Curriculum at Napoleons Primary School

Literacy
Sounds Write is a highly structured, synthetic phonics program which provides staff and parents with a comprehensive system to teaching reading, spelling and writing. Teachers who lead Sounds Write sessions must have completed the Sounds Write training. As of March 2021, all Napoleons Primary School Teachers are now trained in Sounds Write and it is a core feature of each classroom from Foundation through to Year 6. In the Early Years, Sounds Write concentrates on introducing the sounds of our English Language – starting with single sounds and moving towards blended sounds and more unusual spellings.
In the upper years, the program focuses on extension of spelling, word meanings, etymology (history of words – origins, prefixes and suffixes) and multisyllabic words. This program and its teachings provide students with the tools they need to decode words, blend and manipulate sounds to enhance their reading, spelling and writing.
Parents wishing to learn more about this program and how best to support their children with reading, spelling and writing at home are invited to access the free parent training sessions found at
https://www.udemy.com/course/help-your-child-to-read-and-write/  and
https://www.udemy.com/course/help-your-child-to-read-and-write-part-2/

ICT​
All of our students have access to desktops, laptops and iPads. All Classrooms have Smartboards or TVs. There s an emphasis on maintaining our eSmart status and students having an awareness of Cybersafety. Our Gr 3-6 students have a 1:1 netbook program.

​Maths​
​Students are encouraged to engage in a variety of mathematical investigations. This allows them to build a variety of skills through relevant and meaningful tasks. Students can make connections across learning areas to develop their mathematical thinking.

P.E. and Sports
​Our students have expansive grounds and a sports shed in which to do PE lessons and Sports. We regularly access the Sporting Schools program to provide a wide variety of PE skills and sports to all students. Our senior students participate in a Winter Sports program along with other local schools. We also are involved in the Linton District Athletics and Cross Country. All students in the school also do Swimming at the Ballarat Aquatic Centre.

Art / Music
​All students have Art classes each week. The skills learnt in these classes inspire the students' imagination and creativity. We conduct Art Shows and have an end-of-year performance Showcase.

Science
​Each week the students across the school have specialist Science classes, with an emphasis on the STEM areas - Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. Students cover topics such as Magnets, Environment, Light, Chemistry and construction. Napoleons PS also has a 'Frog Bog' in our school grounds, which the students use for further scientific study.

Chinese
​Students from F-6 all attend Chinese lessons each week. they student Chinese language, including basic introductions, numbers and words. They also study many aspects of Chinese culture, appreciating the differences and similarities.
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Camps & Excursions
​Our senior students attend a 3 day camp each year. Grade 2/3s attend a 2 day camp and the F/1s have a sleepover at school. A wide variety of excursions and incursions are run each year as well, including Sovereign Hill, Earth Ed and Gymnastics.

Extra Curricular
Piano & Guitar - Napoleons PS has visiting expert and Piano and Guitar teachers who have regular students each week.

Student Wellbeing
Napoleons PS began implementing the Friendly School program in 2018. We  have an emphasis on our school values, and  these are encouraged in everyday activities in the classroom and in the yard. We employ a Well-Being Officer who is available at point-of-need for any students who require support, as well as working with classes.
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Intervention
​​​Napoleons PS identifies students who need extra support in English and Maths. We run a Quicksmart Numeracy program and also do Reading Recovery.