Core Curriculum
At Hawthorn West Primary School the learning program is carefully planned to ensure it is both engaging and accessible to all. Teachers work collaboratively, in Professional Learning Communities, to plan a curriculum which is highly differentiated and ensures all students can experience both challenge and success.
In the core learning area of Literacy all students actively participate in:
Sustained daily learning in the areas of Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening, Spelling and Grammar and Punctuation
Small group teaching which focuses on each students next steps in learning
Explicit Phonics Instruction through Little Learners Love Literacy in Foundation and Grade 1.
The Reader’s and Writer’s workshop approach which ensures that students develop an understanding of how language is used and structured for a range of purposes
The SMART Spelling Program.
In Mathematics students are engaged in a minimum of six lessons weekly which engage students in:
A sustained focus on key concepts in Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, Statistics and Probability.
Developing increasingly sophisticated and refined mathematical understanding, fluency, reasoning, modelling and problem-solving.
A problem-solving approach that engages students in open-ended, closed and investigative tasks that encourage students to think, question, analyse and solve problems.
Learning a range of strategies which can be applied in order to solve problems.
Authentic learning experiences which relate to the realities of life.
Lessons which cater for individual differences through the provision of open-ended learning activities with multiple entry and exit points and small group explicit instruction.
A focus on developing a growth mindset and understanding that everyone can succeed in Mathematics and change and grow through application and experience.
Specialist Programs
Hawthorn West Primary School is committed to providing a balanced curriculum program which encourages students to explore new passions and develop a love of learning. All students participate in a range of Specialist Teaching Programs.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths) – all students enjoy the opportunity to complete a range of STEM challenges each week. The STEM program is well resourced, with students engaged in coding and robotics, developing design solutions and a broad range of Science experiments and investigations.
Visual Art – Visual Art lessons incorporate the exploration of a range of media, as well as investigating the history and work of famous artists. There is also a lunch time club and an extra-curricula Art Club which operates after school.
Physical Education – Hawthorn West is fortunate to have a full time Physical Education teacher who ensures that in addition to weekly PE lessons, students participate interschool sport a highly anticipated House Sports Program. Students from Grade 1 to 6 complete an intensive Swimming Program at the Yarra Leisure Centre and a Perceptual Motor Program in Foundation.
Japanese – Beginning in Foundation, students are engaged in learning both the language and culture of Japan. Special events cultural celebrations are punctuated throughout the year.
Music – Students actively participate in a Music Program which incorporates music appreciation, composition and performance. The ‘Sing West’ choir and school band regularly perform for school events, with the a highlight for the choir, involvement in the State School Spectacular. Musician Scott Candlish offers guitar lessons at the school.
