VPSS Curriculum
The principles of effective learning and teaching underpin Victoria Point State School’s educational programs from preschool through to year seven. A range of class groupings including some single-gender classes in the upper school as well as a multi-age class, several cooperative teaching situations and single classes.
Victoria Point State School provides a wide variety of learning experiences for students through curriculum programs in all key learning areas. As well as the traditional academic programs our school offers outstanding sporting and cultural opportunities. Our curriculum is so diverse and rich that there is something of interest for every student. To extend our core learning opportunities we also offer a wide range of extra-curricula programs through participation in academic competitions e.g. Westpac Maths, Tournament of Minds, Writing Competitions, Science Competitions, Mapping Competitions, Computer Competitions, sporting competitions, and music programs are a feature of the enrichment programs offered by the school.
Innovation is a key word at the school and our teachers are constantly trying to explore new ways to maximise student learning. Our school has pioneered the use of Multiple Intelligences Programs in the upper school to enable all students to explore their strengths and experience success. Not only does this approach enable students to use their strengths to learn, but it fosters and encourages their self-esteem and confidence. Every student understands that they have talents and strengths and that they can use these to make the most of their learning opportunities.
Reading is an extremely important aspect of our learning program and over the last few years we have spent a great deal of time and money enhancing our reading resources as well as our overall approach to teaching reading. Now we have some of the most modern reading resources available and the strategies we use to teach reading are recognised as being the most effective so far developed.
For students who are experiencing learning difficulties our provides them with support through our Special Needs Committee. Support may be provided using the services of the Support Teachers, Guidance Officer, Advisory Visiting Teachers and through Education Queensland’s funded Year 2 Net Intervention and Reading Recovery Program. Providing learning support to students is one of our highest priorities and we are excited at being able to provide all students who require help with additional assistance.
Students’ academic progress is reported to parents through the School Annual Report, Parent/Teacher interviews, Semester Report Cards, Yr 2 net and Continua reports where applicable. Our school uses a wide range of standardised tests to provide data we can use to determine overall learning trends, improved learning outcomes, and obvious areas for attention. We are also able to compare the performance of our students with those of students from other schools. Our teachers support these formal reporting processes through informal meetings with parents, Parent Information Evenings, and the school newsletter.
The school’s behaviour management program focuses on the provision of a safe and supportive learning environment which has been developed through collaborative and consultative processes with members of the school community and runs in conjunction with the school’s HRE program. We have simple, easy to understand guidelines…everyone must behave in a way that is Safe, Responsible, Respectful and Lawful. By using these basic guidelines we are able to build rules that students understand and accept. Of course it is also important to support our behaviour management program with praise, encouragement and logical consequences. This balanced approach enables us to maintain good behaviour standards which promote and enable good learning opportunities.
