Senior Classes
| Senior Team | |
| Team Leader: | Mr Keith Mulholland (BEd, Cert ICT) |
| Teachers |
Mrs Claire Gardner (BEd) |
There are four composite Year 5 and 6 classes that comprise the Senior Team at George Street Normal School. Literacy and numeracy teaching still receives the greatest emphasis however the following opportunities are provided for children in the Senior Team to facilitate rich, in-depth learning experiences -
MATHS CROSS GROUPING:
Children are grouped across the team that includes an additional teacher to take a maths extension class.
LEARNING DETECTIVES:
Children are nominated by teachers, peers and themselves for this student leadership group. Every two weeks they visit classes and gather back as a group to share feedback from their assigned class with the intention of encouraging all children in the school to have a voice.
ELECTIVES:
Children opt into an elective for the duration of a term. This happens for at least 2 terms of the year. Often a showcase is held at the conclusion of the term to share what has been achieved. Electives provide many opportunities for children to independently set goals practising and reinforcing the Key Competencies of the New Zealand Curriculum in authentic contexts.
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES:
Children have the opportunity to join a number of cultural groups. Choir, band and Kapa Haka happen in school time as part of our programme for those who choose to be in these groups.
INQUIRY LEARNING:
Our approach allows children the opportunity to act and learn independently and interdependently.
STRENGTH BASED LEARNING:
Time is set aside for children to pursue, build and reflect upon their strengths. Participation in academic team and individual competitions such as regional and international Maths competitions, ODT Current Events quiz, regional Chess and Scrabble events and University of New South Wales exams are also encouraged to build upon children’s strengths.
SPORTS AND RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES:
These include a range of team sports, a Year 5 Adventure week and a residential camp for the Year 6’s.
Children in the Senior Team are encouraged to participate in and transfer their learning across curriculum areas and the wider community. Self regulated learning, positive relationships and reflective goal setting are also emphasised at this level.