CURRICULUM
The school is currently developing its Curriculum Framework and Policy on the teaching and learning process. As we move closer to full implementation of an Outcomes Based approach to education, there will be changes to what is taught and how it is taught. Until this implementation process is complete, the following outline of all the Key Learning Areas is provided to reinforce our commitment to providing a full and varied education for all children.
ENGLISH:
The school’s English program aims to develop students’ abilities to participate effectively in society. Functional and critical literacy skills have an important focus with study in the areas of reading, writing, listening, speaking and viewing.

Studies in English include media studies, literature and drama, and bring together other curriculum areas. The English program, through meaningful and real life experiences, aims to develop in children:

· positive attitudes and confidence in using language
· skills in reading including oral and silent reading and comprehension
· skills in writing including spelling, grammar and vocabulary
· knowledge of language conventions and people’s use of language for various purposes
decision-making, critical thinking and problem solving abilities.

MATHEMATICS:
The school’s Mathematics program aims to engage students in well structured and varied practical learning activities within realistic contexts. Through problem solving we foster a “hands-on” approach encouraging positive attitudes and confidence. The development of mathematical language is seen as essential in the early years of school. Numeracy skills are taught daily. Accuracy with the four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) and number facts is emphasised. Students are given opportunities to investigate mathematical ideas using all three types of computation; paper and pencil, mental and with calculators. Students study number, measurement, space, chance and data and elementary algebra.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY:
The school is utilising technology as one of its processes for curriculum delivery and sees this as essential in preparing students for the 21st century. Technology brings together traditional subject areas and involves stages of design, manufacture and appraisal.

All children have access to a computer with a printer and use a range of software appropriate to their age and studies. The Internet is available to all students as it may be accessed through the School Resource Centre and computer laboratory. Year 6 and 7 classrooms are well equipped with networked computers and the Internet. The P&C Association is supportive of the technology program and has assisted with the installation of the Internet and the updating of hardware and software.

The Information Technology policy emphasises the development of children’s knowledge, skills and positive attitudes in this area.

All students from Years 1 to 7 are required to purchase their own calculator for regular classroom use. Calculators are used to support and complement students’ number studies.

STUDY OF SOCIETY AND ENVIRONMENT (SOSE)

Study of Society and Environment fosters an understanding of human relationships and the children’s interdependence between individuals and groups in society, whilst at the same time developing academic and social skills. These studies enable children to develop knowledge of history, geography and government and an appreciation and understanding of other cultures both within Australia and overseas.

We aim to develop children’s skills and abilities to enable them to participate in society as active and informed citizens.

Payne Road State School also aims to develop within its students an awareness of, and a respect for, and love of, the environment. Environmental education is about learning to care for the Earth, other people and ourselves. The environment is a central theme in many units of study. The school also offers extracurricular activities associated with the maintenance and beautification of the school grounds, specifically the Environment Club and the Creek Project.

The school's Human Relationships Education Program is taught as part of the existing curriculum in areas such as English, Social Studies, Science and Health and Physical Education. Students in Years 5 and 7 have the opportunity to attend special classes provided by the Family Planning Association of Queensland.

Religious Education: Classes are conducted for half an hour each week for Years 2-7. Teachers are provided through the Inter-Church Council of The Gap. This council represents the Anglican, Baptist, Catholic, Presbyterian and Uniting churches and the Salvation Army. Clergy from these churches, together with a large band of volunteers, make up the teaching team.

Cooperation among the churches enables the children to remain in their regular class groups for the R.E. period. Children do not have to move into separate denominational groups and sometimes have a Religious Education teacher from a Church other than their own. If parents do not want their children to attend these classes, they need to inform the school in writing.

Each year a special emphasis is placed on the traditional Christian events of Easter and Christmas.

SCIENCE:
The school’s Science Program is based upon topics or conceptual themes in the areas of life, energy, matter, earth and space. The school is very well equipped with Science resources and students make full use of these in their classrooms and in the hall.

We enhance intellectual development and engender positive attitudes in Science through an approach which develops thinking skills and students’ abilities to experiment, observe, compare, infer and hypothesize. A “hands-on” approach is adopted as much as possible and students are encouraged to discuss and share their scientific discoveries with others.

THE ARTS:
The Arts encompasses the visual arts, drama, theatre, dance, media and music.

The scientific, mathematic and linguistic development of our children must not overshadow the equally important artistic development which should (along with the others) go hand in hand. The ‘general aims’ of The Arts in the curriculum is to give each pupil the background from which all forms of art become more meaningful.

Art:- Art and craft lessons are taught by classroom teachers, visiting artists and parents with particular expertise. We have a comprehensive Art and Craft Program offering a wide variety and sequential set of experiences for students in Years 1 to 7. It is our aim to provide experiences for the children in painting, drawing, construction, modelling and carving, printmaking, textiles and art appreciation which will enhance and develop their knowledge and attitudes. The development of students’ creativity and ability to self-evaluate are critical to a successful Art program.

Queensland Arts Council:- (QAC): Artists from QAC visit the school once per term. Their performances are of the highest standard and all children are encouraged to attend. Performances are well priced. Notification of performances is made through the school newsletter.

Music:- All students have one 30 minute lesson per week with our specialist Music teacher to develop musical skills in singing, dance, harmony, beat, rhythm and music appreciation. Children from Year 4 to Year 7 learn to play the recorder. Children are encouraged to participate in the recorder consort, choirs or instrumental groups operating at the school.

Children from Years 3 to 7 also have an opportunity to develop their appreciation of music through their participation in the Junior or Senior Choirs program.

Instrumental Music:- Lessons are provided by our Instrumental Music teachers each week. Children who show particular interest and aptitude are encouraged to learn either a Brass, String, Woodwind or Percussion instrument. Children have the opportunity to begin learning String instruments in Year 3 and Woodwind, Brass or Percussion instruments in Year 5.

