Primary Learning Centre
Be a Kind, be a Safe and Be Curious Learner provides the framework for our students to engage in a dynamic learning community where students, staff and parents strive for all students to be the best they can be in their education and personal growth.
The Primary Learning Centre provides students with the opportunities to engage in a rich and varied program that enables students to explore play, utilise the technologies that they have at their disposal and access a comprehensive and engaging curriculum.
Teaching units implemented in the Primary Learning Centre and are based on the Victorian Curriculum. Each lesson is designed to encourage students to explore, experiment, wonder, create and problem solve. Students are encouraged to be ‘hands on’ learners and use technology to capture and communicate their learning.
Students use the Seesaw digital platform with it’s built-in creative tools to independently document their learning. This application also provides them with an authentic audience for their work. Parents, in real time are able to access the work that has been posted on Seesaw creating an immediate and personalised window into their child’s school day. This home school partnership is a school priority providing that valuable connection to parents with their child’s learning and the teaching that is being implemented in the classroom.
Students in the Primary learning centre are given opportunity to develop their social skills through developmental play, drama, performing arts and through their engagement in their school day recreational breaks.
The primary focus of the English Program is the development of Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing skills through both direct teaching and practical experience. We aim to develop independence and the appropriate social skills required for play and interpersonal interactions.
The Mathematics Program which is aligned to the Victorian Curriculum continuum, encourages students to develop key mathematical concepts through ‘hands on’ learning experiences and engagement with Mathematics applications on the iPad.
Students are encouraged to explore their local community to access and use resources outside the school environment, and become involved with situations that relate to real life experience, giving them opportunities to make choices and develop interests that may continue into their future.
The Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program is a pivotal program that provides an authentic ‘hands on’ learning experience for all students in this learning centre to engage in the garden and in food technology.
Our Allied Health Team made up of an Occupational Therapist and Speech Pathologist provide ongoing teacher education and advice. They work alongside the teachers and Education Support Officers (ES) to support specific student referrals, whole class and small group learning.
Our Speech Pathologist is leading the work in the use of a speech therapy app called AVAZ. This app is a full-featured, award-winning, research-based AAC app that facilitates communication in children with speech disabilities. AVAZ is designed to make speech therapy more effective, develop a child’s language and improve intent to communicate. They are experiencing great success with the use of this tool with our students at AVHS.
Our Occupational Therapist has daily interaction with our Primary classes providing sensory support needs and recommendations for the physical environment of the classroom, and is heavily involved in our Perceptual Motor Program with our lower primary section, supporting in the development of students gross motor skills and co-ordination. Fine motor skill development is also a key area of the work with our primary students.
Students are given every opportunity to thrive in our engaging and stimulating learning environments. Environments that are tailored to meet our young learner’s needs and build upon their knowledge, skills and experience.
Please do not hesitate to contact the Assistant Principal for any additional information.
