Primary Matters

Primary Matters June 1997

From Board Bulletin, June 1997

Mathematics K-6

The Mathematics K-6 Draft Outcomes have been in schools since week 2 of this term. Schools across the state have been sending back surveys containing a range of viewpoints and suggestions. Data from the surveys is being collated and will form the basis for the final editing of the outcomes. One common observation is that teachers in primary schools have not seen the Mathematics Years 7-8 Syllabus and are therefore unable to comment on whether the K-6 draft outcomes provide ‘an appropriate standard in the continuum of learning towards the Stage 4 Mathematics course'. This will be reconciled through a focus group meeting involving primary and secondary teachers. Many thanks to all the teachers who have given their time to fill in and return the surveys.

Work sample collection using the draft outcomes has now commenced. Thirty schools across the state are involved, with one teacher in each school coordinating the collection of work samples across the stages. The resulting collection of work samples will be published. The long-term plan is to provide schools with work samples on CD-ROM. This will allow scope for video and audio work samples as well as print-based work.

Primary Technology Group

A group of twenty primary teachers with an interest in technology education recently attended a meeting to discuss issues concerning technology in the primary curriculum. The group agreed on the need for a broad view of technology in the primary curriculum, encompassing designing and making and the use of a range of resources and skills.

Current issues of importance raised at the meeting included the recent evaluation of the Science and Technology K-6 Syllabus and the need for continued support for teachers in using the syllabus. The group will continue to meet as an interest group once a term at different schools to share effective strategies and practical ideas. The next meeting of the group will be held in Term 3 at Tara Anglican School for Girls on Thursday, 7 August. If you would like more information about this group please contact Mandy Shaw on (02) 9367 8267.

BOSLOs

The Board of Studies has ten Board of Studies Liaison Officers (BOSLOs) located throughout the state to support schools in matters concerning curriculum, assessment and reporting. Primary schools are encouraged to make contact with their local BOSLO and to make use of their support in all matters relating to curriculum.

List of BOSLOs and phone numbers

Metropolitan North Libby Hegerty Ph: (02) 9367 8356
Metropolitan East Sandy Langford Ph: (02) 9568 8218
Metropolitan North West Chris Freeman Ph: (02) 9683 9642
Metropolitan South West Brett Harper Ph: (02) 9683 9637
Hunter Jennifer Moody Ph: (049) 249 976
North Coast Robyn Hawkshaw Ph: (066) 593 274
North West Beverley Hobson Ph: (067) 685 843
Riverina Michael Lee Ph: (069) 210 989
South Coast Col Anderson Ph: (042) 268 260
Western Greg Simpson Ph: (063) 334 299

Creative Arts K-6

The Creative Arts K-6 Syllabus is currently in draft form. Teachers interested in reviewing and providing feedback on the draft should contact Helen Wyatt on (02) 9367 8135 to receive a copy of the draft and the accompanying questionnaire. Work is underway on support material for each of the strands -- Visual Arts, Music, Drama and Dance. In addition, samples of student work are currently being collected.

A small number of schools are informally trialling the draft, collecting student work and evaluating the draft outcomes.

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 8484.