The school's Concert Band, Recorder Consort, String Ensemble and Junior and Senior Choirs perform at school functions and assemblies, community events and competitions.
An Annual Music Camp for schools in The Gap cluster is conducted in Term 3. Students from different schools selected for GRIPPS (Gap Region Instrumental Primary Performers School) through an audition process. The camp concludes with a Friday night concert. This camp is recognised statewide for its quality teaching and learning.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION
In this key learning area, students are involved in experiences where they develop a knowledge base and the attitudes necessary for reflecting upon decisions affecting the life-long health of an individual and society. Opportunities are provided for developing concepts and skills for physical activity and enhancing personal development.

Students are provided with one 30 minute P.E. lesson each week (delivered by the Physical Education specialist). Each class receives 1 swimming lesson per week in either term 1 or 4 as part of their P.E. program (terms 1 and 4 for year 2). These lessons are held at a nearby school pool and children travel to their lesson by bus. In lower year levels the emphasis is stroke correction and in upper years enhancing techniques and knowledge of survival skills.

A variety of sports, skills and strategies associated with them, are addressed in middle and upper year levels. The lower year levels are involved in an additional 30 minutes/week of perceptual motor program work (provided by P.E. specialist) to further enhance their skill development.

Camps:- Early in the school year, students in Years 6 and 7 are encouraged to attend the school camp. Traditionally Year 6/7 camps alternate between Tallebudgera and Camp Goodenough. Camps develop students’ leadership skills, physical skills and abilities to work in cooperative team situations. Later in the year the Year 4 students attend an overnight camp at Underwater World and the Year 5 children have the opportunity to attend a three day camp at Mapleton.

School Camping Program
Year 1 – 3 - optional, determined by teacher
Year 4 - overnight
Year 5 - overnight
Year 6 - overnight
Year 6/7 - overnight

Length of camp determined by cost and availability of support
teachers.

LANGUAGES OTHER THAN ENGLISH (LOTE)
Middle and upper school students learn Chinese Mandarin. Lessons of 45 minutes duration are taught twice each week. It is hoped that by providing the opportunity to learn Chinese, students would develop a keen awareness of the importance of language in communications and a greater tolerance and understanding of people from different cultures.

The course aims to provide a basis for further study in the language and for vocational opportunities later on in life.

HOMEWORK:
Introduction
Homework is seen by staff members at this school as an important part of the learning process. Skills and concepts are consolidated and importantly, unfinished tasks completed and the study discipline is established from an early age. Homework is also a way for parents to be informed about what their children are doing at school.
At home, it is highly recommended that a homework routine be established that stipulates both a time and a place conducive to concentration.

When will homework be set?
As a general rule, teachers will set homework from Monday to Thursday with no set homework for weekends. Recognise that variations to this general rule can occur to meet class or individual student’s needs.

How much and what will be set?

Year Approx Time Set Work
1 10 minutes Reading
2 15 minutes Reading and written work
3 20 minutes Reading and written work
4 20 minutes Reading, spelling, research,
maths consolidation
5 20-30 minutes Reading, spelling, research,
maths consolidation
6 30 minutes All curriculum areas
7 40 minutes All curriculum areas as required.

Students in Year 7 are encouraged to practice time management skills in preparation for secondary education.

Correction and Feedback
For all the benefits of homework to be realised, it will be corrected and feedback provided to students as soon as possible after the due date.

Consequences of Homework not done
Years 1 and 2 - Teachers will make contact with parents when non-completion of homework becomes a problem.
Years 3 to 7 - Children will be required to complete unfinished homework in their own time. Where repeated non-completion occurs, parents will be informed.

REPORTING:

Throughout the year, teachers and students assess children’s work and learning. A variety of assessment tasks, including regular quizzes and written tests, are given to children so their progress may be monitored. To inform parents of their child’s progress, parent-teacher interviews are conducted before the Easter vacation and written reports are sent home at the end of each school semester in June and December.

In Years 1 to 3, children’s development in Number, Reading and Writing is recorded onto individual student profiles. Teachers share a written report on an individual child’s phase of development in these areas.

Parents of Year 2 students are provided with Diagnostic Net assessment information. A report is written to identify a child’s progress, but does not draw comparisons between children. An information afternoon in Term Three is provided to enhance parents’ understanding of the Net process.

In Years 5 and 7 students take part in a State-wide Literacy and Numeracy Test each August that help identify student’s strengths and areas requiring further development. This test complements other assessment information and is used by teachers when reporting on a child’s learning and progress in specific areas. A written report is provided on your child’s results in this test late in Semester Two.

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE:
Extra-curricular Activities:
• Opti-Minds (received Honours in 2005)
• G.R.I.P.P.S (Gap Region Instrumental Primary Performers)
• Chess Club
• Environment Club
• Inter-school Sport – Netball, Softball, Tee-ball, Beach Volleyball, Diamond Cricket, Cricket, Soccer and sometimes Rugby League.
• Annual Art and Music Soiree
• Junior and Senior School Band
• Junior and Senior Strings Ensemble
• JJ, Junior and Senior Choirs
• Eisteddfod Choir
• University of NSW English, Maths, Science and Computer competitions
• School Camps to Underwater World (Year 4 – one night), Mapleton (Year 5 – 3 nights), Tallebudgera and Goodenough (Years 6 & 7 – alternate years – 4 nights).
• Extension Maths lessons at the local high-school for some year 7 students.
• Extension Art lessons at the local high-school for some year 7 students.
• Leadership programs for years 6 and 7 (All Year 7 students are on leadership committees).
• Bardon Young Writers
• Book-lovers Club