Curriculum
At Westall - we aim to ensure that learning is planned, purposeful and follows a clearly organised sequence, so all students can fully develop their potential.
Our program is highly organised and based on the Victorian Curriculum 2.0 and current research about the brain and how learning occurs.
The program has been developed to:
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ensure that student learning is consistent across the school
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cater for individual needs
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clearly identify exactly what standards students are expected to meet - which form the basis of student learning goals
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identify key skills - that immediately determine which students that are in need of further support
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ensure units of work (lesson sequences) are all linked and consistent across the school - so different work can be accessed for a broad range of student needs
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be a form of consistent, authentic assessment of student level of achievement across the school
Literacy and Numeracy
The teaching of Literacy and Numeracy have been further prioritised so that:
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Literacy is taught for a minimum of 10 hours a week
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Numeracy is taught for a minimum of 5 hours a week
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The majority of Literacy and Numeracy lessons are taught in the morning - not after lunch when kids are tired
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The majority of these lessons are on at the same time so that teachers can collaborate, run flexible and other clinic groups
For more information please see our Literacy and Numeracy pages.
Inquiry
At Westall we know that students have a variety of interests and skills, and need to develop 21st century skills to self-manage, research and present to others
A number subjects are taught using an inquiry approach drawn from the well regarded Walker Learning approach.
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In lower levels this is via a play based learning approach
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In senior this is via a "educational research project' approach
This gives students more choice and flexibility in what and how they learn, as well as how they present to others.
Areas included in this approach include
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The Humanities
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Personal and Social capabilities
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Digital technologies
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Design technology
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Supporting literacy and numeracy
LOTE - Auslan
At Westall - all students learn Auslan
All students learn Auslan (Australian sign language with a qualified Auslan teacher. This has multiple benefits:
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Accessibility for students from all language backgrounds
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Enhances understanding of the experience of people with disabilities
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Can facilitate English language development
Sport and PE
At Westall - we want all students to be happy and active.
The school runs a comprehensive sport and PE program including:
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PMP in the early years
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Indoor and outdoor sports utlising our gymnasium and outdoor courts
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Inter-school sports
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SEDA incursions
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Year 4 lunchtime sports
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After school sports program 1-2 days per week.
Catch up and Extension
At Westall - we recognise that students learn at different rates and have different strengths and challenges.
The school has a variety of programs that target particular student needs
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EAL program for new arrivals (4 sessions per week)
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Small group phonics support
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High Achievers Program - available in Maths/English for students in 5/6 at Westall Secondary College
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Visiting speech therapists and occupational therapists (for students with NDIS funding)
School Reports
The school provides formal written reports twice per year to parents showing:
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Achievement against the Victorian Curriculum Standards (downloadable via Sentral)
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Progress from the last time the assessment was reported on
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An overall 5-point summary scale against expected age related levels of achievement for all areas
Reports are distributed online using Sentral.
Parent teacher interviews are also conducted at minimum once per year.