FOUNDATION to Year 2

Foundation forms an important introduction to the Roxby Downs Area Schools Early Years program, spanning from Foundation through to Year 2. Teachers build on the knowledge, skills and understandings that children bring to school from their homes, communities and experiences in playgroups, care, and education settings before school.

In Foundation, there is a strong focus on English (Literacy), Mathematics (Numeracy), Social Skills (Health) and play based learning (Investigations). The introductory Foundation program supports the development of these essential skills as well as fostering a positive attitude towards learning. As students progress through the other Junior Primary grades, these important foundations are further consolidated and expanded on through complimentary programs and the introduction of all other subject areas.

Curriculum

At RDAS, we are teaching and reporting against the 8 learning areas of the Australian Curriculum:

• English
• Geography
• Health & Physical Education
• History
• Languages (LOTE) – Spanish
• Mathematics
• Science
• Technologies
• The Arts

Class structures

The F-2 sector of the school has approximately 165 students divided into 2 teaching blocks. The main teaching blocks are the Bronze (B) and Copper (C) blocks. The present structure is 3 Foundation classes and 5 Year 1/2 classes. The average class size is 21 students.

Literacy and Numeracy Blocks

All F-2 students engage in Literacy and Numeracy Blocks. During these blocks of time, students are explicitly taught a range of skills and understandings to support their acquisition of listening and speaking, reading and viewing, writing, spelling and mathematical skills. Students are also provided with meaningful opportunities to practice and consolidate literacy numeracy skills in a range of contexts including whole class, small group and 1:1 scenarios.

Play-based Learning

Play-based learning is an important and integral feature of the Junior Primary classrooms providing opportunities for children to learn as they discover, create, improvise and imagine. Play at RDAS is intentionally and carefully planned. Purposeful learning environments are designed to according to learning intentions and children are encouraged to self direct their learning guided by their teachers.

Expectations

Uniform

All Junior Primary children are expected to wear correct uniform to school each day, as set down by the Governing Council. This includes a broad-brimmed hat. The RDAS uniform includes:

Navy or white polo shirt

Navy school shorts, or trousers or track pants

School dress/pinafore

A uniform shop is located in the Administration building. Please click here for more information

Reading folders and contact books

Junior Primary students are provided with a reading folder and Contact Book, for students to bring to school each morning and take home again at the end of each day. This is to allow for the 2 way exchange of information between home and school. Any notes to or from the classroom teacher should be written into the Contact Book. Each day your child’s teacher will check the book for notes and will place notes in the book when required. Please initial notes as they come home to indicate that you have seen them. Students are strongly encouraged to read every night to an adult. Inside the reading folder is a reading record booklet containing useful tips to support your child with his/her reading at home.

Independence and Responsibility

At RDAS, we strongly encourage students to be responsible for their own belongings and themselves. It is important that students learn to pack and unpack their bags for school each day and learn to organise their personal items. These skills provide students with independence and responsibility – essential skills as they progress throughout Junior Primary into higher year levels.

It is also a school expectation that all parents wait outside the blocks for the bell to go at 2:55 pm, signalling the end of the school day. Teachers need this time to gather the class together and reflect on the learning and future events, and students require this time to independently organise their belongings for home. Should you need to meet with the class teacher, this can be done after the students have been dismissed. Due to OH&S requirements, students and parents are required to enter and exit all classrooms via the side access doors at all times.

Attendance

EVERY MOMENT COUNTS – attendance is very important during all stages of schooling, but vital in the early years as the foundations and habits of successful learning are established here.

It is a requirement that teachers are informed if a child is absent for any reason – illness, appointments, out of town etc. This requires a phone call to the front office or a note in the Contact Book.

More than 3 days absent – An Exemption must be sought from the Principal if students are going to be away for more than 3 consecutive days. Whilst we appreciate from time to time families travel out of Roxby Downs for a variety of reasons, limited absences is obviously more beneficial to student learning. Frequent or ongoing unexplained absences require the school to notify the Attendance Branch.

It is also important that children are punctual to school in the morning, arriving by the 8:25am bell. Lateness results in classroom interruptions and interferes with important routines and learning.

Of interest

Lunch time activities – areas of the school such as 2 playgrounds, sand play areas, a computer room, recreation centre, library and drama and Yakarti Room are open to students at recess and lunch times on a roster system.

Healthy snack time – all classes