Spearwood Primary School, in Spearwood
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| BACKGROUND The school is located within the City of Cockburn in the centre of the suburb of Spearwood. There is a strong influence of ethnicity. Approximately one third of the students have some ethnic heritage. The range of ethnicity is varied, however the majority of the population tend to have links with the Southern Mediterranean and Balkan States. Our Aboriginal population has grown a little over recent years. The school was established in 1914 on Rockingham Road. The present school was built in Gerald Street in 1972. The brick and tile premises has two clusters of six classrooms in each cluster as well as four linear classes, a double purpose-built Pre Primary, amphitheatre and school hall. Approximately twenty percent of the students do not reside within the school's boundaries. This is a result of families moving to new residential areas, but continuing to use the school as the family education centre, often because of historical ties and the belief in the high standard of teaching provided by staff.STAFF PROFILE The school generally has a very experienced staff, but several young staff have recently been appointed, making for an excellent blend of enthusiasm and experience. Several staff have over twenty years experience. The administration team consists of a Principal and two Deputy Principals, supported by a Level 3 teacher and nine senior teachers. Staff show support for the school by taking leadership in various curriculum and special projects within the school. Non teaching members of staff fill important roles in administration, assisting teachers with high needs students, cleaning and gardening. OUR VALUES AND BELIEFS Values are an integral element of the curriculum and are part of all learning areas. At Spearwood Primary School our values reflect: 1. Care and compassion for self and others 2. Doing your best - try hard and do your best 3. A Fair Go - Everyone should be treated fairly 4. Freedom - Enjoy the rights and privileges of Australian citizenship 5. Honesty and Trustworthiness - Be honest and sincere 6. Integrity - act in an ethical way 7. Respect - respect others and consider other points of view 8. Responsibilty - Be responsible for your actions, resolve differences in a peaceful way, contribute to society and take care of the environment 9. Understanding, tolerance and Inclusion - Be aware of others and their cultures, accept diversity within a domocratic society, being included and included and including others. SCHOOL ETHOS The Spearwood Primary School community actively seeks to develop a culture that promotes a positive approach to learning, focusing on motivating and engaging students. In addition, we focus on recognising and valuing diversity through the provision of an inclusive, safe and stimulating learning environment. A key school objective is to provide a friendly, welcoming school environment to enhance the academic success and well-being of all students. Our approach to teaching and learning is based on the following principles: * Opportunity to Learn: Provision of learning experiences that enable students to observe and practice processes, skills and values expected of them. * Connection and Challenge: Provision of learning experiences that connect with the students' existing knowledge, skills and values while extending and challenging their current ways of thinking and acting. * Action and Reflection: Provision of learning experiences that are meaningful and encourage both action and reflection on the part of the learner. * Motivation and Purpose: Provision of learning experiences that are motivating, with there purpose made clear to the students. * Inclusivity and Difference: Provision of learning experiences that respect and accommodate difference. * Independence and Collaboration: Provision of learning experiences that encourage students to learn both independently and from others. * Supportive Environment: Ensuring the school and classroom are safe and conducive to effective learning.STUDENTS The school caters for Kindergarten to Year 7 students. In 2007 there were 23 Kindergarten students enrolled, 27 Pre Primary students and 242 Year 1-7 students as at March. Good enrolments in Pre Primary and Kindergartenis a continuing trend for 2008. The Year 1-7 classes are housed in 9 classrooms with the average class size being under 25 students. SPECIAL PROGRAMS The school offers a range of exciting and innovative programs to maximise learning opportunities for our students. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY In 2002 Spearwood Primary School embarked on a program to provide the best opportunities for our students in regards to access to information technology. This work continued in 2004 and 2005. Currently, the school is aligned with the 100 Schools Project (DET) that has provided the students with improved access to IT. The school houses some 67 computers in total, plus a 16 laptop wireless network and extensive peripherals. EXTENSION AND CHALLENGE Provision for talented academic achievers has been made through their enrolment in Primary Extension and Challenge Program (P.E.A.C.) classes at East Hamilton Hill, Melville and North Lake Primary Schools. STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES Children requiring special services are supported by Inclusive Schooling initiatives as well as support programs through departmental agencies. Early Childhood Literacy Intervention and Literacy Net programs, PP - Year 7, have been a feature of the school's provision for identifying S.A.E.R. (students at educational risk) and assisting teachers to develop explicit teaching practices and strategies for all children from PP-7. MUSIC Spearwood Primary has been a Music school for some years. The development of a high quality School Choir which undertakes numerous engagements outside the school, a school rock band and provision of Instrumental Musict has enhanced this curricular area. LANGUAGES OTHER THAN ENGLISH Partial Italian Language Immersion commenced in 1991 at the Year 3 level and is now servicing Years 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. This methodology of teaching a second language is used in only four schools in the state. PHYSICAL EDUCATION More recently the school has provided students with the opportunity to participate in the 'Blue Earth' program that focuses on developing fitness, sporting and social skills. 