At Yarram Primary School we utilise the 5E instructional model when teaching numeracy. This model provides a structured and engaging framework for students to develop mathematical concepts and skills.
Engage: In the Engage phase, students practise previous learning and work towards fluency through relaxed and fun warm up activities.
Explore: In the Explore phase all students are challenged to investigate real world problems, ask questions and share strategies.
Explain: In the Explain phase teachers explicitly teach relevant knowledge, concepts and skills while providing guidance and addressing misconceptions.
Elaborate: The Elaborate phase encourages students to transfer and generalise their learning, becoming questioning and self-monitoring learners.
Evaluate: The Evaluate phase allows students to reflect on their learning, assess their mathematical abilities, and receive feedback that informs further instruction.
Our approach is interactive, inquiry-based, and student-centred, fostering a solid foundation in mathematics and promoting critical thinking skills.
We use evidence based instructional practises for the teaching of literacy. All students learn the code of the English language through a systematic synthetic phonics approach. By applying letter and sound knowledge to reading decodable texts students learn the building blocks of literacy.
All classrooms also have embedded reading and writing workshops. The workshop model is an approach that promotes student engagement and choice in literacy learning. Students learn specific reading and writing strategies and have ample time to practise these strategies with books and topics they are interested in. Teachers hold targeted small group lessons and one on one conferences to support and challenge each child exactly at their point of need.
We teach science, history, geography, civics and citizenship through an integrated throughlines program. Students explore a huge range of topics throughout their time at primary school, delving deeper into concepts as they move up through the years.
Children explore storytelling, performance and self-expression in a weekly performing art class. This session includes music (with a focus on percussion), dance and drama activities. Throughout the year students have opportunities to participate in extracurricular performing arts activities, including joining the YPS choir and performing solos, duos, trios and plays as part of the Yarram Eisteddfod.
Our art program fosters creativity and inspiration as students explore various artistic techniques and express themselves through visual mediums. Through painting, drawing, sculpting, construction and other art forms, children are encouraged to think outside the box, experiment with different materials, and bring their imagination to life. We are very proud to showcase student artwork in the community throughout the year at the Yarram Courthouse Gallery, at the Yarram Show and through other exhibitions.
At YPS all students participate in a weekly Auslan (Australian Sign Language) session. Learning a second language, like Auslan, in primary school has many wonderful benefits for children. It helps them understand different cultures, be inclusive, and develop empathy. Learning Auslan also improves their thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and reading and writing. It helps children make friends and communicate better with others!
At YPS we are proud to offer a dynamic Physical Education program that prioritises the importance of physical fitness, well-being, and an active lifestyle. Our PE classes provide students with opportunities to develop their motor skills, coordination, and teamwork. Through the Sporting Schools program we often bring coaches with specialised skills to enhance our offerings with programs such as gymnastics, volleyball and lawn bowls. Whether through sports, games, or exercise, our PE program aims to build strength, endurance, and confidence in our students.
Students in junior classrooms have additional sessions weekly with our Perceptual Motor Program. These fun activities teach balance, coordination and gross motor skills that are critical in the early years.
We believe in igniting curiosity and preparing students for the future through hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. In STEM sessions children engage in construction challenges, learn the basics of coding, use exciting technology such as brain boxes and bee bots, and apply critical thinking skills.
