Teaching and Learning
Literacy and Numeracy
Building the capabilities of students in Literacy (English) and Numeracy (Maths) is the key focus of our learning and teaching at McLaren Flat PS. We strive to develop connected, literate and numerate learners who are active participants in their learning and are well supported in their journey by teachers, support staff, families and most of all, each other. Building strong foundations for literacy and numeracy is fundamental to future success and growth and through teaching and learning programs based on the Big 6 of reading and the Big Ideas in Number, we deliver engaging, evidence based programs that drive improvement through participation, success and achievement of individual learning goals.
Science and STEM
All classes at McLaren Flat PS access specialist science lessons each week. Our curriculum is based on the SA Curriculum for Public Education which provides a comprehensive and engaging learning experience in science, focusing on hands on investigations and inquiry learning.
Japanese
Students from Reception to Year 6 access weekly language lessons through our Specialist Japanese program. Children learn about many aspects of the written and spoken Japanese language and participate in a range of cultural activities with our experienced and skilled language Sensei Tania Folland.
Music
roThe music program at McLaren Flat is alive and well under the expert guidance of experienced specialist music and choir teacher Indra Benson. Students have the opportunity to explore a range of theory and practical activities that build skills and enjoyment of music. Students from Year 5 to 6 can participate in the Primary Schools Music Festival each year as well as the Northern and Southern Choir festival performances. We also have a ukulele program and a school ensemble as well. Students form Year 3 and up can also participate in instrumental music lessons, learning violin, viola or cello.
The Arts
Students participate in and learn about a range of artistic pursuits aligned with the South Australian Curriculum, including visual arts and drama. We provide specialist instruction in Dance annually as part of the school end of year concert and have an integrated Media Arts program for the middle and upper primary year levels.
Inclusive Education Support
Supporting all learners to be successful is a key focus at the Flat and we have a range of specialised learning support programs offering intervention and learner enrichment, including Reading Doctor and Too Smart Maths programs. Eligible students can access 1-1 and small group support for learning through in class and withdrawal programs. Our Inclusive Education program is supported by a suite of specialists from the Department for Education Support Services Team – including a speech pathologist, psychologist, social worker and special educator. We also work collaboratively with families and NDIS providers to best meet the needs of children in their local school environment. We also have an Autism Inclusion teacher who works across the school supporting Neurodiverse students. Inclusive practices are embedded across the school.
Sport and Health
Being active and developing positive lifestyle habits are a priority for our leaners at McLaren Flat. Our students participate in weekly specialist PE lessons and also have the chance to participate in regular sports coaching clinics provided Sporting Schools Australia. We are actively involved in School Sport SA (formerly SAPSASA) events – participating in netball, soccer (boys and girls), swimming, athletics, cricket, ultimate frisbee, cross country and mountain biking as part of the Onkaparinga South District. The Flat has a proud tradition of children representing the district in a range of sporting endeavours. We also hold an annual sports day (see above)
We also value healthy lifestyles and over the next few years, will continue to develop our vegetable garden and orchard, chicken coop and permaculture garden where children can get hands on learning around healthy eating and the benefits of growing and enjoying your own food.
Resource Centre
McLaren Flat Primary School offers students a well-resourced library with a variety of fiction and non-fiction titles. The collection is continually up-dated, complementing all areas of study. The library promotes a warm and friendly environment where students are encouraged to actively participate. Books can be borrowed for a period of up to 2 weeks. Once borrowed, the care of books rests with the students. A library bag will not only offer protection but will provide a place to keep books whilst they are at home. We may expect some compensation for books that are lost or damaged.
Our school also offers a resource based learning program for students. The Librarian works with class teachers on a research topic providing resources and teaching research skills and independent learning through enquiry and investigation. All students are encouraged to use the library to borrow books and/or resources.
Swimming and Aquatics
Each year, our students participate in the DfE Water safety program (Reception to Year 5) at the Noarlunga Swimming Centre and the Aquatics Program (Year 6) at the Aquatics centre based at beautiful Port Noarlunga Beach where students get involved in swimming, snorkeling, surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, boogie boarding, wave skiing and reef ecology education.
Camps and Excursions
Camps and Excursions can be an excellent way to expose students to a wider range of academic, social and personal learning experiences in new contexts an environments. Locations of camps over the last few years have included Illawonga, El Shaddai, Adare, Woodhouse, Wirraway, ZooSnooze, Narnu Farm, Roonka, Ankara and Mylor Camp.
Our excursions have visited places like the Adelaide Zoo, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide Central market, Parliament House, The National Motor Museum, other local schools, Belair National Park, Kuitpo Forest, Rocky creek, Victor Harbor and Port Noarlunga Beach to name a few.
Parents and Caregivers will be advised prior to any camp and before excursions. From time to time Staff may ask for volunteers to assist during these events and parental permission is needed for all excursions.
ICT and Digital Techology
Developing the skills to be a confident and competent user of digital technology is of key importance in contemporary learning. At McLaren Flat, this means first developing fundamental human skills, such as problem solving, creative and critical thinking, collaboration and communication, reasoning and logic – which can then be enhanced and activated further through the considered and critical application of technology and digital devices as students progress through their schooling. In the contemporary world, students need to learn the skills to apply the right tool for the task and to do this, we utilise technology for a range of purposes right across the curriculum, when and where it will complement, enhance and support learning. Promoting high level skills in cyber safety and positive and responsible digital citizenship is also a critical part of work that is done in collaboration with families and other outside agencies.
Special Events
SPORTSDAY
In April each year we enjoy our Sportsday. Our four teams: Leslie (yellow), Sturt (red), Wickham (blue) and Elliott (green) are lead by student captains and participate in a range of competitive and fun team and individual events, culminating in sprint races, tug-o-war and the traditional ribbon relay. There is a carnival atmosphere on the day, enjoyed by students, staff and spectators alike.
RECONCILIATION WEEK
Reconciliation Week is an important date on the school calendar each year and is recognised in the last week of May. We take this opportunity to further develop our community understanding of reconciliation with our First Nations people, thus developing a stronger cultural and historical understanding of the connections between all Australians.
END OF YEAR CONCERT
In December each year, we celebrate the end of the School Year with a community concert. Students present a range of items including dance, drama and musical performances. We create the performance around a common theme, for example in 2019 we presented and Oz Music and Dance Spectacular, with all classes performing a routine choreographed to a classic Australian song or medley.
KUDLILA WINTER FESTIVAL A fun annual event, where we recognise and celebrate the Kaurna winter season’s arrival with a campfire, songs, hot chocolates and of course marshmallows.
NATURE PLAY DAY
2019 saw the introduction of our Whole School Nature Play day Kuitpo Forest. Complete with a campfire, cubbies and a creek, the day was a real highlight for students and staff who got pretty muddy in the process. We look forward to another Nature Play day in winter this year at Rocky Creek Forest.
BOOKWEEK AND ELDERS DAY
A favourite event on our calendar is the Book week and Elders day celebration, that brings together our children’s love of reading and spending time with our favourite seniors. Bookweek and the parade are always great fun!
ROSE CEREMONY
At the Flat we start and end each school year with our very special rose ceremonies. In January and July, our brand-new receptions are welcomed and gifted a yellow rose by our year 6 students, who then receive a farewell rose from the reception students on their very last day of primary school. It is a unique and special event on our calendar.
THE BELL RINGING
The ringing of the old school bell is a tradition that goes back decades at the Flat, where the year sixes all take a turn to ring the school bell on their last day of school. It is an emotional, but fun filled event that welcomes families, old scholars, community members and friends to be part of this milestone marking moment.