Primary Learning

'Engagement Matters' is a personalised learning model that continues to develop and foster the key principles of a balanced approach incorporating inquiry learning across the middle and upper years of the Primary School (Years 3 – 6). It encompasses developmentally appropriate practices to continue to engage students in their learning and to develop the skills necessary for 21st Century learning.

The key components of this aspect of the pedagogy are:

• Formal instruction teaching sessions;
• Student-led/ teacher supported class meetings;
• A communication board;
• Education Research Projects;
• Expos;
• Teacher, self and peer assessment; and
• Mindful planning, documentation and reporting.

The learning environments are flexible and technology is an integrated part of learning.

The requirements of the Australian Curriculum are specifically taught in each learning area and broad learning intentions are used to underpin the Education Research Projects that are individually developed by the students and incorporate an element of student interest related to the learning intentions.

The pedagogy across Primary aims to develop:

• Strong positive self-concept;
• Problem-solving skills;
• Resilience;
• Persistence;
• Initiative;
• Intrinsic Motivation;
• Risk taking;
• Respectful interactions;
• Engagement;
• Confident communication skills; and
• A strong sense of connectedness.

The Primary Learning Enrichment programmes provide assistance to students with additional needs and those requiring support in the development of their literacy and numeracy skills.

Through these programmes, students are encouraged to develop confidence in their learning in a nurturing and positive environment.

This assistance is given by specialist teaching staff supporting teachers within the classroom, and providing programmes for small group tuition to accommodate students with specific learning needs. Students are assessed, the data collected is used to determine the areas of difficulty and programmes are devised to meet the specific requirements. Skills are reinforced, consolidated and evaluated to enhance the specific learning needs of students. The model of intervention reflects best practice and focuses on the support being targeted, intensive and repetitious.

Extension programmes are also provided to enhance the learning of students.

Specialist Learning Enrichment staff work with the classroom teachers to implement extension programmes in a multitude of different learning areas.. These opportunities are provided to challenge the students and to allow them to engage in activities that require them to work collaboratively, think creatively and develop their confidence and interpersonal skills.

The Primary Education Support staff liaise with other professionals to support the learning needs of students. To assist with the development of Individual Education Plans, ongoing consultation is sought with Education Psychologists, Physiotherapists, Speech Pathologists and Occupational Therapists to provide the best learning outcome for the students.

The spiritual and liturgical programme in the School is varied.

In the Primary School, students participate in Christian Education classes once a week, led by classroom teachers presenting the Christian story. All assemblies include observation of our Anglican ethos and Worship Services are prepared by class teachers or the Chaplain and often led by students. 

The Primary Christian Education programme is informed by the Religious Education Curriculum published by the Anglican Schools Commission. The programme delivers innovative and relevant content which ensures that students are challenged to think through the big questions of life and faith. Themes include The Bible and Christian Belief, The Story of the Church, Christian Ethics and Faith in Action. We strive to provide inclusive caring Anglican education which encourages students to fulfil their potential.

Frederick Irwin Anglican School students have access to a range of cultural, sporting and musical co-curricular activities during their time in Primary School.

Academic

• Extension Challenges – The Primary School offers a range of extension activities for students which include Technology challenges, as well as Mathematics, English, Writing and Dramatic Arts projects. These are rich and creative activities focused on a range of challenges often including critical and creative thinking.
• Technologies – Opportunities for students to engage with the Digital Technologies curriculum, experiencing and investigating activities based on computational thinking. They examine different algorithms using these to solve complex problems, whilst using control technologies.

Sport

Sport at Frederick Irwin Anglican School is about inclusivity, cooperation and enjoyment. All students from Pre-Primary to Year 6 are involved in a formal Physical Education programme which addresses the fundamental skills outlined by the Western Australian Curriculum.

Although competitive events are offered and attended, the Primary students participate in a range of sporting activities which promote physical fitness. These include:

• Sporting Teams – Winter Sport – football, hockey, soccer, netball, volleyball
• Inter-House Competitions and events – Athletics Carnivals, Swimming Carnival and Cross Country Carnival.
• Inter-School Competitions and events – Athletics Carnivals, Swimming Carnival and Cross Country Carnival with schools in the Mandurah area.
• External Carnivals and Events –  Opportunities for students in Year 5 and 6 to participate in external sporting carnivals and events are provided each year. These are regularly reviewed by the Physical Education team to ensure that our students are engaged and participating in positive external sporting experiences. 
• Swimming Lessons – Swimming lessons are offered to students from Pre-Primary to Year 6, with the older students given the opportunity biannually to receive their training in the ocean.
• Links with Community Sport – Frederick Irwin Anglican School has many teams from Pre-Primary to Year 6 which compete in community sporting organisations and are supported by the School but coached and managed largely by our parent body. These sports include hockey, basketball, netball and soccer.
• Sporting Facilities – Frederick Irwin Anglican School has extensive sporting facilities, with many resources being shared by the Primary and Secondary Schools. The opening of the Kwobadiny Sports Centre is an example of the commitment and passion Frederick Irwin Anglican School places on the Sporting development of our students. 

Music

The Arts, including Music, is an integral part of Frederick Irwin that includes a holistic approach to teaching. Music is a learning area in which students are engaged from Kindergarten to Year 12, and we strive to foster this engagement.

• Instrumental Tuition – (Year 3 upwards) Instrumental study is offered to our Primary students, allowing them access to our musical resources and professional tutors throughout the school day. These individualised programmes have proven to be very successful.
• The Choir – The Primary Choir is a group of children who come together each week to rehearse and prepare themselves for community events. The choir has performed at Parliament House as well as community organisations such as the RAAFA, and the Halls Head Shopping Centre each Christmas. Although a demanding commitment, this musical opportunity revolves around enjoyment, participation and cooperation.
• Junior Concert Band – This concert band is an opportunity for Primary students to gain experience in a collaborative music group.

To apply for the Music Programme click the link for your campus below: 

Primary School students are encouraged to attend these camps and social events throughout their time at Frederick Irwin Anglican School, to connect with nature, their families and their peers.

• Year 5 Camp at Point Walter – This sports and recreation camp allows students to set personal goals and face challenges, fostering cooperation, self-esteem and creativity. This camp has a focus on leadership and the skills of successful leadership. The camp, located on the picturesque Swan River, gives students the opportunity to participate in many exciting activities whilst interacting with the environment.
• Year 6 Canberra Camp – Year 6 students visit the National Capital to compliment curriculum content related to Government and explore the many attractions and activities offered through such an opportunity.

The Primary School has a long history of engaging with our local community and developing compassion, one of our Core Values, within our students.

Participating in both the Mandurah and Dawesville  ANZAC and Remembrance ceremonies has become a wonderful opportunity for our students to engage with their community. 

Past initiatives have included students:

• Raising money for communities affected by bushfires;
• Collecting books and basic hygiene items for students of the Philippines;
• Operation Christmas Child, an appeal which provides gifts for disadvantaged students on this special day
• Coins for Care, an appeal that has supported Anglicare and disadvantaged children in Myanmar.
• Providing support and engagement at local Aged Care facilities
• Raising money for HALO Mandurah
• Raising money for Mandurah Wildlife Rescue and K9 Rescue
• Running food drives for the Peel Community Kitchen

Our commitment to Service Learning is firm, and our engagement is constantly evolving as we regularly seek out and respond to the needs of our local and broader community.