Curriculum

Literacy

At Bradshaw... we have a strong emphasis on literacy as it is the foundation for all learning. Literacy is taught explicitly and systematically from Preschool through to Year 6.

Our school literacy learning uses current evidence and research to teach reading. Our teachers are invested in ongoing professional learning to continually refine our shared understandings on how we all learn to read and write.

We use the Reading Rope, Read Write Inc and the Bradshaw Spelling Program to explicitly teach students to develop sound/letter knowledge, accurate word decoding and automaticity in decoding simple words, then sentences and passages.

Students begin reading with decodeable books and are scaffolded by classroom teachers into rich literature and texts. As students become proficient they are then able to read more complex texts independently.

We are developing a whole school sequence of books which are our Mentor Texts which are aligned with our Integrated units of work in history, geography, health and science. These books are chosen to build knowledge and assist in the teaching of content, background knowledge and building a rich vocabulary.

Students experience a variety of books from Australian authors, to emerging authors exploring current themes, fiction, non fiction and classics such as Charlotte’s Web and Roald Dahl.

In the classroom you will see students reading for enjoyment, the teacher and student reading aloud, student participating independently and in groups in focused activities to build vocabulary, deepen comprehension of the book and knowledge of the content. Through differentiated tasks, the students can work at their point of need. Students engage in 10 hours per week of literacy instruction following the Australian Curriculum.

Reading at home at night is encouraged.

Family involvement in the classroom is welcome.

Numeracy

At Bradshaw... we support all students to achieve a high standard of proficiency in maths. Our learning is focused on three strands - Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry and Statistics and Probability. Students engage in 5 hours per week of numeracy instruction following the Australian Curriculum. 

Our school numeracy learning uses current evidence and research to teach mathematics through explicit instruction to explain and model new concepts and skills, building number sense enabling students to work with numbers flexibly, regular skills practice, open ended maths tasks and investigations and application of maths skills and knowledge through integrated units. 

Complementing classroom learning we access online programs such as Maths Seeds, Prodigy and Essential Assessment. 

In the classroom you will see students working independently and in groups on a variety of tasks involving practice of skills, theorising and discussing how to find a solution, learning from mistakes, suggesting alternative methods and observing, engaging and recording the learning. 

Practicing of basic number facts to build fluency at home at night is encouraged.  

IT

IT is a learning tool. Students at Bradshaw have access to desktop computers, laptop computers and iPads. Students from Transition to Year 1 use iPads as part of reading and maths group rotations and to create artefacts to demonstrate understanding. Students in Year 2 - Year 6 have regular access to laptop computers. All classrooms have a digital projector. 

Students have a subscription to the following learning programs - Reading Eggs, Maths Seeds, Typing Tournament and Prodigy account. The software is accessible from home computers using students unique username and password - these are available from the class teacher. 

Students use the computer lab on a weekly basis for personal learning, research, learning programs and digital technology. 

Technologies

Technologies covers Design and Technologies and Digital Technology.

Design and Technologies - students use design thinking and technologies to investigate, plan, manage, create and evaluate solutions to everyday problems. 

Students apply their knowledge and practical skills and processes to find innovative solutions both independently and as part of a group.

Year 2 students were challenged to design and construct a bag from recycled or upcycled materials to serve an identified purpose. 

Digital Technology - Students today are born into a digital world and are technologically literate by the time they start school. Technology is a tool which optimises learning outcomes and empowers students to create, connect and investigate. 

At Bradshaw, students use coding programs Scratch and Scratch Jnr to investigate, create and share digital solutions.

Robotics is an exciting and engaging learning area as students use robots appropriate to their developmental needs. Classes have access to Cubettos, Bee Bots, Evos and Lego Mindstorm. A Bradshaw team participates in the annual Robocup. 

Bradshaw students also have access to a 3D Printer. 

Specialist Programs 

Art, Science and Physical Education are the three specialist learning areas at Bradshaw taught by specialist teachers. 

Art - a dedicated art room, inspires imagination and creativity. Students use materials, techniques and processes to make artworks to communicate their ideas. Students attend an art class for 1 hour per week. 

Each year the school hosts an Art Show where students select one of their masterpieces to show. 

Physical Education - in addition to class fitness and movement breaks, students attend Physical Education for 1 hour per week. The focus of Physical Education is on developing physical well being, coordination and general fitness. 

Students in Year 5 and 6 represent Bradshaw at the weekly Inter School Sport played against other local schools. Representatives participate in the annual inter-school athletics, cross country and swimming carnivals.

Bradshaw students keenly participate in the Sports Gala Days in sports such as orienteering, cricket, rugby, netball and AFL. 

Science - students attend a 1 hour science lesson each week with age appropriate content covering the areas of Biological Science, Chemical Science, Earth and Space Science and Physical Science. Student develop science enquiry skills through predicting, reasoning, observing and explaining their knowledge and understanding. Students collect data to analyse and draw conclusions about their learning.

To celebrate Science Week, a Science Fair is held and the whole school community is invited to attend.

Library

The Bradshaw library provides students with a wide selection of learning material, a computer lab and comfy reading corners. During school hours, classes work with their teacher in the library or computer lab. Students are welcome to use the library at lunchtime to read, draw, colour-in, swap cards or play games.

Students are able to borrow two books for two weeks at a time. Borrowing happens during weekly library lessons and after school. 

Students who are reading Lexile books are encouraged to borrow as needed. Teachers allocate additional independent borrowing time in their day. 

Alice Springs Language Centre

The Alice Springs Language Centre delivers language programs to students from Year 1 and above at Bradshaw.  Arrernte, Chinese  and Spanish are taught in accordance with the Australian Curriculum. Lessons are once per week and depending on the age of students, are 30-45 minutes long. Students learn the same language for the whole year and over the course of their primary schooling learn a variety of languages and can then specialise in middle year levels. 

Click here for more information about the Alice Springs Language Centre.