English
At Ranford Primary, we are committed to supporting all students in the development of their literacy knowledge, understanding and skills which will assist them to participate in the modern world as active and engaged citizens who appreciate and enjoy the English language, using it proficiently.
The English curriculum incorporates the processes of Reading, Viewing, Writing, Speaking and Listening in an integrated and interdependent way. We have adopted a school-wide approach to literacy teaching and learning where students are engaged in rich and meaningful learning experiences with consistency of practice evident from Kindergarten to Year Six.
Skills and strategies taught include:
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Reading texts with fluency and phrasing
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Comprehending texts read, viewed and listened to
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Composing, editing and publishing written and spoken texts
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Spelling, grammar and punctuation
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Handwriting
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Using technology as a means of communication
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Oral language activities, speech presentations and performances
Our programs address the needs and interests of all students within the classroom through a range of individual, small group and whole class activities. Ongoing monitoring of student achievement assists teachers to identify progress and to set goals for future learning.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Our Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) program is guided by the curriculum with the teaching of:
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History (PP – Year 6)
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Geography (PP – Year 6)
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Civics and Citizenship (Years 3 – 6)
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Economics and Business (Years 5 – 6)
Teachers use a year level inquiry approach to assist students to develop their questioning and researching, analysing, evaluating and communicating, and reflecting skills. These skills provide students with an ability to question the world around them, think critically, draw conclusions based on evidence, propose actions and communicate their findings effectively to others. Our students’ knowledge and understanding is further enhanced through HASS focused excursions and incursions.
Whilst a focus of our whole school events are ANZAC Day, NAIDOC Week and Remembrance Day, in class teaching includes the celebrations and observance of significant events with particular reference to our school’s multicultural community.
Mathematics
At Ranford Primary we implement the Back-to-Front Maths program, at both the whole school and small-group intervention level. Back-to-Front Maths uses a multi-layered approach to address student’s misconceptions (a problem with understanding rather than fluency). Teachers use problem-based learning that encourages students to think and explore new concepts before giving formal explanations or explicitly teaching concepts. They also identify students’ misconceptions by posing problem solving tasks or diagnostic tests. Teachers support students to fix these misconceptions through directed questioning and targeted teaching.
Using the WA curriculum, we develop key understandings by extending the number, measurement, geometric and statistical learning from the early years and exploring the content strands of Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, and Statistics and Probability. The proficiency strands of Understanding, Fluency, Problem Solving, and Reasoning, describe how the content is explored or developed, that is, the thinking and doing of mathematics. Maths is not only about skill and drill, so students need to develop skills to understand, reason and problem solve as well. Opportunities are provided for students to develop and demonstrate these skills, within Mathematic lessons. Mental Maths strategies are explicitly taught, reviewed and consolidated in each year level.
The fun, educational game NUMERO is played in most classes and complements our Maths program. This game significantly boosts mental maths ability and tactical thinking when played regularly. An inter-school NUMERO competition is held each year and students with exceptional skill are selected to represent our school. MAWA (Maths Association of WA) also hosts the ‘Have Sum Fun Online’ problem-solving based competition each year, and selected students from Years 3-6 are chosen to compete against other schools.
Aboriginal Cultural Framework
At Ranford we embrace the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures collectively. Our established relationships, learning environment, resources and integrated teaching programs enrich our students’ knowledge, understanding and appreciation of these cultures.
Our sensory garden creates a rich learning experience. Students learn about the six Noongar seasons represented on a mosaic dial, different native plants, authentic Aboriginal artwork on a birdbath and symbols depicted on pebbles surrounding the garden.
Respect and engagement of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures is celebrated during whole school NAIDOC activities and teaching of significant events as outlined within our learning programs.
