Curriculum
The NSW Board of Studies provides syllabus documents in 6 key learning areas - English, Mathematics, Human Society & its Environment, Science & Technology, Creative & Performing Arts, and Health, Physical Education & Personal Development. These are available for perusal - check with your child’s class teacher.
The NSW Board of Studies Protective Behaviours Curriculum, including the sex education program, is also implemented throughout the school. This is complemented by studies in communication and conflict resolution undertaken in all classes and the preschool. The scope of these programs is explained at the parent meetings in Term 1.
While our teachers base their programming on the syllabus statements, they have the flexibility to adapt and interpret the curriculum to fit Currambena’s philosophy, individual students’ needs and their teaching styles. The children also have input to the implementation of the curriculum.
The school is registered by the NSW Board of Studies following an inspection process which last occurred in 1997 when the school was registered for the maximum possible period of 6 years.
Child Centred Teaching
Currambena’s philosophy translates into child-centered teaching practice. Each child is given the freedom and opportunity for discovery and growth in all areas of development - intellectual, physical, emotional and social. Children are trusted and encouraged to reveal their own needs and these are valued and acted upon in the educational context.
To this end, class sizes are kept low and children develop warm and trusting relationships with their teacher. Class groups are arranged chronologically with an age range of approximately 2 to 3 years in each. Children move to the next class when they express their readiness on a number of developmental criteria and may do so at appropriate times during or at the end of the school year.
Teaching is often small group or individually based and continuous individual assessment replaces formal testing.
Examples of children’s work are often sent home or collated into portfolio form. Teachers also maintain developmental records and will discuss your child’s progress at parent - teacher interviews held during the year. Parents are encouraged to make arrangements for additional interviews if required.
Conflict Resolution
All children at the school are taught conflict resolution strategies and children are encouraged and supported in this process. Teaching in this area is coordinated and progressive so that children build their skills gradually and practice them on a day to day basis. As it is such a vital aspect of the school’s curriculum, you are encouraged to become involved in this area of education so that you too can learn and assist your children in becoming confident, aware, responsible, capable and articulate individuals.
A vital component of conflict resolution is the acceptance by the children of consequences for inappropriate behaviour. What constitutes inappropriate behaviour is discussed in every class on a regular basis and is formalised at school meetings in the process of making rules. The children will become very familiar with these rules very quickly and they are always willing to advise new students. Some of the rules that the children have made include no physical violence, no weapons at school, no sweets at school and no toy worth more than a designated amount.
Courses on conflict resolution for parents and other interested adults are run at Currambena by some of our teachers on a regular basis. Classes are usually in the evenings and run over several weeks. Course fees are payable directly to the presenters.
The Importance of Play
At Currambena, individuality, creativity and spontaneity are valued highly. Free play is an essential ingredient of development and learning. Children have the opportunity to feel control and competence in their world and with things around them during play.
During play, children can choose to participate at a level that is suitable to them. Play also provides opportunities for observation, assessment, planning and for individual attention.
Extra time has been integrated into the week at Currambena to provide children with the opportunity to play. Arrival time is 9:00am so the children can play before classes start at 9:30am and Friday afternoon is free for play.
Children are also encouraged to play across a range of ages and to facilitate this a buddy system operates in the school.
Assessment
Continuous individual assessment replaces formal testing at Currambena. The particular arrangements for each class will be outlined and discussed at the parent - teacher meeting at the commencement of the year and with the students.
Homework
Each class considers the issue of homework and it is negotiated by children, parents and the teacher. This will be discussed further with the students and at the parent - teacher meeting at the commencement of the year.