Mathematics is a fundamental component of the curriculum at Mackellar Primary School which is derived

from research and evidence-based pedagogy. Our Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum (GVC) is directly

developed from the Victorian curriculum, and utilises consistent metalanguage, which is scaffolded,

explicitly taught and sequential.

We utilise a problem-based approach to Mathematics where students are engaged in purposeful learning

experiences which are connected and underpinned by the proficiency strands: reasoning, understanding,

fluency and problem-solving.

Our teaching and learning program connects all mathematics strands of number and algebra, statistics

and probability, measurement and geometry. Students at Mackellar Primary School receive a minimum of 5

hours a week of explicit instruction in mathematics in a structured block, informed by our curriculum map.

Although flexible, the daily mathematics sessions are aligned with our agreed pedagogical model (PM).

It is for this reason we expect all teachers to adhere solely to this model of teaching English.

At Mackellar Primary School, we believe that every child has the right to an education and the potential

to learn and develop in a safe and supportive environment. We believe in creating success for every child

by having high expectations for every child and by creating an environment in which they can thrive. We

believe that children require differing opportunities and support and as such we recognise working with

families to support children’s learning and development is crucial.

At Mackellar Primary School we are committed to the implementation of School-Wide Positive Behaviour

Support (SWPBS) and Rights, Resilience and Respectful Relationships (RRRR) to create and maintain a

safe and supportive learning environment. SWPBS and RRRR are effective, evidence-based frameworks

that address social behaviour and academic outcomes. It is for this reason we expect all teachers to

adhere solely to this model of teaching social and emotional learning.

Future Focused Learning (FFL) is a holistic (school-wide) approach in which learners strive together to

find and solve real-world problems that matter; they focus beyond the curriculum with the goal of gaining

interlinked real-world education and cultivating capabilities essential to ensure their success beyond the

school’ (Watanabe-Crockett, 2019, pp 4).

Our vision for learning is ‘Empowering Global Citizens’. As such, our FFL program provides teachers with

a framework and a process to connect and engage students with the Victorian Curriculum in a fashion

that promotes student agency, voice and leadership.

A student driven approach to learning will guide delivery of Victorian Curriculum.

Assessment is conducted for, as and of learning in accordance with our DE Practice Principle 6: and our

Mackellar Primary School assessment schedule. In particular, we will ensure:

• assessment is goal oriented;

• assessment focuses on higher-order thinking skills;

• assessment holds students accountable for their learning; and

• assessment is a seamless part of the learning process.

It is for these reasons we expect all teachers to adhere solely to this model of inquiry learning

At Mackellar Primary we believe that students should be provided access to a wide range of experiences

and programs. Our specialist subjects include Food Technology, Language (Italian), Performing Arts,

Physical Education, Sport Education and Visual Arts.

All subjects areas are compulsory parts of our curriculum. Reasonable adjustments can be made for

students where applicable.

At Mackellar Primary School we are delighted to share with you the responsibility of providing the highest

quality education for you child and contributing to their growth and development over the years they will

spend at our school.

Design and Technologies, and in particular Food Technology develops the knowledge, understanding

and skills to ensure that students can amongst other things, become critical users of technologies. Food

Technology explores the nutrition principles and the characteristics and properties of food, food selection

and preparation, and contemporary food issues. Students come to understand the importance of a variety

of foods, sound nutrition principles, food preparation skills and food safety.

Languages (Italian): Learning to communicate in another language is a challenging and rewarding

experience. In our increasingly interconnected world, an ability to interact with people and cultures other

than our own is an important skill to prepare young children to become understanding and capable global

citizens. The Victorian Government’s vision for Languages Education, reiterates that the learning program in

all Victorian government schools will include the study of language in addition to English by 2025.

Performing Arts: In Performing Arts, students explore drama and learn about how they can make drama to

communicate ideas and stories by improvising, playing, acting, interpreting, scripting, practising, rehearsing,

presenting, and performing. In addition, students learn to listen to and experiment with a range of sounds

as well as experience a range of music as audiences. Students listen and respond to music, becoming aware

of the elements of beat, rhythm, pitch, dynamics and tempo as they sing, play, improvise, compose, arrange,

practise and move to music. They learn to feel the beat, sing with pitch accuracy and to discriminate

between sound and silence, loud and soft and fast and slow.

Physical Education: At Mackellar Primary School we recognise the importance Physical Education plays in

the curriculum and are committed to providing all children with opportunities to engage fully in Physical

Education (PE). At Mackellar, we develop a Health and Physical Education (PE) Program, which encourages

self-esteem, self-awareness, physical fitness and promotes responsibility for personal wellbeing and teamspirit

amongst students.

Sport Education: Victorian government schools are required to provide 90 minutes of sport education per

week for students in Grades 4-6. At Mackellar Primary School we believe providing a strong basis for sport

education from Grade 3 onwards allows students the time to learn and develop skills from a variety of

sports which will equip them to meaningfully take part in inter-school sport and develop a lifelong love of

movement and physical activity. In Grades P-2, students take part in game sense learning the strategies and

competition required for sport. Sport education lessons are taken by classroom teachers.

Visual Arts: The Visual Arts are a unique, expressive, creative, and communicative form that supports

students to view the world through various lenses and contexts. It recognises the significance of visual

histories, theories, and practices by exploring and responding to artwork. At Mackellar, students will make

and respond to art using their knowledge, understanding and skills to express personal views. Visual art will

engage students to use curiosity, experimentation and problem solving to make judgements about their

own and others’ work, to develop an understanding of world cultures.

Your iPad is not covered by Mackellar Primary School or The Department of Education’s insurance policy. Please check with your home and/or contents insurer if your existing cover extends to an iPad being brought to school by your child. If you purchase your device and purchase Apple Care, you may select insurance through Apple as an optional extra. All Apple hardware comes with a one-year limited warranty and up to 90 days of complimentary telephone technical support. It is recommended you extend your coverage further with the AppleCare Protection Plan.

iPad Covers

In order to keep the iPad safe and well-protected, it is compulsory for all students to purchase a recommended (or similar) iPad cover.
Cases we recommend: Longitech, Otter, Case Buddy, Targus, STM case for iPad (JB HiFi). If unsure please check with us.

School WI Fi and Internet connection – Students’ iPads will be connected to the School’s Wi-Fi when at school – 4G must be disabled.

Cyber safety practices are a high priority at Mackellar Primary School and appropriate duty of care is extended to all our digital environments. Students and Parents also have a responsibility in this area to minimise risk or exposure to unsuitable material. Any misuse of digital technology or online tools will be handled in line with Mackellar Primary School’s Behaviour Policy. 

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