The school offers a comprehensive curriculum program from Prep to Year 7 that is consistent with Education Queensland policies. The school is very proud of its record of continually high academic results.

Professional Development activities are held continuously throughout the year, for all teachers. Teachers of Years 1-3 continue to provide the highly successful 2 hour uninterrupted Literacy Block at the beginning of each school day. This program has resulted in exceptional literacy results since the introduction in 2000.

Fig Tree Pocket State School Curriculum Plan

Fig Tree Pocket State School Literacy Strategy

All teachers have completed professional development that includes training in the Essential Learnings and Standards (introduced 2008). This will be followed by an audit and review of curriculum plans early in 2008.

The planning of integrated units of study employs Blooms Taxonomy and Gardiner’s Multiple Intelligences models to ensure rigorous content and to provide experiences that cater for different learning styles.. These units and the format are endorsed by the school in our school based curriculum plan.

In 2007 a variety of professional development was provided to staff including: thinking skills strategies (Eric Fragenheim), Gifted and Talented Education, cluster based training in middle schooling (yrs 4-9) and early years schooling (P-3).

The school endeavours to assist students to reach their full potential in all areas. To achieve this the school offers a balanced program of academic, social, physical and cultural activities. Many of the children are actively involved in a number of extra curricular activities facilitated by the school and the wider community. Extra curricular activities include; Junior and Senior Choir, the Junior and Senior Concert band, Strings Ensembles and Orchestra, Interschool Sports, Athletics, Competitions and School Camps (Years 5-7).

Supplementary programs include; Instrumental Music Program, Student Council, Enrichment opportunities and Opti-minds.

Support Programs include; Learning Support, Speech Language, Support-a-Reader, Support-a-Writer and Support-a-Maths Learner and literacy intervention groups.

Physical Education
The physical education specialist teacher works with each class every week. The program aims at developing coordination and physical skills used in sports and leisure activities.

Perceptual-motor program is and Learning Connections program are offered for Years 1 and 2. Over the year, students are exposed to a variety of sports and programs designed to build skill levels and develop student confidence.

Sport
A range of sports opportunities are provided at our school and with other schools. At all times we emphasise participation as well as providing opportunities for students to excel. Events include the Athletics, Cross Country and Swimming Carnivals. Students have the opportunity to be selected to represent the school, district , region or state. Tennis is also very popular. Our school provides a program of intra-school competition in a range of sports.

A multi-sports day is held every second year, drawing on the expertise of State and Local Sporting organisations to give students a chance to participate in a range of sports.

The three house teams are Kookaburra (Red), Currawong (Gold) and Curlew (Green).

Fig Tree Pocket SS competes in interschool sport in Years 5-7 in the following sports; Cricket, Softball, T-Ball, Touch Football, Rugby League, Soccer, Netball, Basketball and Tennis.

Our older students are responsible for the lending out of sports equipment at lunch time and all students have access to sporting equipment. The students are able to use the tennis courts, half basketball court, large oval and undercover area for ball games.

Our music specialist teacher works with all children each week. The program focuses on an appreciation of music and the development of musical skills and knowledge.

A team of instrumental music instructors provides small group lessons each week on Brass, Woodwind, Strings and Percussion instruments for students involved in the Instrumental Music program. The strings program commences in Year 3. Lessons for all other instruments commence in Year 5. Inclusion in the program is by selection. Factors considered include: musical aptitude, commitment to the program, physical and behavioural suitability.

The students perform in String ensembles, Junior and Senior Bands.

Languages other than English
At Fig Tree Pocket State School, Japanese is studied from year four through to year seven. These years provide a foundation which will enable learners to progress far more rapidly in later years of study. A functional and integrative approach with other core subject areas underpins current Lote teaching methodology. While studying a range of task based topics and themes, students explore different ways of thinking, learning and communicating using a variety of resources.

Information Communication Technology
Our school has established an excellent reputation as a leader in information learning technology (ICTs). This year sees the opening of our wonderful ICT / Science Facility where students have access to state-of-the-art computer and science labs with desktop, laptop and presentation facilities. The science laboratory is well resourced and offers students valuable opportunities to extend their learning. Year level programs incorporate the use of the ICT / Science labs with all classes conducting weekly visits.

The employment of a specialist ICT teacher in past years has seen the development of new and innovative programs for students from years 1 to 7. Some of these include: Digital Portfolios in years 6 and 7, Multi-media and Animation projects in year 5, PowerPoint, Publisher and Drawing projects in Year 3 and 4, and skill development in years 1 and 2. In 2007, the specialist ICT teacher will continue working with classes and teachers two days per week to ensure that we develop student and teacher skills and maximize the value of our new facility.

A network of latest computers in classrooms, the Information Resource Centre and the ICT building ensures that students have multiple access points to modern technology. The employment of a computer technician two days per week is an important resource, ensuring that systems continue to run smoothly.

In the younger year levels, computers are used as learning activity centres to support and reinforce concepts taught in class. A variety of software is used to support learning in all areas of the curriculum.

Older year levels utilise computers as tools for creative learning. The emphasis in years 5 to 7 is on accessing and communicating information creatively and developing computer literacy and skills as a preparation for the future.

Computer Club, which operates throughout the year, gives students with a particular interest in ICT, a chance to express their creativity and skills in a variety of collaborative projects.

Homework
The aims of homework are to consolidate and revise what is learnt in class and establish effective study routines. Our homework approach acknowledges the importance of family life and active pursuits of children and encourages students to plan their time to complete the set tasks within the constraints of their after school commitments.

In years 2-7, students are provided with a homework grid.  The grid generally details homework activities for two weeks and allows students and family helpers choice and flexibility on the completion of tasks.  The development of the homework grid was the result of research by education consultant, Ian Lillico. The grid broadens the definition of homework to include work done at home and also broadens the definition to include less sedentary activities. The grid recognizes the wide range of after school activities, encourages positive family interactions and allows time for students to pursue their own learning.