Curriculum

Toowong State School follows the Australian Currciulum for the learning areas of English, Maths, Science, HASS, Arts, HPE, Technolgy and Languages.

The fundamental goal of teaching is to develop independent, self-directed, lifelong learners. Learners should then possess and utilise:   

• a wide knowledge and creativity
• deep understandings and higher-order thinking
• good articulation and communication skills
• reflective and self-directed learning
• active investigation and problem-solving skills                               
• an ability to work cooperatively in our interdependent world.
  

It should enable children to:

• adapt to changing conditions
• seek and process information
• communicate effectively
• be willing to accept responsibility
• be aware of the benefits of good health
• show intrinsic motivation and positive learning attitudes
• develop an inquiring mind
• have a smooth transition into further education.

Children learn best in an atmosphere of care and concern where they are able to experience success. They must be confident to express themselves and participate in the education process. Teachers prepare stimulating and exciting programs where children can experience concepts in a relevant way. Teachers continuously evaluate the progress of individual students and maintain a classroom environment which is highly motivating. Parents are encouraged to have an input into the process and be supportive of the school and teachers. A positive partnership with parents is valued in our school.

Learning support

Our ‘Whole School Approach’ supports learning for all students. We have an excellent team committed to improving literacy and numeracy across all year levels.

We provide:

• A Transition to School Program for pre-prep children
• An Oracy Program for English learners
• Early Intervention Programs – Literacy, Phonological Awareness
• Reading, Writing and Numeracy Intervention and Extension Programs
• Individualised programs
  
• A writing engagement program for disengaged students.
  

Extension programs

Our extension programs offer opportunities for students who are displaying outstanding performance in English and maths to foster their talents. Involvement in the groups is determined on the basis of teacher judgements, standardised testing, classroom evidence and demonstrated creativity. Nominated students take part in small group activities, once a week for about 45 minutes. Participation in the groups is regularly reviewed and movement in and out of the programs is fluid. The students are reviewed each semester to determine if they will continue. Group activities are designed to complement regular class activities.

Writing groups give students the opportunity to experiment with different forms of writing, for different audiences. Lessons support learning in regular classes and extend students’ knowledge of language and literature, while encouraging creative responses.

Students in Years P-5 are extended in maths by working with complex, abstract problems during regular maths time. Senior students take part in an extension program leading to possible participation in local and national competitions. In these sessions, students focus on advanced problem-solving tasks.

Class music

The school has a complete Music Program that spans all grade levels. It is derived from the new outcomes-based P-10 Art Syllabus, which incorporates Kodaly, Dalcroze and other internationally acknowledged methodologies, aiming at excellence in student participation and fostering a lifelong enjoyment of music. We have a singing choir and an Auslan signing choir. Our attention to music is one of the priorities of this school.

Languages

Our students learn Auslan (Australian sign language) from Prep - Year 6 (first langauge and second language user) and students in Years 5 and 6 learn Spanish.

ICT