At SOTE, primary years focus on nurturing character and innateness in preparation for their secondary schooling years. This allows children to develop a strong sense of self in order to become confident and capable later in life. Of course, the need for exposure to academic and other areas is crucial at this stage of their development. For this reason, students also engage in standardised activities in line with the Queensland curriculum.
The academic program for primary students is mainly conducted in the morning when the children are freshest in terms of their concentration. This leaves the afternoons free for activities requiring less concentrated focus, such as physical activity.
SOTE focuses on nurturing each child’s character while instilling a love for learning and creating solid academic skills.
Prep is the start of the early stage of learning which continues until Grade 2 and provides the foundation for children’s success at the school. By understanding the child’s interests and abilities, the teachers can provide relevant play and discovery-based learning experiences. These experiences help to uncover innate abilities as well as develop creativity and problem-solving skills, physical abilities, independence and confidence.
Following the early years, the focus in Grades 3 to 6 is on further developing the child’s character and striving for academic excellence.
By decluttering the curriculum, the teachers are able to provide the children with personal and meaningful teaching and learning experiences that build on students’ innate abilities, interests and needs.
Experiences provided through weekly interest groups and integrated studies give children the opportunity to work cooperatively, develop their focus and self-esteem.
The school provides the grade 6 children with the opportunity to have a transition experience to the Secondary Program and celebrate their completion of their primary education with a rite of passage called the Budding Ceremony.
Our primary school academic curriculum is consistent with Australian Curriculum and Queensland Government requirements to ensure it meets the needs of students now and in the future. Students also participate in the Grade 3, 5, 7 and Year 9 NAPLAN Tests.
Students participate in a regular program of camps and excursions as these extend student learning experiences both academically and socially. From Grade 4 onwards, a graduated series of camping experiences are organised, culminating in a longer challenge camp during secondary years.
