|
|
Multiage
Classes at Petrie Terrace State School are organised into multiage year levels. The combinations may vary from year to year but there are no single-year classes. This year the classes are - Prep/1; 1/2G; 1/2M; 3/4R; 3/4M; 4/5F; 5/6D; 6/7C and P-7 (special education unit).
PTSS staff recognise that students are not waiting to be graded at the end of each year, but rather are on a pathway of life-long learning. Students have access to a flexible, supportive learning-environment and have the opportunity to progress at their own rate of development. Students do not need to wait for others to catch up, nor feel they can't "make the grade". In multiage classes, students are able to find someone else to work with at their level, take on a tutoring role in some situations, and at other times venture into other classes to work with peers with similar interests and/or abilities. The learning environment in a multiage structure provides great opportunities for flexible student learning.
Teachers are familiar with Education Queensland curriculum documents and guidelines, and facilitate learning by guiding students along developmental pathways.
Special Needs
PTSS is committed to the provision of equitable educational opportunities so that all students have access to, participate in and gain positive outcomes from schooling.
"The statement of purpose at PTSS is to develop the potential of each student within a supportive school environment, which is responsive to change, and values the participation of the whole community" (Annual Operation Plan).
In striving to provide equitable educational opportunities for all it is acknowledged that for some students to receive appropriate support (low-incidence disabilities, learning difficulties, and/or behaviour and communication challenges) it will be necessary to draw on the expertise of a range of support personnel.
Thinksports
Thinksports is an annual event that is organised as a vertical school house competition. It is really a mental athletics carnival.
Prior to the day: Children work alone or with learning partners of different ages to design and construct an invention. Children are guided through a range of scaffolded learning experiences that explicitly teach the skills of collaboration, cooperation and creative thinking skills.
On the day: Inventions are displayed at school. All students, staff, parents and community visitors anonymously vote for inventions that they feel show outstanding creativity and original thought.
Peer Support Program
This program runs for two terms a year and involves vertical grouping of the whole school. Older students teach and mentor a multiage group of younger children, for a 30 minute lesson every week.
Every student in year 6 and 7 undertakes training to become a Peer Support Leader.
With assistance from their teachers, these group leaders plan activities dealing with topics such as friendship, being assertive, conflict resolution and thinking it through.
Every week while it is run the Peer Support Groups work together to develop interpersonal skills and relationships across all year levels.
|
|
|
Calendar |
 |
December 2008 |
 |
|
|
|
