Curriculum
Preparatory Year
The curriculum offered in the Preparatory Year is guided by the Early Years Curriculum Guidelines which promote the development of play and inquiry-based learning as essential in supporting the learning and development of young children.
In Prep, children:
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actively make choices about what and how they learn
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investigate and learn how to inquire about their interests
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plan collaboratively with the teacher
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participate in music and language experiences
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investigate and play independently, in pairs, small groups and as a class
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participate in dramatic play to build an understanding of themselves and the world
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draw and paint to encourage oral language, reading and writing skills
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use blocks to develop early mathematical concepts and skills.
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Compulsory years
The Queensland curriculum for the compulsory years of schooling is based on a learning-outcomes approach to education. Learning outcomes are descriptions of what learners should know and be able to do.
Outcomes are grouped into syllabuses for Key Learning Areas (KLAs) to provide a comprehensive broad curriculum.
The eight KLAs are:
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English
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Health and Physical Education
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Languages other than English
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Mathematics
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Science
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Studies of Society and Environment
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Technology
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The Arts.
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New Basics
A number of state schools offer a curriculum in Years 1 to 10 based on the New Basics Framework. This framework organises the expected learning outcomes around four questions designed to help students deal with a rapidly changing world. They are:
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Who am I and where am I going?
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How do I make sense of and communicate with the world?
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What are my rights and responsibilities in communities, cultures and economies?
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How do I describe, analyse and shape the world around me?
Students' engagement with New Basics is through the enactment of Rich Tasks, in which students display their understandings, knowledge and skills through performance in transdisciplinary activities that have an obvious connection to the wide world.
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Literacy
Literacy is at the heart of every student's ability to learn and succeed in school and beyond. The State Government has launched a comprehensive new action plan for Queensland state schools designed to boost students' literacy skills. Literacy - the Key to Learning: Framework for Action 2006 - 2008 recognises that quality teaching can make the single biggest difference to students' literacy outcomes. The plan requires all early years teacher aides and all teachers from Prep to Year 9 to undergo intensive professional development in teaching literacy. Literacy skills will be explicitly taught in every classroom, in every learning area and in all phases of learning. Literacy is not just the responsibility of the English teacher. It is integral to effective student learning in every subject area including mathematics, science and technology.
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Numeracy
Numeracy is an essential tool for learning and living. It is necessary for all students to develop numeracy skills when they use mathematical ideas in everyday situations. For students to be confident in doing this, they need to enjoy learning mathematics in their classroom and in all Key Learning Areas. Numeracy is not just the responsibility of the Mathematics teacher. It is integral to effective student learning in every subject area.
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In Years 1 to 7
In Years 1 to 7, most children will work with one or two teachers in a fixed class group. That group may be fixed by year level or it may involve children of various age groups. Specialist teachers may teach subjects such as music and physical education. Flexible arrangements currently being trialled allow the study of languages other than English as universally available in secondary schools, but not mandated as previously, in Years 6, 7 and 8.
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In Years 8 to 10
In Years 8 to 10, students have the opportunity to specialise in subjects within some Key Learning Areas (such as history, geography and home economics). Many schools organise classes with specialist teachers for each subject, although teaching teams working across subject areas are becoming more common.
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Years 11 and 12
In Years 11 and 12, students choose a package of learning which may include Authority and Authority-registered subjects developed by the Queensland Studies Authority. The package may also include vocational education and training (VET) certificates in a variety of industry areas.
Years 11 and 12 students can also access school-based apprenticeships and traineeships which provide the opportunity to achieve nationally recognised vocational education and training (VET) qualifications while undertaking part-time paid employment.
Senior students can achieve VET competencies and qualifications delivered either by their school, local TAFE institute or private provider.
The complete range of subject and certificate offerings varies from school to school. Prospectuses containing detailed information on school policies, courses and enrolment procedures are available from schools.
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Extracurricular activities
State schools throughout Queensland provide many opportunities for students to engage in activities outside the existing curriculum, such as instrumental music, choirs, drama, debating and sport.
Extracurricular activities enrich learning processes and can be enhanced by parental support and encouragement.
Excursions and camps
An excursion or field trip is a curriculum activity usually conducted during a single school day at a location outside the school grounds. A camp is generally an outdoor activity conducted over more than a day. It usually requires a child to spend at least one night away from home. Camps are designed to enhance the experiences of students and to build relationships outside the school setting.
Parental permission
Schools are required to obtain written parental consent for all students under the age of 18 years participating in excursions and camps or any other extracurricular activities that require students to leave or be absent from the school. If a student is under 18 years of age and living independently, the consent form must be signed by the student and countersigned by the principal.
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