Statement of Purpose
At Chevallum State School, our goal is to create a dynamic and inspiring learning environment that nurtures positive self-esteem, fosters a love of learning, encourages the confidence to take risks, and equips students with the skills and knowledge they need to reach their full potential in an ever-evolving world.
In this supportive atmosphere, children take ownership of their learning and grow into independent, self-directed learners. Our cooperative, multi-age classrooms provide continuity, allowing for an individualised, child-centred approach that makes learning an enjoyable and shared experience. We believe in the active involvement of all members of the school community in this process.
Our Philosophy
Our aim is to cater for the learning needs of the individual child.
In other words, it is our aim to provide an environment to enable each child to develop:
All the skills needed to learn
Academic skills of literacy, numeracy and research; social skills of co-operation and responsibility; personal skills which enable a child to be secure enough to accept the challenges of self-direction and decision making, and physical skills of manipulation, vision and co-ordination.
A desire to learn
Lifelong learning is a reality in our ever-changing world. All children are born with an innate desire to learn. This desire to lear
n facilitates a love of learning throughout a child's infant years. Therefore, it is our aim to assist children to continue this natural desire to learn in a school setting.
A knowledge of how to learn
This is essential for children living in our continually changing environment.
In developing this environment, one must consider the following points:
- Children have different learning styles, and
- There must be a 'someone' involved in a child's learning
What is Multi-age grouping?
“In each family, each child is a teacher and a learner, and each profits from first hand contact experience with older and younger children.”
- C P Cullen (Director of Education, 1
987)
In implementing our philosophy we have found the most effective organization structure is Multi-Age. In multi-age grouping, children are grouped together across age ranges.
At Chevallum Prep is a stand alone precinct and children learn in Multi-Age classes from Year 1 to Year 6
We recognise that Prep is a vital year in a child’s learning journey. By creating a dedicated Prep cohort, we can provide targeted learning experiences that match the specific developmental, social, and emotional needs of our youngest learners.
This gives them the best possible start for one of the most important transitions they will experience in their schooling life.
Mulit-Age grouping has many advantages that enhance the child’s learning environment.
- It increases opportunity for co-operation, particularly with older pupils helping the younger ones and giving them some of the extra attention and help they need.
- The make-up of the class is stable with the older children moving out at the end of any year and the others remaining.
- The teacher always has children familiar with class organization, who keep it going while newcomers have time to ‘settle in’.
- It provides an opportunity to get to know students and their families very well creating a quality home and school partnerships in learning.
- School/home co-operation strengthens when teachers and parent know and work with one another.