搜索

Children learn an amazing amount as their learning journey continues through primary school.

Primary school education continues in Years 1 to 6 where children receive a strong foundation in eight core subject areas:

• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• society and environment
• technology and enterprise
• languages
• the arts
• health and physical education.

Literacy and numeracy are important learning areas. Learning focuses on ensuring your children understand mathematics, and learn to read and write competently. Many schools have specialist literacy and numeracy teachers to help your children develop these important skills.

Programs are designed to build natural curiosity and foster inquiring minds in the area of science and technology. In society and environment, they learn about the history and traditions at the heart of Australia’s democratic society.

Teachers plan for a balance of activities based on the learning needs of your children and other children in their class. In some instances specialist teachers teach the class, for example in art, music and physical education.

The classroom layout is more formal than Pre-primary with students sitting together in groups or rows. Your children spend more time working at their desk and in small groups. Set days and times are allocated to each subject area.

If your children are having difficulty with any of the learning, speak with their teacher.

Homework and study

Homework reinforces and supports the things your children learn at school. It is designed to get your children thinking and applying what they learn in different ways and encourages them to become independent learners.

During the first years of primary school homework involves fun activities such as:

• reading with your children every day
• encouraging your children to draw, write and tell stories
• practising using numbers
• encouraging your children to observe things in nature and to ask questions.

As your children progress through school, they receive specific tasks and projects designed to apply their knowledge in different ways – for example creative writing, oral presentations and assignments.

You can help your children by:

• setting aside a set time each day for homework (also allow time for play and relaxation)
• setting up a ‘homework space’ where your children can do their homework
• setting up a schedule for big projects that take longer to complete so they are not left with one day to finish it
• letting your children have a go at their homework first before helping them
• asking your children to explain what they have done – explaining things in their own words is a great way to learn
• checking your children’s homework when they are done for the day and working through any errors together
• knowing where your children are up to with their homework so they do not fall behind.

If your children are having problems with their homework or with a specific subject or project, ask their teacher to spend some extra time helping them through the task.

Talk with your children’s teacher about the school’s homework policy for more details.