This issue:

September 2001

English K–6 CD-ROM of Work Samples
Update on Linkages Project
Mathematics K–10 Syllabus Development
Mathematics K–10 Syllabus Development on the website
What's new on the website

English K–6 CD-ROM of Work Samples

The English K–6 CD-ROM of Work Samples comprises two CD-ROMs, containing an extensive number of work samples and a range of support material for teaching, planning, assessing and reporting in English. The CD-ROMs include:

• a comprehensive collection of student work samples (print-based, audio and video) from Early Stage 1 to Stage 3 which provide examples of teaching strategies and standards achieved within each stage

• additional support material on Talking and Listening, Reading and Writing

• support material on Grammar and Text Types, and

• proformas for planning, assessing and reporting. This resource will be a valuable support for teachers when assessing and reporting student progress and achievement of standards described in the English K–6 Syllabus (1998).

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Update on Linkages Project

Recently the generic skills program from St Catherine's School, Waverley was added to the case studies section of the website and the final work samples and units of work have now been added. They include units of work from all stages, illustrated with photographs and identifying where the generic skills are being taught. Additional research abstracts and references have also been added and the final mapping of verbs across all key learning areas has been added to the generic skills section. Further information on Linkages projects can be obtained from Suzanne Ziems at ziems@boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au, ph (02) 9367 8274 or fax (02) 9367 8476. The Linkages webpage can be found at www.bosnsw-k6.nsw.edu.au

Update on Mathematics K–6 syllabus revision The draft writing brief for Mathematics K–6 will be in schools in the first week of Term 3. For more information about this refer to the article on Mathematics K–10 Syllabus Development on page 12. If you would like further information regarding these items or K–6 curriculum matters in general, contact Margaret Malone, Inspector, Primary Education; ph (02) 9367 8199 or fax (02) 9367 8476.

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Mathematics K–10 Syllabus Development

A significant point in the review and development of Mathematics K–10 Syllabuses was reached recently with the completion and release of the draft Mathematics K–10 syllabus writing brief. A project team of eight primary and secondary educators has developed the draft writing brief, which includes a draft scope and continuum for Mathematics K–10. The brief, as well as being distributed in hard copy, has been placed on the Board's website for consultation. This is an important consultation document, as it will provide the proposed ‘blueprint' for the new Mathematics K–6 and 7–10 syllabuses. Following consultation, the writing brief will be finalised to provide clear directions to the writers of the new syllabuses. The Mathematics K–10 scope and continuum provides an opportunity for teachers to view the mathematics learning of students from Kindergarten to Year 10 and comment on things such as:

• the proposed content and its placement on the continuum

• working mathematically

• sample outcomes. The consultation period for the draft document is 23 July – 24 August 2001. Survey responses may be submitted electronically through the website, or in hard copy. Additional consultation will be undertaken during August and will include meetings of teacher focus groups in various locations around the State. A consultation report will be presented with the writing brief at the Board meeting in September. The development of Mathematics K–6 and 7–10 syllabus documents is scheduled to commence following endorsement of the writing brief.

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Mathematics K–10 Syllabus Development on the website

Up-to-date information about the development of Mathematics K–6 and 7–10 syllabuses can be found in the ‘What's New?' section of the Board's website (www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au) under Mathematics K–10 Review. The information provided includes the proceedings of the Mathematics K–10 Symposium held at Lucas Heights Community School in February.

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What's New on the BOS website this month

This Board Bulletin (and all previous ones) as well as the Official Notices are available online at http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/docs_bulletins/bbull1.html. You will also find a cumulative list of all Official Notices for 1999–2001.

Creative Arts K–6 Resources for teaching Visual Arts, Music, Drama and Dance can be found at http://www.bosnsw-k6.nsw.edu.au/arts/. This document lists resources that teachers can access to enhance their teaching and learning in Visual Arts, Music, Drama and Dance.