Learning for Life Senior Programs & Key Learning Areas:
The following Key Learning Areas (KLAs) are integrated into themed units to help students make connections across the curriculum. Throughout our senior program the class teacher differentiates, evaluates, and considers the individual needs of each student. Learning activities are chosen that challenge and are appropriate to the learning needs of each individual student. Additional learning opportunities are also provided in CAPA and Tradie programs.
Mathematics: It’s not all about addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, fractions, or geometry. Sure, we incorporate all these subjects into our teaching and learning, but we do it in a way that makes maths fun and meaningful. We aim to equip our students with a set of skills they can use throughout their lifetime. Connecting their mathematics to real world situations ensures that what they learn, they remember. Students learn how to budget and manage their time effectively, important skills for their future, as well as the core basics of mathematics. Learning doesn’t always look conventional, but by individualising our programs whilst maintaining curriculum requirements, students at Glenfield Park School are set up for success.
English: At Glenfield Park School we focus on developing and nurturing a love of reading for communication, learning and enjoyment. Our senior students learn about language and literature through working with a range of texts that include Fiction and Non-fiction, Graphic Novels and Picture books, Novels, Poetry, Film, embracing a range of Australian and world literature.
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL): These skills are essential for developing resilience and the personal attributes that establish positive relationships. Students learn to talk about challenges, build self-esteem, make responsible decisions, and handle challenging situations. Students have opportunities to learn and practice social skills such as: managing stress, deciding on goals, and planning for the future.
Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE): (History and Geography): Human Society and Its Environment involves the study of people, cultures, societies, and environments. At Glenfield Park School we aim to enhance students’ sense of personal and community identity through our integrated program that helps students make connections across the KLA’s. HSIE plays an important role as it dictates the themes for each term. Past themes have been Australia and its people, Australia in the early 19th Century, World War 1 and 2 as well as the great depression.
Visual Design (CAPA): Currently there are three senior classes which rotate every term to experience Technology and Art and Dance through a different context. We aim to provide students with the opportunity to gain an understanding and appreciation of various artistic forms of expression. Students enjoy opportunities to experiment with stop motion animation through Lego and Claymation.
Warrgiiba Café: Warrgiiba Café offers a great opportunity for students to work on their barista skills, safe food handling and customer service skills, and catering skills. Students also learn other employment skills such as organisation, communication, problem solving, stock handling and rotation and budgeting.
Transition to Work: Glenfield Park School aims to build the skills necessary for students to transition into a purposeful adult life. We expect that all students will have a pathway of school to work/TAFE or other educational support services when they leave school. Glenfield Park School offers a 'Transition to Work Program' to our senior students. This program includes - work experience opportunities, resume building, travel training, and work skills. Our Student Support Officer (SSO) works collaboratively with our senior students to help prepare them for life after school. Work skills are an important part of learning at GPS as our aim is to prepare students for life after school. We do this by teaching students’ what employers are looking for; how to dress, how to talk, how to work as part of a team. They engage in travel training, reading timetables, managing their time to make sure they get to where they need to be on time. Students engage in role play activities, through mock interviews. We help them start their resume and show them how to build on it. It is important to find out what the students plans are for their future to ensure we are giving them the skills necessary to succeed in their chosen path. After all, there is no point teaching someone how to make coffee if they really want to be a mechanic, the teaching and learning must match the students’ individual goals and plans.
School Assembly: Assemblies are held every Friday. They start with students singing both the Dharawal and Australian national anthems. Individual achievements for students are recognised and celebrated. Notices, reminders, and upcoming events are shared. Students use this opportunity to exercise and enhance their leadership skills and public speaking abilities.