ENGLISH

Reading, writing (including spelling, grammar and punctuation), and talking and listening are the central aspects of literacy dealt with through the teaching of English.  English occurs everywhere in all of the Key Learning Areas and every other activity in which the children engage.  Debating, choral speaking, public speaking and writing for competitions add to the diversity of classroom experiences in the use of language.  Books, magazines, posters and audio and video tapes enrich our students' learning.

MATHEMATICS

Maths is a practical activities area with much learning through concrete materials and other realistic situations, especially problem solving. Aspects of mathematics are:

Number including numeration, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, money, chance and data,

Patterns and Algebra - emphasising number patterns and number relationships

Space including two and three dimensional shapes, and position

Measurement including length, mass, area, volume and capacity, and time.

Data - collecting, organising, interpreting and analysing data in tabular or graphical forms

Working Mathematically - questioning, reasoning, applying strategies, communicating and reflecting.  This is the process strand.  Students develop favourable attitudes to the learning of mathematics, recognise and apply maths in everyday situations, use mathematical language, and use maths creatively in expressing new ideas.

HUMAN SOCIETY AND ITS ENVIRONMENT

This learning area focuses on people, cultures, societies and environments, the development of positive attitudes and values through the development of skills in investigation, communication and participation.  Units integrated with other Key Learning Areas provide a context for an understanding of national identity and effective participation in maintaining and enhancing the quality of our society. 

To further enhance students' multicultural understanding, and as part of the school's Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Program, all students undertake an hour of French activities each week.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

This is the learning area in which students learn about the natural and made environments by investigating, by designing and making and by using technology.  An interesting range of resources, which include electrical circuits, magnets, hot glue guns, and Lego Dacta Technics kits, make active learning a pleasure for all students as they develop skills through Science and Technology which they can apply to the wider environment.

CREATIVE ARTS

Art, craft, music and dance opportunities enable creative exhibitions and performances by all students. Individual expression and creative skills and talents are developed through a variety of learning opportunities. Amongst the many exciting opportunities for the display of art and craft work are the Castle Hill Show, various venues during Education Week, art competitions, and in the classroom.

Music and drama performances at the School's Presentation Nights are the culmination of continuous activity in these areas during the year. Students also participate in choral, instrumental, dance and speech activities during the District Music Festival, Easter and Christmas celebrations, Anzac Commemoration, Education Week and other public arenas, in addition to class based activities.

Singing and percussion activities are introduced for all students early in the school's music program, while talented musicians have the opportunity to learn flute, clarinet and violin through individual and ensemble tuition.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT, HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Students develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to understand, value and lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Students form a basis for their adoption of a responsible and productive role in society through the development of self-esteem, social responsibility and well-being, movement skill and personal fitness, and the ability to make informed health and lifestyle decisions. 

All classes engage in Physical Education programs as part of the school's total curriculum. Kindergarten and Year 1 students are involved in a developmental Gross Motor program designed to promote physical, personal and social development by carefully graded activities which increase muscular co-ordination, balance, body control and awareness. 

Year 2 and 3 students undertake activities including tabloid skills, minor games, athletics training, and an introduction to major games. 

Team sports are provided for students in Year 4 or above and weekly House competitions are held in a variety of team sports including netball, newcombeball, t-ball, softball, rugby football, soccer and cricket.  

Students with high aptitude in a particular sport may be included in representative teams which compete against teams for other schools.  The school also holds annual swimming, cross country, athletics and ballgames carnivals.