K-6 Educational Resources — Board of Studies, New South Wales, Australia
Primary Matters
Primary Matters April 1997
From Board Bulletin, April 1997
Findings from the 1996 evaluation of Science and Technology K-6
The report on the limited evaluation of the Science and Technology K-6 Syllabus and Support Document was presented to the Board on 25 February 1997. This report identified findings based on interviews conducted in 38 primary schools in October and November last year. Some of the key findings from the evaluation were that:
- there appears to be measured acceptance of the Science and Technology K-6 document by the majority of teachers;
- the support document is the primary document used for programming and planning;
- teachers are yet to develop a full understanding of Technology as it is described in the syllabus (many teachers see Technology as referring to computers);
- the integration of Science and Technology content with content from English or Human Society and Its Environment is very common;
- time allocations to Science and Technology range from 60 to 120 minutes per week in teaching programs;
- four factors appear to determine the selection of units and the extent of Science and Technology teaching in a school:
(i) teacher understanding and confidence
(ii) student interest
(iii) the availability of resources,
and (iv) content being taught in other Key Learning Areas; - the learning processes are viewed as separate and distinct areas with priority given to Investigating;
- content from the Living Things, Physical Phenomena, and The Earth and Its Surroundings strands appears to receive greater attention in class programs than content from the Products and Services and Information and Communication strands;
- selective use is made of the syllabus outcomes.
Some issues identified in the report are clearly syllabus-related matters. Other issues are matters for school systems. The Science and Technology K-6 Syllabus Advisory Committee is currently developing a set of recommendations aimed at dealing with issues relevant to the Board. An abridged copy of the report can be obtained by faxing a request to the Board of Studies, Client Services, on (02) 9956 5205.
Technology K-6 network
A group of primary teachers is looking to establish a professional network in order to exchange information and ideas about Technology in the primary curriculum. If you are interested in hearing more about this network or if you would be interested in assisting with its formation, contact Amanda Shaw (Senior Curriculum Officer) on (02) 9927 8267.
K-6 News on the Board's website
http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au
The K-6 News 'page' on the Board of Studies' website includes a number of items of interest for primary schools and teachers. This 'page' includes past 'Primary Matters' columns, syllabus and support documents and Board Bulletin K-6 reports. Other topics that will soon be added to the page include links to other K-6 sites, resources to assist teaching and learning, and K-6 software reviews. An English K-6 Update 'page' will be added to the website in April. Teachers, principals, academics and parents will be able to view material developed for the revision of the English K-6 Syllabus and Support Document as it is produced over the next twelve months. Users of the website will also be able to complete a form to provide feedback and/or commentary on draft English K-6 material.
Update for English K-6
In addition to publishing information and material on the Board's website, an
English K-6 update article will be included as a regular feature in future
Board Bulletins. These updates will include information about activities being undertaken by the writers and provide answers to frequently asked questions about the revision of the syllabus. The April update for English K-6 is on page 5.
Road Safety Education materials
The Board of Studies has commenced a two-year project to develop a series of Road Safety Education resources to support the 1992 draft Personal Development, Health and Physical Education K-6 Syllabus and Support Document. Materials for each stage (Early Stage 1 to Stage 3) will be produced in the areas of pedestrian, cyclist and passenger safety. Turn to page 9 for more information about this project.
If you would like further information regarding these items or K-6 curriculum matters in general, contact Margaret Malone, Inspector, Primary Education (ph (02) 9927 8199 or fax (02) 9954 9218).