YEAR 1

Our Year One classrooms operate under the philosophy “Have fun while you’re learning and learn while you’re having fun!” Both children and adults  have fun in the learning process. Our Early Childhood program is integrated in every sense.

Key learning areas are integrated – English, Maths, Science, SOSE, The Arts, Technology and Health and Physical Education. Daily interplay between the key learning areas ensures effective and efficient use of time while the children learn in a meaningful context.

 Many participants contribute to our learning program – parents, grandparents, teacher aides, specialist teachers, other school personnel, other year levels and community members. Everyone is welcome! Our children have a sound understanding that we learn from many people in many ways – learning is not an isolated event. It’s fun! It’s ongoing! It’s shared! It’s valued!

During the year we meet outcomes in the key learning areas through four themes.

Me and My Family – We focus on ourselves as individuals, family members, school members and community members. During first term, we find out about each other, celebrating in our similarities and differences. Our term culminates in a Grandparents and Friends afternoon where we share learning experiences, perform concert items and provide a delicious ‘classroom-prepared’ afternoon tea. Again, this culminating activity is an opportune time to integrate all key learning areas.

Up, Up and Away – We explore our local community and Australia before venturing around the world with a delightful rabbit, Felix. Prior to their ‘travels’, the children apply for a Fig Tree Pocket passport and ensure they know all about Australia before they ‘visit’ other countries. During this unit the children develop an appreciation of our physical and cultural relationship with other countries. Parents are encouraged to visit the children as they staff their ‘Fig Trees Travel Agency” There are many opportunities for the children to learn songs and languages from other countries. Our culminating activity is an international picnic which may focus on one or more cultures. Again input from our parents and wider school community is encouraged.
Marine Studies – Our budding marine biologists explore many aspects of our marine environment. We investigate land forms, plant and animal life in and near the ocean with particular emphasis on interdependence and conservation issues. Pirates and fictional characters such as the Rainbow Fish become class members for the term. This is an opportune time to reinforce the importance of being sun safe. This watery theme culminates with a pirate treasure hunt.

Australian Animals – This is an exciting time to put our research skills to good use. We conduct interviews, do computer research, view videos, visit Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and observe Barnyard Babies. Again this unit provides an opportunity for us to engage local expertise and focus on the importance of protecting our Australian wildlife. Our visit to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is a focal point of the unit.

While the children have a sense of belonging to a particular class, there are many opportunities to share learning experiences with school friends from Prep to Year Seven. Regular consultation with specialist teachers ensures opportunities to support the children’s development socially, emotionally, physically and academically are maximised.

The success of our program is often underpinned by the involvement of parents and our wider school community. We work together and celebrate our successes as we learn for a better world.

What a great place to be!