QUALITY TEACHING at OUR SCHOOL

ENGLISH

RPS provides an integrated approach to English with children explicitly taught to read, view, listen to, speak, write, create and reflect upon a range of texts.

Synthetic Phonics is implement as an explicit method of teaching reading. Throughout the school year children are given the opportunity to undertake intervention in small groups. As part of the Reading program children also engage in daily guided reading sessions, Literacy Circles and Multi-Lit Intervention.

We foster strong connections between literacy learning at school and at home. Parents are encouraged and guided to support their children through our Home Reading, Synthetic Phonics and Multi-Lit Programs. As part of this, children are provided with ‘take home packs’ or instructional texts at their current reading level to practise the skills they have been learning at school.

MATHS

At Ringarooma Primary students participate in a Mathematics program that is engaging, challenging and develops a love of Mathematics. Students are taught the skills and understandings they need to become confident, creative users and communicators of Mathematics. They are explicitly taught how to investigate and understand mathematical problems and are encouraged to communicate their ideas through conversations, discussions and different methods of recording.

INQUIRY

Inquiry learning at Ringarooma Primary is a focus on ‘what’ we are learning and ‘how’ we are learning across every area of the curriculum from K – 6. Inquiry learning is about children and teachers working together to drive learning through rich questions and investigation. Science, Humanities and Social Sciences (Geography and History) are studied through five week Inquiry cycles throughout the year focussing on the knowledge, skills, capabilities and conceptual understandings of the Australian Curriculum and Early Years Learning Framework.

TECHNOLOGY

Our classrooms have flexible spaces and each one is fitted with an LCD television and bank of networked computers. Technology plays a central role in the teaching and learning process and we are building student skills in both Information Community Technology (ICT) and digital technologies through an interdisciplinary approach in STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts Mathematics) as well as embedding the ICT capabilities and skills into all teaching and learning.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Each class has one PE lesson each week along with a weekly session taken by our Aussie Sports Leaders. Health and Well Being units are taught by the Physical Education and classroom teachers.

Throughout the year students compete in 3 main school carnivals – Athletics, Cross Country and Swimming. Ringarooma Primary has two sporting houses – Paris (Red) and Victoria (Blue) and students aspire to win house points at each of the carnivals. These carnivals lead to other opportunities to be selected for NEPSSA carnivals.

Grades 4-6 students are encouraged to try-out for representative team sports including football (AFL & WAFL), soccer, hockey, netball and cricket.

OPPORTUNITIES

EARLY YEARS

Our school programs deliver high-quality teaching and learning programs from birth to four in the ‘Launching into Learning’ initiative.

The Early Years program at Ringarooma Primary School is based on inquiring into our world through play-based learning and making connections. It recognises the importance of communication and language as well as social and emotional development. We encourage parents, carers and grandparents to network with other families, children and our Early Years teachers. Our Early Years teachers use Belonging, Being and Becoming – The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), to guide their teaching and learning programs. Engaging with other external programs and providers is integral to our program eg swimming lessons, Bush Kinder, Building Blocks.

WELLBEING

Our school has an enviable reputation in the community. We have a simple set of rules: Be Safe, Be Fair, Show Care and Be a Learner, which underpin our supportive, safe environment. We believe that building quality relationships among all members of our school community leads to better outcomes for all. This involves encouraging all students to accept responsibility for their actions and making appropriate choices in relation to their behaviour. We provide a caring environment that ensures physical and emotional safety to optimise learning for all age groups. Building positive self-esteem and personal growth to protect the rights of students and staff.

Student wellbeing is a priority at Ringarooma Primary. We work in close partnership with families to ensure that their child’s needs are being met. Students have access to extra support through the School Psychologist, Social Worker, Speech and Language Pathologist as well as a range of targeted programs which are linked to student needs. Students are involved in the teaching and mentoring of behaviour expectations through the ‘Ringarooma Way’ and the school promotes a culture of respectful behaviour at all times through the language of Zones of Regulation, Restorative Practice and a growth mindset.

Play times at Ringarooma Primary School are enjoyable times where children can participate in sporting activities and ball games on the oval or courts or engage in inquiry play in the newly developed early childhood playground. At lunch times we offer students the opportunity to be involved in activities such as running club, chess/board games, dance and craft. These activities provide children with the opportunity to explore their creative side.

LEADERSHIP

Grade 6 students at Ringarooma Primary School are given the opportunity to stand for the following leadership positions: School Leaders (2) and House Captains (2 each House), Treasurer and Secretary. These positions form part of the Student Representative Council alongside two representatives elected from the Grade 3-5 classes. The Leadership Group meet regularly to organise fundraising activities as well as supporting student wellbeing, communicating and representing the student voice.

SPORTS LEADER PROGRAM

Twice a week our Sports Leaders plan and run sports activities for the K-Grade 6 classes. These sessions are split into Early Childhood and Primary classes. This is a wonderful leadership opportunity for our Primary students and they undergo a rigorous selection process each year.

ENRICHMENT

Ringarooma Primary provides opportunities to develop student capabilities through its quality teaching and learning as well as targeted intervention groups at varying times throughout the year. Enrichment opportunities include students participating in on-line extension programs and competitions, Maths extension groups are designed to apply classroom learning in new contexts, using higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills, incursions and excursions.

Sport Enrichment is provided through the Country Gold sports program identifying talented sports persons in netball, hockey, football, soccer and WAFL. Swimming, athletics and cross country sporting carnivals at a variety of levels including local, regional and state.

GARDEN PROGRAM

INCURSIONS/EXCURSIONS

Incursions/Excursions are pivotal in the education of our students. Guest speakers and performers are regularly timetabled, supporting all curriculums as well as extending the career aspirations of our students. Grade ¾ students attend an overnight camp at school. Grades 5/6 students attend a 2 or 3 night camp in Hobart or the Northwest Coast.