School Strategic Plan 2006-09
PURPOSE:
We strive to create a curriculum that is challenging, innovative and relevant, which provides the intellectual tools to enable students to become fair-minded and responsible citizens who are learners for life.
VALUES:
Balwyn Primary School is a learning community that provides an inclusive and accepting environment for everyone.
The values that form the basis for all our learning are:
Responsibility: We are all responsible for our own actions
Respect: We treat others, as we would like to be treated
Integrity: We treat others honestly and fairly and we act at all times in an ethical manner.
Belonging: We foster a sense of belonging and connectedness to our class, school and school community.
Compassion: We show interest in, concern for and care for others.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT:
Balwyn Primary School is a school of 375 students situated in an inner eastern suburb of Melbourne, close to many private schools. The number of students grows during the year with many students transferring into the area from other Victorian schools, interstate and overseas.
The school has adopted a multi-age class structure, based on the belief that learning is developmental and that this structure provides greater opportunities for individual growth and achievement.
We are strongly committed to catering to the special abilities and needs of our students. At Balwyn all children are valued and differences are accepted within a supportive school environment, which promotes self-esteem and fosters participation.
A comprehensive curriculum is provided based on the three core strands:
• Physical, personal and social learning - Health and Physical Education; Personal Learning; Interpersonal Development; Civics and Citizenship
• Discipline based learning – The Arts; English, LOTE; The Humanities; Mathematics; Science
• Interdisciplinary learning - Communication; Design, Creativity and Technology; Information and Communications Technology; Thinking.
The curriculum is delivered in an integrated manner. ICT is used by all students as tools to enhance learning.
Music has a special place in the curriculum. The school’s Instrumental Music Program provides the opportunity for tuition in orchestral instruments, piano and guitar, and also encourages participation in numerous instrumental ensembles and choirs. Individual and group performances in the Arts are fostered in the form of Musicals, Drama/Dance Festivals, matinees, soirees and concerts.
Other programs include Reading Recovery, Literacy Support, weekly enrichment programs, “You Can Do It”, swimming, camps program, religious education, Junior School Council, Peer Mediation, Waste Wise, and buddy system.
Balwyn Primary School is a learning community that aims to encourage students to be independent, resilient and to respect themselves and others. As a caring learning community we promote “norms” rather than “rules”, based upon values that will frame behaviours and responsibilities. The “You Can Do It” program has successfully been implemented and is now embedded as part of our school culture, complementing the Values Education program and increases positive social behaviour.
Parents are an integral part of the school’s educational program, supporting their children, participating in areas of the curriculum including classroom helpers, maintenance of facilities, and fundraising activities. The community benefits from the experience of parents and links with local community.
The school buildings include an Early Years of Schooling complex, library, music room, music practice rooms, art room and a hall fully equipped for the performing arts. The school grounds include well maintained gardens, shaded areas, grassy play areas, excellent play equipment, asphalted areas and a synthetic grass “Top Flats “ area (funded by parents) for sports and PE activities.
The Balwyn Primary School is continually evaluating student and school needs, planning future developments, and is dedicated to delivering excellence in the curriculum and providing the best education to our students.
STRATEGIC INTENT
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
GOAL: To improve student achievement in Numeracy P-6
TARGETS: 95-100% of students achieving at or above the designated level in Numeracy P-6
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AND WELLBEING
GOAL: To improve student engagement and their relationships with others.
TARGETS:
Student attitudes to school survey in years 5/6:
Connectedness to school 75% nett agree
Connectedness to teachers 80% nett agree
STUDENT PATHWAYS AND TRANSITIONS
GOAL: To extend the learning of highly able students P-6.
TARGETS:
Targets to be established during first year once students have been identified, tracking both their achievement and engagement.
KEY IMPROVEMENT STRATEGIES
Key Improvement Strategy One:
Develop a consistent whole school approach to teaching and learning:
Implementation of Victorian Essential Learning Standards
Key Improvement Strategy Two:
Extend the range of student wellbeing programs in the school.
Key Improvement Strategy Three:
Develop a program that identifies, tracks and engages highly able students.