| Curriculum |
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The objective of our curriculum plan is to provide a balanced program of general education with an emphasis on developing literacy, numeracy and personal development skills until the end f Year 7. All students study these common subjects (Key Learning areas – KLAs): English, Mathematics, Science, Studies of Society and Environment, The Arts, Health and Physical Education and Technology. In 2010 we are expecting to start transitioning the curriculum into the structure of the National Curriculum.
Heatley SS also offers a special course under Languages Other Than English (LOTE) for Year 6 and 7 students only called ‘Intercultural Investigations’ with the country of focus being China. Students enrolled in the Special Education Program (SEP) have an Education Adjustment Plan (EAP) and may study a more individualised learning program.
In accordance with the Queensland Studies Authority, Essential Learnings form the basis of all learning experiences at Heatley State School. The Essential Learnings cover ‘Ways of Working’ and specific ‘Knowledge and Understanding’ in each KLA. These KLAs are formally reported on at the end of each Semester. Face to face parent-teacher interviews are also held each semester with a “Meet and Greet” held at the beginning of each year. Parents do not have to wait for these junctures to discuss their child’s progress and can make an appointment at any time to talk with their child’s teacher.
HERO (Heatley’s Early Reading and Oral Language) Program and HERO Plus (Heatley’s Extension Reading and Oral Language) Program.
We have developed a whole school approach to the teaching and learning of reading through our HERO and HERO Plus Programs. Consistent and continuous monitoring, assessing and reporting methods are employed in and across year levels to ensure individual student’s progress is mapped. In Year 1 and 2 all students work one on one with a HERO tutor to develop essential ‘Learning to Read’ strategies. These tutors are trained in the Support-a-Reader strategies and focus on fostering a positive attitude to reading. From Year 3 to Year 7 students are supported in further developing their literacy skills in our HERO Plus ‘Reading to Learn’ Program. Continuous monitoring ensures provision of additional support/extension can be provided to students with specific learning needs. Our aim is to assist students to become independent motivated readers and lifelong learners.
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