The Curriculum
West Pymble Public School follows the curriculum as set by the New South Wales Educational Standards Authority (NESA).
The key learning areas (KLAs) are:
- English
- Mathematics
- Science and technology
- Human society and its environment
- Creative arts
- Personal development/health/physical education
Current syllabus for these KLAs are available for your perusal. In addition to the six KLAs there are a number of educational issues of high priority that are integrated across the curriculum.
- Gifted and Talented programs
- Support for Learning Assistance
- English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D)
- Technology Education/STEM
- Multicultural Education
- Aboriginal Education
- Gender Equity
- Child Protection
- Mass Media in Education
Parent information evenings
These evenings are held early in the school year and provide an opportunity for all parents to meet their child/ren’s class teacher/s. The teacher normally outlines the curriculum and expected outcomes for the grade for the year and is more than happy to answer any parent queries.
Student assessment
This is an ongoing process and parents should feel free to discuss their child’s progress with the class teachers or Principal.
Class and grade assessments and evaluations are given regularly. Years 3 and 5 participate in the Department of Education National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy.
Student assessment reports are distributed to parents of children in K-6 at the end of each semester.
Following the Semester 1 Report, parents are invited to attend a personal interview with the class teacher to discuss their child/ren’s progress.
Outcomes based reporting
Students are now assessed on their ability to understand and implement specific key learning area outcomes. Outcomes are statements of knowledge, skills and understandings. They are expected to be gained by the majority of students at the completion of a stage.
The stages are as follows:
Early Stage 1................ Kindergarten
Stage 1 ............................ Years 1 and 2
Stage 2 ........................... Years 3 and 4
Stage 3 ........................... Years 5 and 6
It is important to understand most students will have achieved the outcomes by the end of the second year in each stage. Outcomes are:
Outstanding Achievement
The student has an extensive knowledge and understanding of the content and can readily apply this knowledge. In addition, the student has achieved a very high level of competence in the processes and skills and can apply these skills to new situations.
High Achievement
The students has a thorough knowledge and understanding of the content and a high level of competence in the processes and skills. In addition, the student is able to apply this knowledge and these skills to most situations.
Sound Achievement
The student has a sound knowledge and understanding of the main areas of content and has achieved an adequate level of competence in the processes and skills.
Basic Achievement
The student has a basic knowledge and understanding of the content and has achieved a basic level of competence in the processes and skills.
Limited Achievement
The student has an elementary knowledge and understanding in a few areas of the content and has achieved very limited competence in some of the processes and skills.