Primary Matters, August 1999

This is a BOARD OF STUDIES NSW, AUSTRALIA web document

Primary Matters
August 1999 -- Vol 8 No 6

Linkages Update
Science and Technology K-6 revised outcomes
Re-organisation of K-6 material on Board of Studies Website
Update on Creative Arts K-6

Linkages Update

Teachers from two schools in the Broken Bay Diocese, who are featured on the Board's Linkages webpage, have used these generic skills as a common thread as part of Linkages projects that they have been undertaking this year. The skills that they found most featured across the primary curriculum were:

Research -- where students used a variety of sources to find information and evaluate and use those most relevant
Communication -- where students presented their information in a wide variety of formats including oral presentations, written texts, board games and retrieval charts
Critical thinking -- where students reflected on their learning and the processes that they were using
Cooperation -- where all classes used cooperative groups for research, analysing data, presenting information and sharing experiences.

Current research has identified the notion of certain skills being both transferable and necessary to promote effective learning. These `generic skills', which are evident within each key learning area, can broadly be described as research, communication, solving problems, using technology, critical thinking, expression, task management, cooperation and citizenship.

Further information on Linkages projects can be obtained from the Linkages Project Co-ordinator, ph (02) 9367 8274 or fax (02) 9367 8476. The Linkages webpage can be found at http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/k6_linkages

Science and Technology K-6 revised outcomes

In February 1999, the Board of Studies approved the revision of the outcomes in the 1991 Science and Technology K-6 syllabus. A 1996 evaluation of this syllabus found that the outcomes were too numerous (there were 158 in total) and of little use to teachers for planning, programming, assessing and reporting. A set of draft revised Science and Technology K-6 outcomes, which was developed in Term 2, has now been distributed to a sample of 50 schools as well as those schools and teachers who have requested copies in response to information in previous editions of the Board Bulletin. Copies of the draft document can be found on the K-6 page on the Board's website. Following adjustments to the outcomes and indicators arising out of the consultation, an addendum of outcomes and indicators to the 1991 syllabus will be developed for use by schools for next year. This addendum will be produced in hard copy format and on CD-ROM. In addition to the addendum of outcomes and indicators, the CD-ROM will include a selection of student work samples illustrating achievement of the revised stage outcomes. Inquiries about the draft outcomes or work samples can be directed to Mandy Shaw, at shaw@boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au, ph (02) 9367 8267 or fax (02) 9367 8476.

If you would like further information regarding these items or K-6 curriculum matters in general, email Margaret Malone, Inspector, Primary Education ph (02) 9367 8199 or fax (02) 9367 8476.

Re-organisation of K-6 material on Board of Studies Website

The K-6 material on the Board of Studies website will be significantly re-organised to make it easier for teachers, parents and students to find material specifically related to primary education. If visitors to the Board's website click on the `K-6 Page' button on the left-hand side of the Index Page they will have access to a wide range of materials and documents. They will be able to enter the Linkages Project or make links to websites of particular interest to primary educators, along with links to the relevant 7-10 syllabuses in each key learning area.

Update on Creative Arts K-6

During Term 2 this year, 26 randomly selected schools intensively trialled the Creative Arts K-6 Draft Syllabus and Creative Arts K-6 Draft Support Document. The trialling has generated a diverse range of views about the syllabus and support document.

Focus group meetings on the draft syllabus and support document were held in Parramatta on June 7, Narrandera on June 9, Sutherland on June 21 and Narrabri on June 28. At the start of Term 3 all schools were sent a survey seeking comment on the effectiveness of the syllabus and support document. The closing date for survey responses is August 27. Responses to the survey, comments from the trialling schools, and feedback from written submissions and focus group meetings will be used to amend the syllabus and support document.

Additional information about the Creative Arts K-6 Draft Syllabus, the Creative Arts K-6 Draft Support Document and the trialling and consultation of these documents may be obtained from Julie Stevens, Senior Curriculum Officer, Creative Arts, Office of the Board of Studies, e-mail stevens@boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au, phone (02) 9367 8161, fax (02) 9367 8476.