Tent Hill Lower State School

Learning is organised around the teaching of English, Maths, ICI's the Arts and Integrated Studies. Integrated Studies encompasses elements of Science, Studies of Society and the Environment, Health and Physical Education and Technology. Where possible and appropriate other subject areas (usually English) are incorporated into the integrated studies program.

Through our work in IDEAS, Tent Hill Lower S.S. has a renewed focus on Literacy and Numeracy to provide a solid learning foundation for all students.

Daily Literacy and Mathematics blocks provide focussed and explicit teaching in these core areas. Teachers have instigated a whole school approach to provide consistent teaching across all year levels. A number of whole school programs operate through out the school including:

• LEM phonics is a program that systematically teaches children to analyse how English is written, that helps to explain many of the patterns in a logical systematic way. Thinking is in , guessing is out.

• Functional Grammar is used across all year levels and provides teachers and students with a metalanguage to deconstruct and construct a range of texts and explore their social purposes.

• CARS & STARS comprehension program teaches children to critically analyse and interpret texts to enhance their understanding as text users, text participants’ and text analysts.

• Diving into Maths program ensures the new Maths syllabus is taught with a focus on using mental strategies and real life investigations.

Integrated Studies covers the linkages between the curriculum areas of Science, Studies of the Environment, Health and Technology. Students are engaged in real-life and lifelike learning experiences that equip them to undertake a range of assessment tasks. Students are assessed using criteria rubrics ensure appropriate standards are being met.

Computer technology is a major focus at Tent Hill Lower S.S. In 2008 each classroom has been equipped with an interactive whiteboard which utilizes a modern quality approach to teaching and learning. Students also have a mobile laptop laboratory with access to a wireless internet network at their disposal.