Our Curriculum Model
Kaleen Primary School's philosophy and values are implemented through our curriculum and pedagogy.
Our curriculum represents extensive coverage of the Australian Curriculum content descriptors, achievement standards and general capabilities. Our programs complement the skills, behaviours and attributes that students need to succeed in life and work in the twenty first century.
Kaleen's learning programs are delivered through an integrated learning model where genuine and authentic, real connections can be made. Integrated inquiry units are described using the language of Big Understanding to define the inquiry and Key Questions to further prompt learning experiences.
Our curriculum covers the following learning areas:
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- Humanities and Social Science (History, Geography, Economics and Business (Yr 5&6), Civics and Citizenship(Yr 3-6))
- Technologies (Design and Technology, Digital Technology)
- The Arts (Music, Dance, Visual Art, Drama, Media Art)
- Health and Physical Education
- Languages other than English (Japanese)
English
In English, students learn to read, write, listen and speak accurately, flexibly and critically. Our English lessons develop students' knowledge of the English language and provide deep understandings of how it works. English lessons also involve discovering the patterns and purposes of English usage, including spelling, grammar and punctuation at the levels of the word, sentence and extended text.
At Kaleen students are involved in explicit and structured writing sessions. Throughout the year students are exposed to a variety of different text types through their English and Integrated units.
Reading lessons encompass the explicit teaching of reading strategies, based on First Steps, to enhance fluency and reading comprehension. In the junior year students are involved in guided reading lessons where they apply the reading strategies they have learnt to a new text. In the senior years students build on their reading abilities through cooperative reading sessions where they learn to work cooperatively and develop the skills to become code breakers, text analysts, text users and text participant.
Maths
The core program for the teaching of Mathematics at Kaleen Primary is iMaths. This whole school approach assists the sequence of learning mathematical concepts and develops a common language across the school. iMaths includes mental computation strategies and explicit instruction as well as providing multiple opportunities for students to consolidate learning, investigate problem solving, and provides opportunities for enrichment and extension through mathematical investigations. iMaths is aligned with the Australian Curriculum.
Science
Kaleen offers a whole school approach to the teaching of Science based on the 'Primary Connections' program. Throughout the school year each students are exposed to learning in the areas of Biological Sciences, Chemical sciences, Earth and Space sciences and Physical sciences. Primary Connections provides a hands-on approach to science investigations and is aligned with the Australian Curriculum.
Gifted and Talented Education
Kaleen Primary School procedures align with the ACT Education Directorate’s Gifted and Talented Students Policy 2021 which reflects the ACT Government's continued interest in pursuing the very best provisions to meet the learning needs of gifted and talented students. This Policy provides consistent advice to schools regarding the best approaches in identifying and supporting gifted and talented students in ACT government schools.
The aim of the Policy is to ensure that every child has the opportunity to receive developmentally appropriate programs regardless of their socio-economic or cultural background, based on their level of giftedness and those other factors which are individual to each student.
For additional information visit; Gifted and Talented Students.
ICT (Information Communication Technology)
At Kaleen, ICT is integrated across all areas of the curriculum. Students have access to computers in the computer lab and junior and senior class sets of iPads. Interactive Whiteboards are available in every classroom and across the school and we are trialling LED screens for use in supporting learning programs. Students have access to software and applications to support their learning.
More information on our learning programs can be found under Our Programs.