2005 also saw the continued development of the Spearwood Pulse Skipping Team. The students in these groups perform regularly at special community events. RELIGIOUS STUDY Students in years 1-7 have an opportunity to participate in non-denominational Religious Study classes conducted by volunteer scripture teachers from Churches Commission on Education. This program is designed to promote an awareness of core life values.STUDENT SUPPORT The learning support program at Spearwood Primary School includes a thorough process for the early identification of students who require adjustments to learning programs to ensure that they have appropriate access to the curriculum. A result of this process is a range of programs to support students achieve appropriate outcomes. Additional support comes from the Commonwealth Literacy and Numeracy program that provides funding for school based Students at Educational Risk Co-ordinator. PASTORAL CARE Spearwood Primary School has developed a whole school approach to management of student behaviour (MSB). This approach focuses on the school's formal curriculum and classroom practices and involves all members of the school community. The aim of the policy is to promote a safe and protective school environment that is ocnducive to learning. Teachers were educated on current best practice to address school behaviour issues which included working with Dr Donna Cross from Curtin University in the 'Friendly Schools' program in 2003. During 2006 the staff undertook some professional learning on preventing and responding to bullying. As it is essential that schools audit their current policies to establish the practices they wish to maintain and those that will be replaced, Spearwood Primary School MSB policy is a living document. The policy is shared with the school community so that they are aware of how the school handles student behaviour by adopting strategies of prevention and intervention. HIGHLIGHTS The staff at Spearwood Primary School actively seek to provide a wide range of learning opportunities to meet the needs of all students. This includes programs in Information and Communication Technology, LOTE, P.E.A.C. as well as a range of incursions and excursions. The following events and programs reflect the school's commitment to provide extended opportunities for the students: * Pastoral care and support program. * Values Education Project. * Excursions and Incursions for students. * Year 7 Big Day Out program. * Year 7 Graduation Dinner and Dance. * School Rock Band. * Primary Extension and Challenge. * In-school swimming lessons. * Advanced IT access and opportunities. * Spearwood Pulse Skipping Team * Spearwood Choir All of the programs listed aim to provide additional opportunities for the students to build social & academic skills to prepare them for each phase of learning as they move towards high school. In line with this, the staff at Spearwood have a commitment to developing positive relationships with students and parents. FINANCE Each year all government schools receive a budget allocation from the Department of Education. The allocation is based on student enrolments. Finances are also supplemented from other areas that include: * Federal Funding from the Commonwealth Literacy and Numeracy Program. *Voluntary Contributions for 2007. $4950 was collected which represents about 40%. *P & C contributions from fundraising. A major project for 2007 was the installation of a fitness track around one of the ovals. The cost of this project was over $16 000 - co-funded by the school and P&C. The school also maintains a reserve account program. Funds are allocated each year for items including: * Equipment replacement * Photocopiers * Computers * Minor Works * Furniture Replacement2007 FOCUS AREAs A focus for Spearwood Primary School has been to improve curriculum delivery and in turn improve outcomes for the students. In line with this, a number of important strategies have been put in place that include: * Curriculum Assurance Program to provide a balanced curriculum. * Making Consistent Judgements about student performance in line with system standards. * Assessment procedures that use an outcomes and standards framework to monitor, evaluate, report and plan for improvement. * Use of Western Australian Literacy and Numeracy Assessment to make judgements about student progress. * Reporting practices that are clear, comprehensive and accurate. * Consulting parents as part of the education process. To implement these improvements a strategic plan was put in place at the commencement of 2007 which will be reviewed at the end of 2008. Specific School Priorities for 2007 - 2008 are 1. Literacy, with a focus on Writing 2. Numeracy, with a focus on First Steps (A Getting it Right specialist teacher was appointed in 2007). 3. Ensuring teacher judgements about student achievement are consistent and accurate.FUTURE DIRECTION 2007 - 2008 2007 will see a continued focus on the provision of a balanced, whole school approach to the curriculum to ensure that all students are provided with appropriate opportunities to demonstrate achievement of all learning outcomes in the Curriculum Framework appropriate to their phase of learning. Additionally, assessment will be strengthened through the continued implementation of the Making Consistent Judgements professional learning for teachers. System level assessments will also continue to be included as part of the schools planning process to build trustworthiness into assessment and planning. * Work will also continue in the Values Education area that will see specific activities implemented to develop skills in this area. * Pastoral Care and support programs will also continue to be an integral part of school operations. SCHOOL COUNCIL A committee consisting of staff members, community members and the principal make up this group. The group approves the school plan and school budget. The three staff members are elected at the first Professional Development day each year, while the community members are elected through the Parent and Citizens group at their May monthly meeting. Spearwood primary is a delightful school which has benefited from a caring staff, students who wish to learn and parents who generally encourage their children and support the staff with their endeavours. | ||||
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