf. Cross country and athletics are also offered at a school and regional level.

French

Nous aimons le français! Students are immersed in the French language and culture on a weekly basis, with all students from prep to grade 6 receiving 1 hour of French tuition each week.  Using the AIM approach, authentic learning is achieved through scaffolding techniques, including the use of storytelling, gestures, active collaboration, and songs. French is taught at Castlemaine Secondary College, with many students choosing further French studies when they move to secondary school.

Mental Health & Wellbeing

Promoting a whole school approach to the prevention and promotion of positive mental health and wellbeing in students, staff and families is a priority at Castlemaine Primary School.

Mental Health in Primary Schools
Castlemaine Primary School has a Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader (an experienced educator) to support the mental health and wellbeing of the school community. The role is not intended to provide one-to-one counselling to students but rather build the capacity of the staff to better identify and support students with mental health needs, establish clear pathways for referral for students who need assessment and intervention, and monitor the progress of students’ wellbeing. Another component of the role is running small groups focussing on social and emotional development, problem solving skills and opportunities to build friendships.

The Resilience Project
Castlemaine Primary School delivers The Resilience Project (TRP) to all classes with a focus on developing positive mental health strategies to build students’ capacity to deal with life’s challenges. TRP curriculum is focused on four evidence based positive mental health strategies: Gratitude, Empathy, Mindfulness and Emotional Literacy.

Berry Street Education Model
Staff at Castlemaine Primary School are trained in the Berry Street Education Model to create a strengths-based classroom with the emphasis on nurturing strong relationships with every student, providing a safe, predictable environment and teaching psycho-education/emotional literacy alongside the academic curriculum.

Respectful Relationships
Respectful Relationships is a whole-school approach delivering strategies and tools to embed a culture of respect, inclusion and equality throughout the school community.

Smiling Mind
Smiling Mind supports the practice of mindfulness techniques and is used in classrooms to improve emotional regulation, mental health and concentration.

Lunchtime Clubs
The school offers lunchtime clubs most days of the week, with the type of clubs varying according to need, interest and resources. This provides opportunities to build new friendships and a calming environment, especially for students who find playtimes long and overstimulating.

Camps & Excursions

Camps and excursions are held bi-annually and provide students with the opportunity to develop their friendships, confidence and independence in addition to trying new experiences. Camps, in the past have included:

  • Prep BBQ and Grade 1 sleepover (1 night)
  • Grade 2 Discovery Centre sleepover (1 night)
  • Grade 3-4 Lady Northcote Adventure Camp (2 nights)
  • Grade 5-6 Don Bosco Beach Camp (2 nights)