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 CORE CURRICULUM PRIORITIESIntellectual rigor and children’s interests and two dimensions of our strong curriculum. We are very proud of the strength of our whole-of-school curriculum design. Teachers co-plan with their teaching partners at each year level across the school, and from Prep through to 7 there is a common format for planning for teaching, an approach we refer to as cross curricula inquiry. This approach draws on the Queensland Studies Authority Syllabi to design units that appeal to student interests, but also ensure strong academic foundations are established for future success. The curriculum design supports student learning across a range of abilities including students with special gifts and talents. In the early years across Prep to 3, children research diverse subjects to learn more about dinosaurs, space travel, Australian animals and ways we can stay healthy. In the middle phase of learning, from Year 4 to 7, the school program accommodates more challenging and appropriate topics for older learners including robotics, kite design, magazine production, government and environmental studies. In Year 7 students devote a term, working in teams to develop a small business, collectively organising a Market Day. The school library and resource centre is at the heart of many school activities. Our Teacher Librarian also helps to coordinate the classroom unit planning. This whole-of-school approach establishes consistency across the school. The library was extended and refurbished in 2004 with approximately $50,000 from the Parents and Citizens’ Association. This has provided more computer facilities, as well as larger spaces for classes to work. The Arts are not only important for children’s self expression, but will connect our children to the creative industries of the future. We have a full time music teacher who works with two visiting instrumental music teachers. As well as regular class lessons, the music program includes numerous choirs, bands and ensembles. The instrumental music program is very well resourced with the school owning a wide range of instruments for student use including timpani, French horns, double bass and others often not found in primary schools. The Senior Band performs each week at School Assembly, and leads our community to sing the National Anthem and Sherwood School Song. The Senior Band received a Gold Award at the 2005 Brisbane Band Festival. The Jazz Band is a favourite of many people in our local community. La Bella Voci is a special display choir which is formed each second year – the 16 positions in this group are highly prized by students. Sports participation is important for our students. Sherwood has wonderful facilities including an outstanding pool complex, and large, well maintained grounds with Tennis, cricket, basketball, softball, netball and soccer facilities. In Year 5 students work with accredited coaches to develop their experience of a range of team sports, and the school has a strong profile of sports achievement founded on a philosophy of maximising participation. Many of our students are selected in District Sports Teams and occasionally go on to represent Queensland. A Perceptual Motor Program is organised by our Health and Physical Education Specialist for all students in Years 1 and 2 to help ensure foundations are established for hand eye coordination, balance, and gross motor movement. Mandarin Chinese is taught to students in the upper primary years, and is a valued dimension of our curriculum. This is especially so as Australia China economic and cultural ties strengthen, and the importance of China grows globally. Preparatory Year for students is offered form children who turn 5 by 30 June of their year of enrolment. |
