GATE Maths
Children are the heart of the school and at Oakwood we look for opportunities to extend those students who are capable and ready to push their learning further.
In GATE Maths students will work towards building up a repertoire of problem solving strategies and build in them the thinking to analyse, generalise and justify rules and patterns they identify in mathematics.
GATE Lessons are based around the Powerful Problem Solving structure developed by Scitech. Students use mobile whiteboards to solve problems in randomly assigned groups. The students work in their teams in presenting their ideas, questioning and defending ideas that are presented, and seeking to understand most efficient solutions. Teachers employ Talk Moves to engage all students in active thinking throughout the discussion. The students then need to present their strategies to the class they used for solving the mathematical problems.
Physical Education
At Oakwood Primary School we base our yearly plans around events in community sport and Interschool events. Students in junior primary transition through the stages of Fundamental Movement Skills and Object Control Skills to develop their skills as they move into middle school primary. In middle school primary students continue to develop their Fundamental Movement Skills and Object Control Skills and begin to apply these skills in modified games and activities. Finally, as students enter the final stages of their school in upper primary, students begin to focus more on applying their skills in organised games that will give them the opportunity to represent Oakwood at Interschool Events. Oakwood competes in the Coastal Sporting Schools Association for a Summer Carnival, Winter Carnival, Cross Country and Athletics Carnival.
Spanish (LOTE)
The Western Australian Curriculum: Languages is based upon the fundamental principle that for all students, learning to communicate in two or more languages is a rich, challenging experience of engaging with and participating in the linguistic and cultural diversity of our interconnected world. Learning a language strengthens the area of the brain which is responsible for memory, speech, and sensory perception, helps develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and nurtures curiosity and openness in our students.
At Oakwood, the Spanish curriculum has been carefully adapted to allow students from Year 2 to Year 6 the opportunity to learn the language through a blended pedagogy of explicit instruction and hands-on learning.
In the foundation years students become familiar with the sounds and systems of spoken Spanish, whilst learning how to spot similarities and differences in pronunciation. This is aided greatly by phonemic and phonological awareness accumulated during the early years of their schooling. Students learn simple greetings and basic conversational phrases to communicate with peers and teachers and start to build a repertoire of topic based vocabulary and everyday words, such as numbers and colours, the calendar, and classroom routines. In the middle primary years, we practise essential language acquisition skills such as listening, reading and speaking using engaging songs and media presentations, and consolidate concepts and topic vocabulary during small-group or whole-class activities. Weekly lessons include a review of prior learning and future topics are chosen with input from students. In upper primary, students are exposed to the warmth and vibrancy of Spanish & Latin-American culture, traditions, festivals and celebrations.
Oakwood recognises the diversity in our local community and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds. Our school values encourage inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.? At last count our school community comprises families from more than 50 different countries and cultures, whilst many families speak a different language at home.
Performing Arts
At Oakwood we believe in fostering creativity and confidence through the Performing Arts.
In Music, students will learn theoretical and practical skills to enjoy, make and create music. They explore and experiment with the elements of music, standard notation, and develop their aural skills. Depending on their year level, students are taught how to play tonal percussion, boom whackers, keyboard, ukulele, and various other percussion instruments. We aim to cultivate young musicians through exposure to different styles of music and encourage students to develop an appreciation for diversity.
In Drama, students develop the skills to perform dramatic scenes both scripted and improvised. Through engaging activities, the Drama elements are built upon through the year levels and students develop their expressive skills, and teamwork. They explore the use of voice and movement skills in constructing characters and learn how to read and write scripts. We foster an inclusive environment where every child can shine, nurturing students’ self-confidence and communication skills.
Additionally, The Oakwood Harmony choir provides an exciting opportunity for students to harmonize and perform together, cultivating a deep appreciation for vocal music and musical collaboration. Each year we perform at various events in the community including the Western Australian Government School Music Society at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre.
Visual Arts
Visual art at Oakwood Primary School plays a crucial role in the holistic development of young students. Oakwood Primary school nurtures the imagination and creativity of young minds, laying a foundation for lifelong learning and personal growth. It is an essential component of a well-rounded education, contributing to the development of confident, capable, and innovative individuals.
By engaging in creative activities such as drawing, painting, sculpting, and construction, children at Oakwood, not only have fun but also develop essential art skills. Art encourages self-expression and creativity, allowing students to communicate their thoughts and emotions in unique ways. It enhances fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and hand-eye coordination through the manipulation of various art materials and tools.
At Oakwood Primary School, Visual art education fosters students critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. By allowing our students to experiment with colours, shapes, and textures, they learn to make decisions and solve artistic challenges, which translates to improved cognitive skills. Oakwood Students participate in collaborative art projects which promote teamwork and social interaction, helping children develop interpersonal skills and empathy.
By studying different art forms and artists from various places, cultures and time periods, students at Oakwood, gain a broader perspective of the world around them and an appreciation for diversity. Incorporating visual art into the primary school curriculum, supports academic learning by making connections with other subjects such as maths, literature, and science.
