Primary Years (R-6)

We aim for the years spent in Primary Years to be amongst the happiest in a child’s life. The Heights School believes that children who are nurtured, feel safe, along with being valued as special and unique individuals, learn well.

The educational offering in the Primary Years is broad and includes:

  • A balanced learning program based on The Australian Curriculum, DECD “Teaching for Effective Learning’ (TeFL) and a thinking skills scope and sequence to support all learners and in particular those identified as gifted.
  • A Preschool situated in the southwest aspect of the site; Primary Years R-6 classrooms located in Buildings C, E and F occupying 2 levels on the south aspect of the site overlooking the Stephanie Alexander garden.
  • Support staff for Literacy and Numeracy and Early Intervention programs.
  • A well-resourced special needs program that caters for gifted students and those students requiring extra support.
  • A well resourced and integrated Information and Communication technologies (ICT) program supported by Resource Centre staff.
  • An outstanding specialist program in LOTE Indonesian, The Arts and Stephanie Alexander Cooking program supported by parent volunteers.
  • A buddy support program and 3-weekly student-run Primary Years assemblies which showcase quality student learning and acknowledging success using the well recognised 'Play is the Way' program which supports students to develop important life skills through games.
  • Opportunity to participate in Festival Choir and the DECD Instrumental Music program for Year 5 students, Wakakiri for 3-5 students and the annual concert for R-6.
  • Opportunity to participate in the annual Premier’s Reading Challenge and locally organised Reading and literature events.
  • All year 3 and 5 students sit the annual National Assessment Program in Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) assessment in Literacy and Numeracy in May
  • A strong Fitness and Sports program; Sports Day and Swimming annually; involvement in a 6-week dance program and Camp for Year 5 students.
  • Participation in Harmony Day; Indigenous Reconciliation Week and invitation to sit the annual University NSW International Assessment Program.
  • Access to beautiful grounds and excellent facilities that support positive wellbeing, interactions and learning.
  • An annual reporting program which highly values the importance of quality communication of assessment information involving the student, teachers and parent / carers.

Reception to Year 2 Learning Program

Early Years staff work collaboratively to plan, implement and assess challenging learning programs using The Australian Curriculum for program content and the DECD ‘Teaching for Effective Learning’ (TeFL) to guide teacher practice to meet the needs of 21st century learners. A Thinking Skills scope and sequence supports all learners to develop higher level thinking abilities.

Teachers support each child to learn individually and in different ways and consequently provide access to a wide range of teaching methodologies and learning styles including an opportunity for play and self-discovery.

Year 3 to 6 Learning Program

Year 3-6 staff work collaboratively to plan, implement and assess challenging learning programs using The Australian Curriculum for program content and the DECD ‘Teaching for Effective Learning’ (TeFL) to guide teacher practice to meet the needs of 21st century learners. A Thinking Skills scope and sequence supports all learners to develop higher level thinking abilities. Primary Years classes all follow agreed behaviour expectations based on 'Play is the Way'.

Students access units of inquiry that aim at developing deeper understanding and conceptual understanding, higher-level skills and positive attitudes. Students learn through a structured inquiry-learning program, where they question, investigate, organise, think, manipulate information, and reflect about their learning. Some units being taught include: ‘Identity’; What Makes me Australian?’ ‘Plant and Animal Adaption’.

Primary Years Specialist Areas

Physical Education

Science

LOTE Indonesian and 'Indofest'

Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden

The Arts Specialist Program

In Primary Years Performing Arts we have lots of fun.

Activities include improvisation, script work, creative movement to music and cooperation games. Students experiment with musical instruments to create sound effects.

They learn to develop their characters, use the stage, props, costumes and scenery and to respond to performances they see.

Topics include:

  • Emotions, Feelings, Conflict Situations and Problem solving
  • Elements - Water, Wind, Earth, Fire
  • Pantomime
  • Melodrama, comedy & slapstick
  • Circus & Carnivals
  • Travel & Transport
  • Puppets