Curriculum

Each school in Victoria operates within the guidelines set by the Department of Education and Training the Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS).

"The Victorian Essential Learning Standards provide a new approach to curriculum from Prep to Year 10 for all Victorian schools. The Standards outline what is important for students to learn and develop during their time at school. They are designed to encourage a deep understanding of essential knowledge, skills and behaviours. The Standards are also used to plan students' learning, assess student progress and report to parents.

The Victorian Essential Learning Standards are set in three main strands or areas. They are:

• Knowledge and understanding from the key subjects of English, Science, Mathematics, The Humanities, Language and The Arts
• Physical, personal and social skills such as being active and healthy, developing self confidence, managing personal learning and working with others
• Other essential skills that apply across curriculum areas such as thinking, design, problem solving, communicating, and using information and communications technology

These areas are all important to the development of a well-rounded and confident young person. They have often been part of the school experience of young people, but they have not always been linked closely with traditional subject areas. Bringing them together emphasizes their value and relevance in student learning." 
From Parent Brochure http://vels/vcaa.vic.edu.au/

Numeracy and Literacy

Improving Numeracy and Literacy outcomes for all students continues to be one of the main focuses for the school. This is achieved through ongoing assessment of student progress. This will enable teachers to plan and deliver relevant programs for all students through targeted small group instruction and appropriate support and extension activities relevant to each child's abilities.

Class Programs

The school is divided into three units – Infant, Middle and Senior School. Unit leaders promote teamwork enabling the sharing of ideas, co-operation and enrichment of programs. During professional development meetings and programs, staff are able to share their skills across the whole school.
A combination of a variety of programs enables the students to participate in a comprehensive curriculum, which is outlines in the policy statements.  

Specialist Subjects

Currently special subjects include Library, Art and Craft, Science, Music, LOTE (Language Other Than English), Reading Recovery and Gifted and Talented (which includes both intervention and gifted programs).
Specific staff within each Unit are also responsible for areas of P.E., Performing Arts and ICT (Computer Education).

Art and Craft

All classes are programmed to attend a specialist art and craft session in the creative arts room.
This facility provides the students with opportunities to creatively express themselves through a variety of media and experiences in painting, drawing, threads and textiles, modelling, construction and printing.

Please Note: All students are expected to wear an art smock / old shirt to protect clothing when participating in art sessions. 

Computer Education

Each classroom unit has a pod of computers which ensures students have daily hands on computer access which is an integrated part of the teaching/learning program. There is "restricted" Internet and Intranet access.

Languages Other Than English (LOTE) – German

Our German LOTE program is taught to all levels, Prep to Senior.

Library/Resource Centre

A well-equipped multi-media resources centre is available for students and teachers, and includes a professional reading library for parents.
Resources include multimedia facilities such as CD ROM and Internet, fiction, non-fiction and picture books, magazines, video and audio tapes, picture collections etc.
All classes are programmed to attend a specialist library session during which literature enrichment is fostered and library research skills are taught.
Borrowing routines are encouraged and students are expected to borrow regularly.

Performing Arts

Utilising the facilities of our well-equipped music room, singing, dramatic and musical experiences are provided in class lessons using a variety of resources and materials, equipment and instruments. Marlborough Primary also has a School Choir, which performs at a range of school and public activities.
Private tuition is provided in piano, guitar, strings, wind and brass instruments.

Science - Technology

The Science-Technology Room offers activities including woodwork, electronics, tinkering, problem solving and designing, building and testing units. The Science Technology program is geared towards providing all students with a link between everyday life and Science.

Swimming Programs

An 8-10 day Intensive Swimming Program is provided annually for all students in grades P - 6, dependent on sufficient participating numbers..
The program is based on the performance standards of the Royal Life Saving Society of Australia and is organised by school-based AusSwim trained instructors.

Other Features of the Curriculum

•     Kindergarten – Prep transition
•     Year 6 – Post primary school transition
•     Camps, tours and excursions
•     Junior School Council
•     Integration for children with disabilities
•     Interschool Sports
•     Open Plan, Multi-age classes
•     Religious Education
•     Safety House Program
•     School Choir
•     Fun and Fitness Track
•     Standardised Athletic Carnival (3-6)
•     Private Tuition in the area of Instrumental Music