Learning Areas
The curriculum is delivered through eight Learning Areas, drawing on the Australian Curriculum materials:
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- HASS - Humanities and Social Sciences
- Health & Physical Education
- Languages (AUSLAN – Year 5 & 6 only)
- Technologies
- The Arts (Dance, Music, Media, Visual Arts and Drama)
Music
A specialist music teacher is responsible for delivering the class music program and for running the choral program. In classroom music, students learn about the elements of music and use these to compose, improvise, perform, conduct and respond to their own and others’ work. They develop specialised listening skills which they use to respond to music and learn forms of notation to record and communicate music and musical ideas. Learning takes place in an environment where the focus is on the voice however instruments are also incorporated into classroom activities. Students learn to play the recorder from Year 4.
Physical Education
A specialist physical education teacher is responsible for delivering the class physical education program takes lessons each week. In physical education, students participate in learning experiences involving fundamental movements, ball skills associated with various games and sports, general fitness and track and field activities.
Swimming
Swimming is a compulsory part of the school’s Physical Education program. Lessons are conducted at the TGS Swim School (Toowoomba Grammar) in Term 4 (approximate cost $100 per student). Students need a costume (one-piece for girls), towel, bathing cap, goggles and plastic carrying bag. Hair clips, rings, bangles or other ornaments are not permitted in the water. Children suffering from any kind of infection or from sores and skin complaints are not able to swim.
Languages
Students in Years 5 and 6 study AUSLAN. Learning another language increases our knowledge of our own language, and an awareness of another culture leads to understanding, appreciation and tolerance.
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)
Computer labs are established in the Library and the Upper Primary block. Students also have access to classroom based computers. An Internet Use Agreement Form must be completed by parents upon enrolment before students have access.
Sport
Sport plays a part in the balanced development of the child. Our aim is to encourage enjoyable participation by all children.
Interschool Sport with Helidon and Gatton is arranged for Years 5 and 6 in cricket, softball, soccer, and netball. A cricket and softball carnival is held at Gatton in Term 1. A soccer and netball carnival is held at Gatton in Term 3.
In athletics, including cross-country, children may progress through the various levels of competition from Interhouse (held at school) to Upper Lockyer (Ropehill Community Centre), Gatton Zone (Ropehill Community Centre), Darling Downs (Harristown SHS), Queensland (Brisbane or Townsville), and Australia.
Selection trials are also held for other sports.
The P&C supports Darling Downs representatives with $75 and Queensland Representatives with $150.
House System
Students are allocated to one of three houses – Cunningham (yellow), Gorman (red) and Oxley (bottle green) for the Interhouse Cross Country and Athletics Carnival.
Curriculum Priorities
Withcott State School curriculum priorities include: