Primary Matters

Primary Matters February 1996

From Board Bulletin, Vol 5, No. 1, February 1996

The Conference

At the end of last year and again at the commencement of this year all primary schools should have received registration brochures for Primary Matters - the Conference. The conference will be held over two days (25-26 March), providing a one-stop opportunity for primary teachers and principals to attend workshops and seminars covering the latest information in curriculum development in the six Key Learning Areas of the primary curriculum in New South Wales. The conference has already attracted a great deal of interest from schools. Intending applicants are advised to return their registration forms as quickly as possible to avoid missing out.

New Teaching Kits

The following teaching kits will be available for purchase from the Board in Term 1:

English K-6 The More Things Change

This Later Stage 1 unit deals with the concept of change (it could also be modified for use with Early Stage 1). It is written in three sections which deal with different text types. Section One deals mainly with factual texts associated with the changing seasons and the weather. Section Two deals mainly with literary texts and the changes brought about by the arrival of a younger sibling. Section Three deals mainly with factual texts associated with the physical changes that occur to tadpoles.

Larger Than Life

This Stage 3 unit explores the concept that mythical heroes and many of the heroes of film and television are 'larger than life'. The unit is written in two sections. Section One deals with the superheroes of Ancient Greece and examines how the heroes of this time are similar to modern day superheroes. Section Two deals with the shared reading of King Kong by Anthony Browne.

The Makings of a Hero

This Stage 3 unit focuses on contemporary heroes and explores the social and cultural influences on people's perceptions of what is heroic. The unit is written in three sections. Section One provides opportunities for students to explore the concept of a hero. Section Two deals with Australian heroes and, in particular, Mandawuy Yunupingu, Australian of the Year, 1993. Section Three consists of a study whereby students can work in groups to explore the concept of a hero as it applies to characters in novels.

Science and Technology Sense of Direction: Using the Senses to Observe and Explore

This Stage 1 Science and Technology teaching unit has been designed for students in Kindergarten. Each task contains a range of hands-on activities through which the students develop the foundation skill of observation. Central to all the tasks is the development of the language that will be needed by the students to describe, discuss and explain their observations.

Outcomes

The Board is currently finalising its Outcomes model for syllabuses following the Eltis Review of Outcomes and Profiles. The Board will soon publish a position paper on Outcomes, which will be distributed for comment followed by a support document on Assessment and Reporting.

LOTE K-6

The Project Officer appointed to oversee the development of K-6 syllabuses in the four targeted Asian languages (Indonesian, Japanese, Chinese and Korean) is Jenny Liessmann. Jenny can be contacted on (02) 9927 8113 and is particularly keen to hear from schools with experience in developing programs in any of these languages. If you would like further information regarding these items or K-6 curriculum projects in general, contact Margaret Malone, Inspector, Primary Education (phone (02) 9927 8199, fax (02) 9955 3557).

ATTENTION PRIMARY TEACHERS
Has your school received the Board of Studies' information brochure about the English K-6 Syllabus and Support Document?

The Board of Studies' brochure provides information about the English K-6 Syllabus and Support Document. This brochure answers questions such as:

For copies of the English K-6 Syllabus and Support Document information brochure contact: Client Services (02) 9927 8159.

For further information about the English K-6 Syllabus and Support Document contact:
Inspector, English - Ms Wendy Michaels (02) 9927 8276.
Inspector, Primary Education - Mrs Margaret Malone (02) 9927 8199.
Curriculum Officer, English K-12 - Ms Maria Hardy (02) 9927 8274.
Curriculum Officer, English/Drama K-12 - Ms Dianne Mackenzie (02) 9927 8154.

For further information about the Board of Studies' English K-6 Teaching Kits contact: Sales Desk (02) 9927 8178.
If you would like further information regarding these items or K-6 curriculum matters in general, contact Margaret Malone, Inspector, Primary Education, phone (02) 9927 8199 or fax (02) 9954 9218.