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Classroom Units
Classes are organised depending on numbers in each year level at the beginning of the year. Each child has a class teacher, but may interact with other teachers in a team teaching situation. Team teaching simply means that the teachers in the unit plan together and organise their timetables to best utilise each other’s talents and the teaching area to the benefit of the children.
Work is provided to ensure children work at their own rate and level of development in all areas. Occasionally this involves grouping students within the unit, or across the school (multi-aged groups) for specific activities.
Co-operative Learning
Children working in learning teams develop skills of communication, problem solving strategies and a strong sense of cohesion with their peers. Members of a learning team have specific responsibilities and the team values the contribution of each member. Research shows that children learn more effectively when they are learning in teams rather than when they work individually. All children at Duffy will be able to do some of their work in learning teams.
Library Resource Centre
The library resource centre is an integral part of the school teaching and learning program. It provides a rich literary environment for all students Kindergarten to Year 6 to learn or relax in. Regular lessons develop Information Literacy skills and Literature appreciation.
The skills of locating, selecting, organising, recording, communicating and evaluating information are taught using books, A/V resources and computer technologies. Children have access to a fully automated library catalogue, educational programs and the Internet.
Each class has a rostered time to use the library to change books, to learn about library procedure and to use materials, catalogues and equipment. (Class library times are outlined in Term Overviews). Children from Kindergarten can borrow up to two items, Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 up to 4 items at a time. The loan period is two weeks. Children are encouraged to use the library when open during the lunch break from 1.30pm to 1.50pm for the purposes of recreation, research or to return or borrow books.
Storytellers, authors and illustrators, are regularly invited to share their love of literature with students in the library. Parents are able to use the library facilities after contacting the Library Co-ordinator.
Assessment and Reporting
Assessment at Duffy Primary is a continuous process. Formal written reporting to parents occurs twice per year. Parent teacher interviews are held at the end of Term two. This is an oral reporting session with a summary report given to parents at the meeting. Late in Term three students, parents and teachers share in Learning Journeys and a comprehensive written report is provided to parents at the end of Term Four. (Communication section describes Learning Journeys).
Teachers will contact parents to arrange an interview if concern exists at any other time of the year. Parents are encouraged to do the same. The value of open communication between parents and teachers in sharing information cannot be stressed too highly.
PIPS (Performance Indicators in Schools)
Kindergarten children complete the Performance Indicators in Schools or Pips testing early in Term 1 and again early in Term 4. While formal results come to the school later, working with the children on the testing provides the kindergarten teacher with valuable information on the literacy and numeracy skills the children have brought to Primary School.
Special Needs Team
The Special Needs Team consists of the Principal, Executive Teacher, Counsellor and the teacher responsible for providing Learning Assistance. The team meets weekly to monitor and review the social and educational needs of all students. Class teachers report to the Special Needs Team on a regular basis.
Physical Education and Sport Houses
Students are allocated to a ‘house’ to which they remain for special events and carnivals throughout their time at Duffy. Houses are named after famous Australian sporting identities.
Perkins: Green Fleming: Red Freeman: Blue
An athletics carnival, a swimming carnival and a cross country are held each year. Visiting coaches enhance skills development in sports such as cricket, soccer, basketball, netball and gymnastics.
Outdoor Education
The Outdoor Education program follows a planned program of age appropriate activities, camps and excursions. Educational excursions can greatly enhance a child’s education and teachers are encouraged to incorporate these into classroom programs where appropriate. School camps are held at a range of venues including Birrigai, Camp Sturt, Cooba and Warrambui.
School Review
As with all Government schools in the ACT, Duffy Primary undertakes an on going process of school review and improvement. The process considers all aspects of educational program within the school including educational outcomes, management, school culture/climate, programs, staff professional development and social justice issues. At the end of each three year cycle recommendations of the Review form the basis of a new three-year School Development Plan. A copy of the plan is always available at the front office. Duffy Primary has just completed a cycle in 2006 and will be developing a 2007-2009 School Plan early in 2007.
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