The Junior Sub School team includes classroom teachers, education support staff and the sub school leader who all work in collaboration with specialist teachers, occupational and speech therapists, wellbeing and curriculum leaders to create programs and learning experiences that promote the development and nurturing of each individual student.
We utilise a range of evidence based strategies and approaches to develop students skills and understanding in English, maths, personal learning, interpersonal development as well as a well-rounded integrated curriculum program incorporating elements of science, history, geography and sustainability.
Communication is an essential element of teaching and learning in the Juniors. The Speech Pathology Team consult with classroom teachers to design and deliver both group and individual programs to promote the development of communication skills. The cultivation of oral language skills is a high priority in the Juniors and underpins all other work. An emphasis on the teaching of Literacy and Numeracy skills is supported by frequent use of ‘hands-on’ materials and practical applications for embedding the skills and knowledge.
Personal, interpersonal and social skills are an important feature of planned integrated units and daily routines. Students use visuals to help recognise and understand their mood and mindfulness exercises to support the practice of self-regulation. Focused social stories and activities are used to support students to be a good friend, take turns, use their manners, share, be a good class member, be safe on the school bus and whilst on the regular excursions which enrich learning.
The importance of play in children’s development is understood and plans for teaching and learning take into account its value as a teaching tool. Students are provided with free play opportunities as well as play based learning and planned sensory play. Daily lessons incorporate a range of games where they can practice the social skills they have been learning as well as other educational concepts.
All programs are individualised and acknowledge the strengths, talents and needs of the student with a view to improving outcomes.
