Programs
KEY LEARNING AREAS
At Leichhardt Public School we recognise that children need to achieve their full potential in all areas – intellectual, social, emotional, cultural and physical. All students receive instruction in six learning areas:
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
To assist students to achieve individual excellence Leichhardt Public School has a range of specialised programs:
LEARNING SUPPORT PROGRAMS
Additional programs provide support to students to meet a range of learning needs:
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Students have many opportunities to demonstrate academic excellence at Leichhardt Public School. In class, student achievement is measured against outcomes set out in the syllabus requirements of the NSW Board of Studies in each Key Learning Area. In addition, students complete state-wide assessments. In Years 3 and 5 students do the Basic Skills Test in Literacy, Writing and Numeracy. Students in Years 3 – 6 are also encouraged to do the Australasian Schools Competitions in English, Writing, Maths, Science and Computer Skills. In Year 4, students have the opportunity to sit for the Opportunity Class test for placement in a selective class for Years 5 and 6. In Year 6 students can sit for the Selective High School test to gain placement in one of Sydney’s academically selective high schools for Year 7.
A wide range of other opportunities is also provided for students to demonstrate academic excellence. Students compete in the Premier's Reading Challenge and Premier's Spelling Competition.
SPORT
All students participate in weekly fitness and sporting activities. Students from Kinder to Year 6 have a weekly sports session that aims to develop skills such as ball handling skills, movement and gross motor skills. Students in Years 2 to 6 have the opportunity to compete in annual Swimming, Athletics and Cross Country Carnivals and students who are successful at this level have the opportunity to represent the school at District Carnivals. Click here for more details[/list]
The school has a number of specific programs designed to meet the personal and social needs of students. These include:
* Peer Support Program in which Year 5 and 6 students lead small groups of students from
Years K – 6 in programs to develop areas such as self-esteem and resilience
* Student Representative Council’ Program
* Anti-Bullying Policy and Program
* Child Protection
* Drug Education
* Disability Awareness Program
At Leichhardt Public School we recognise that children need to achieve their full potential in all areas – intellectual, social, emotional, cultural and physical. All students receive instruction in six learning areas:
- English
- Mathematics
- Human Society and Its Environment
- Science and Technology
- Creative and Practical Arts
- Health/ Physical Education/ Personal Development.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
To assist students to achieve individual excellence Leichhardt Public School has a range of specialised programs:
- MUSIC PROGRAMS
- SCHOOL BANDS: The school has a Training Band and a Senior Band. The band is open to students in Years 3 - 6. However, younger students may join after consultation with the Band Master and Band Committee. Band members are asked to pay a tuition fee and instrument hiring fee each term. For more information about the band program, including band fees and practice times,click here
- STRING GROUP: In 2005 Leichhardt Public School added an extra dimension to its music and band programs with the introduction of a String Group. The group now has a membership of thirty students, ranging in age from 5 through to 10. The students meet every Friday morning for tuition in violin, viola and cello. This tuition is provided by three of our talented parents, Penny Rees, Kirsty McCahon and Kees Boersma, who are all professional musicians. The group perform at special school functions including the school’s Musicale and Grandparents Day.For more details,click here
- DANCE GROUPS: The school offers instruction in Latin and Ballroom dancing for Stage 2 and 3 students.
- VISUAL ARTS PROGRAM
The program is jointly funded by the school and the P&C and operates two days per week. The program caters for students from Kindergarten to Year 6 and the current emphasis is on students learning to critically analyse art work and understanding that everybody has unique artistic styles which should be nurtured and developed. Throughout the year students are introduced to a wide variety of art media. They provide an art exhibition at school as part of Education Week and many have their work incorporated into a special school calendar. A constantly changing gallery of students’ artwork is regularly on display in the school foyer and hallways. The year culminates in a group of students being selected to attend a three day Bundanon Art Workshop[/left].
Click here for more details
- ITALIAN COMMUNITY LANGUAGE PROGRAM: This programs provides all students with approximately 2 hours of instruction in Italian per week.
Click here for more details
- EXTENSION AND ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS: Programs for gifted and talented students are provided through a wide range of academic, sporting and creative school activities.Students have many opportunities to pursue their talents and interests with a wide range of lunchtime and before and after school activities on offer. During 2007 these have included the art program, public speaking, band and string group.
