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:
Help your Child to Read and Write Part 1
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

The most important skill in Mathematics is to build number sense. We do this by developing a range of Big Ideas in Maths. These Big Ideas demonstrate to students the creativity in Maths, the visual patterns and the possibilities that go beyond mathematical equations and algorithms or formula. Students are encouraged to engage in a variety of mathematical investigations, often resulting in many possible solutions. This allows them to build a variety of skills through relevant, authentic and meaningful tasks. Students make connections across a range of 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 which incorporates music and theatre.

Science

Each week the students across the school have specialist Science classes, with an emphasis on the STEAM areas - Science, Technology, Engineering, Art 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.

Auslan (Australian Sign Language)

Students from F-6 all attend Auslan lessons each week. We are fortunate to have a Deaf Instructor, Lauren Stancliffe, who teaches students Auslan each week. Through these authentic language experiences, students study basic introductions, common topics, and learn games to support their developing communication. They also study many aspects of Deaf culture, traditions and celebrations.

Camps & Excursions

Our senior students attend a 3 day camp each year which rotates between a Melbourne City camp, a Beach camp in Anglesea and a bush camp with an Indigenous theme. Year 2-3s attend a 2 day camp each year, rotating between Cave Hill Creek (Beaufort) and Camp Sunnystones (Bacchus Marsh). Our Foundation-1 students have a sleepover at school in Term 4. Recently, Year 5-6 students have started a new, annual tradition of having a sleep-out under the stars, in tents, on the school oval, in order to explore our stars, local planets and constellations.

A wide variety of excursions and incursions are run each year as well, including Sovereign Hill, Earth Ed and Gymnastics.

Extra Curricular

Instrumental Lessons - Napoleons PS has visiting expert instrumental teachers who have regular students each week. This is offered based on student demand.
 

Student Wellbeing

Napoleons Primary School has a positive school culture that is guided by our School Wide Positive Behaviours Expectations. We embed the foundations of Rights Responsibilities and Respectful Relationships (RRRR) across our school throughout our learning and wellbing activities. These include our school values which underpin our school culture and operation. Students are supported in their wellbeing and learning with a rich and diverse staff including teachers, tutors, education support and wellbeing support. Our staff are all ongoing learners who strive to ensure their skills, knowledge and experience are continually updated to ensure the very best of educational opportunities for all students.

With support from FoodBank Victoria, we offer breakfast or brunch support for any and all students who need it and any students who wish to add to the breakfast they may already have had.

Tutoring and Intervention

Napoleons PS identifies students who need extra support in English and Maths through an extensive tutoring program supporting students who need to 'catch up' to their expected level, and also to extend those who are up for additional challenges in their learning.