Westbreen Primary School

Curriculum.

at Westbreen Primary School

A consistent approach

Westbreen Primary School delivers the curriculum consistently across the school using the Victorian Curriculum 2.0 and the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model (VTLM) through whole school curriculum planning documents which include school wide assessment and reporting schedules.

Students engage in a range of learning subjects including: English, Mathematics, LOTE Italian, Physical Education, Performing and Visual Arts, Science and Integrated Studies (including the Humanities, Technologies and Learning Capabilities).

Integrated Studies

Students in Years F-6 are explicitly taught note taking, research and presentation skills during integrated studies lessons. These skills are put into use once foundational concept knowledge is developed through the integrated studies topic. A term unit typically consists of 6-8 weeks of explicit instruction and 2 weeks of applying new knowledge to the Inquiry. Students share their learning through a learning expo or gallery walk each term, inviting parents, carers and peers to celebrate their learning.

STRIVE

Every year, the STRIVE Program aims to build connections across year levels and to build that sense of community at the school. It allows students the opportunity to work with a range of their peers to achieve shared success. STRIVE stands for: Support, Trust, Respect, Involve, Value and Encourage.

STRIVE Intentions

  • Student collaboration 
  • Interesting imaginative play and exploration
  • Exploring, discovering and celebrating individual strengths/talents
  • Linking with the Community (Internal & External) via extra-curricular programs/activities
  • New/different experiences for students  
  • Share/promote/present experiences and skills

STRIVE Outcomes

  • Working co-operatively together across grade levels
  • Engaging ALL students
  • Encourage risk taking towards learning outcomes 
  • Foster Leadership qualities
  • Community awareness and respect
  • Confidence, pride and ownership for individual students
  • Presentations to the community, showcasing our talents and learning experiences

Throughout the year, students will participate in a minimum of one STRIVE rotation per semester that will be planned and designed by the teams. These sessions will occur in times throughout the term which work with the other commitments and events that are occurring in the school.

The remaining learning time each week is allocated to local and specialised programs, developed specifically to meet the needs of our students and the community, as well as integrate Victorian Curriculum learning domains. These programs include:

  • Interschool Sport (Years 5-6 Senior School)
  • Start Up program (all year levels)
  • Respectful Relationships (all year levels) & SWPBS lessons (all year levels)
  • Student leadership opportunities
  • Special events including sports days, school production, celebration days (all year levels)
  • Swimming (all year levels)
  • Buddy program (Year F and 6)
  • Camping program (Years 3-6)

Responsive Teaching

In 2026, staff engaged with professional learning led by Bron Ryrie-Jones on Responsive Teaching. Responsive teaching involves using evidence of learning to adapt instruction, as required, to support student learning and engagement. Effective teaching transitions between explicit explanation and modelling (I do), guided practice (we do) and independent (you do) practice. This supports students to build a solid foundation of understanding before moving to independent practice. When teachers responsively adapt instruction and practice, they ensure students receive the guidance and support they need, including extension and enrichment (AERO 2023).

Reporting Student Progress

Westbreen Primary School reports on student progress in writing to parents and carers 4 times per year. Progress reports are provided in Terms 1 and 3 which provide general progress comments, student comments and feedback on effort and behaviour. In Terms 2 and 4, formal semester reports provide achievement ratings against the Victorian Curriculum in all relevant subject areas.

3 Way Conferences

Parents/carers and students are invited to meet together with their teachers to discuss learning goals and celebrate their learning achievements. 3-way conferences are held twice yearly. Interpreters are provided for those families who require them.