Click here for more details
- COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM:Our school has a comprehensive computer technology program which provides opportunities for students and teachers to access, manipulate and present information through the use of our well-established computer laboratory and fully networked classrooms.
Click here for more details
- LIBRARY:A teacher/librarian takes every child in the school for lessons in library skills, research skills and literature. The librarian and the class teacher plan and teach closely together. Students borrow from our well-resourced library each week and regularly access the computer laboratory.
- PUBLIC SPEAKING/DEBATING-STAGE 3
An informal club that meets once a week at lunchtimes to learn the basics of public speaking and debating. We play fun games, hold mock debates and discuss strong, interesting and relevant issues.
Students vote for topics and peer review presentations in a constructive and encouraging manner, giving them a vested interest in the process.
The outcomes are more confident speakers, more detailed thinking during arguments, better presentation skills and clarity, plus speed, of thought. Students hold presentation debates in assembly and the eventual aim is to compete with other schools in the area.
Enquiries: Kit Brown 0416 22 72 62, Kita Barkla, Peter Holmes
Next Public Debate - Year 5 vs Year 6, Topic TBA, Assembly, Thursday 20 September.
- SPORTS AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Our schools Sports and Physical Education Program has the following components:-
•Gymnastics
•Motor Skills Development
•Minor Game Skills Development
•Major Games Skills Development
•Dance: Traditional folk, Latin and Ballroom
Click here for more details
LEARNING SUPPORT PROGRAMS
Additional programs provide support to students to meet a range of learning needs:
- ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE( ESL)[/b]: instruction is provided for students whose first language is not English. The ESL teachers work with students in small groups and within the classroom.
- READING RECOVERY: This is an individualised program for Year 1 students who are having difficulty with reading.
- SUPPORT TEACHER LEARNING: This teacher provides small group and individual instruction for students experiencing difficulty with literacy and numeracy skills. Individual students may also receive instruction from the District Support Teacher Learning program.
- LEARNING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: this program provides additional teachers’ aide support to students requiring additional support in literacy and numeracy.
- FUNDING SUPPORT PROGRAMS: These programs provide additional teachers' aide support to students with intellectual or physical disabilities.
- EXODUS FOUNDATION and READING FOR LIFE PROGRAMS: These programs are community resources assisting a small number of students at Leichhardt to improve their reading skills.
- SCHOOL COUNSELLOR: Students have access to a School Counselor. The counselor provides assistance to students experiencing emotional, social and learning problems
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Students have many opportunities to demonstrate academic excellence at Leichhardt Public School. In class, student achievement is measured against outcomes set out in the syllabus requirements of the NSW Board of Studies in each Key Learning Area. In addition, students complete state-wide assessments. In Years 3 and 5 students do the Basic Skills Test in Literacy, Writing and Numeracy. Students in Years 3 – 6 are also encouraged to do the Australasian Schools Competitions in English, Writing, Maths, Science and Computer Skills. In Year 4, students have the opportunity to sit for the Opportunity Class test for placement in a selective class for Years 5 and 6. In Year 6 students can sit for the Selective High School test to gain placement in one of Sydney’s academically selective high schools for Year 7.
A wide range of other opportunities is also provided for students to demonstrate academic excellence. Students compete in the Premier's Reading Challenge and Premier's Spelling Competition.
SPORT
All students participate in weekly fitness and sporting activities. Students from Kinder to Year 6 have a weekly sports session that aims to develop skills such as ball handling skills, movement and gross motor skills. Students in Years 2 to 6 have the opportunity to compete in annual Swimming, Athletics and Cross Country Carnivals and students who are successful at this level have the opportunity to represent the school at District Carnivals. Click here for more details[/list]
STUDENT WELFARE
The school has a number of specific programs designed to meet the personal and social needs of students. These include:
* Peer Support Program in which Year 5 and 6 students lead small groups of students from
Years K – 6 in programs to develop areas such as self-esteem and resilience
* Student Representative Council’ Program
* Anti-Bullying Policy and Program
* Child Protection
* Drug Education
* Disability Awareness Program