Prep
English
The Prep English Curriculum is divided into three main areas:
Speaking and Listening, Reading and Writing.
Children take part in whole group, small group and individual tasks to develop their skills in all areas of English. In the first year, students may participate in the following activities during the daily Literacy Block.
Mathematics
Numeracy is the ability to use Mathematics effectively to meet the demands of life at home, work or in the community.
Mathematics can be used in a variety of different ways and in different contexts; for example calculating money, estimating quantities when cooking and for telling the time.
Through the Early Years Numeracy Program, we aim to develop the students' ability to be able to choose the best mathematics for a situation whilst still being aware that there may be other ways of solving a problem.
In Prep, Mathematics is presented in a variety of interesting ways, with an emphasis on hands-on activities, games and real-life experiences. Our aim is to provide a rich and positive learning environment that will encourage risk-taking, futher Mathematical exploration and a life-long love of Mathematics.
Integrated Curriculum
The philosophy underlying an Integrated Curriculum is that students learn skills and processes through engaging in activities and tasks that are interesting and relevant to their own lives. The curriculum is designed to enable stidents the capacity to manage themselves as individuals and in relation to others, and to understand and act effectively in the world in which they live.
PMP & Brain Gym
During Term 1 and Term 4, the Prep students participate in 'PMP' (Perceptual Motor Skills Program), and 'Brain Gym' on the school oval twice a week. This program is run as part of the Health and Physical Education Curriculum. It is designed to develop the students' gross motor skills. Parental assistance is required, and relied upon, to effectively run the program.
Stations with equipment and activities are set up on the oval to develop skills such as catching, throwing, bouncing, balancing, rolling, skipping, etc.
Activities may include the following equipment: rolling mats, ladders, hoops, skipping ropes, bouncing balls and tunnels.
Students are organised into small groups and they take turns at each station for about 4-5 minutes.
As a warm up activity, students participate in 'Brain Gym'. This gets the students rexlaxed and focused, whilst developing the brain and coordination skills. Brain gym involves activating both the left and right sides of the brain to optimise learning.
Brain Gym includes activities, which require students to complete a series of complicated movements. For example, students may have to use their thumb and forefinger to rub above and below their lip, whilst at the same time looking up and down.
During term 2 and 3, Brain Gym is run in the classroom, accompanied by gentle music, in the mornings for 15 minutes.
