Homework | Get Set for Prep
The learning program at Hendra State School covers the eight key learning areas of
· English
· Math
· Science
· Studies of Society and the Environment
· Technology
· Language other than English (Japanese)
· Health and Physical Education
· The Arts
Organisation
8 Key Learning Area syllabi form a curriculum framework from which three focus areas are drawn – Literacy, Numeracy and Integrated Units. The Whole School Literacy Strategy and ICTs for Learning Agreement form an integral part of the Curriculum Plan.
Hendra State School is organised around a multi age philosophy. This multi-age construct allows units to cater for students across a range of outcome levels, developing towards and beyond that designated to a year level.
Hendra State School operates a cyclic program of integrated units with all outcomes being addressed in the cycles. These plans identify the core learning outcomes to be targeted at specific year levels, and as syllabi are released, outcomes will be updated across unit plans.
Environmental education is a focus in all units of work undertaken. The students devised an Environmental Action Plan to establish our school as a clean and green school. Free ranging chickens, paper recycling, composting and a worm farm are some of the initiatives that have been introduced as a result.
Literacy and numeracy skills are developed in two ways. 1) integrated work units; and 2) separate programs to fully cover/achieve outcomes listed in the syllabi. Enhancement programs in literacy and numeracy have been developed for learners with identified needs and extension programs have been established for identified students
Learning Support
Whilst our classroom teachers are responsible for the learning of all children in their class, they are supported by a range of specialist teachers who provide learning support to individual children. The school has access to a variety of learning support services such as support teachers—Learning Difficulties, Guidance Officer, Speech Language Pathologist, and Advisory Visiting Teachers.
Specialist Teachers
The school is well serviced by visiting teachers in music, physical education and LOTE (Japanese). Students take part in a swimming program in Terms 1 and 4.
Students are also involved in special activities to enhance their opportunities in all areas of the curriculum e.g. Raw Art, CSIRO visits, District Athletics, Art, Maths, Science and Computer competitions, Writing and Poetry competitions, cultural celebrations, Gifted and Talented Days at Nudgee Beach Environmental Education Centre and visits by Arts Council, Fire fighters, etc.
Technology and Multiliteracy
The school has a ratio of one computer per two students. The school has been connected to the internet since 1998 and information was accessed in different key learning areas and since then has had this connection enhanced through the ConnectEd program. Activities are structured and sequenced to integrate computer skills with curriculum tasks, but there is also ample opportunity for individual students and groups to experiment and access programs of their choice.
Educational Excursions
Excursions extend children’s learning by offering experiences not available at school, so they are part of the class program. Parental consent and payment costs are required but excursions should not be considered optional. Trips within walking distance of the school are included class routine.
Library
Library resources for students include:
· non-fiction and fiction books available for 2 week loans
· Resource materials, computer, Internet & Chess club available during lunch breaks
· Access to school Book Club magazines for purchase of personal resources
Homework
Homework should be used by parents as a link between home and school and an opportunity to share the child’s developing skills and knowledge. Homework is set by the teacher. While the responsibility for the completion of the homework task is clearly the child’s, parents are encouraged to take an active interest in their child's work. Reading at home is encouraged for all year levels and children in the lower classes use a ‘Read With Me’ framework to monitor their daily reading.
Homework should not be as burden to either child or parent nor should it create unnecessary tension. If this occurs it is important to discuss the matter with the teacher.
Religious Education
Ministers of Religion or their representatives visit our school each week for Inter-Denominational religious education.
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