Our Academic Curriculum
Somers Primary School's academic curriculum is comprehensive, with a focus on Literacy and Numeracy. Our programs provide for the range of abilities with additional support provided to children where required including small group speech pathology sessions and individual reading recovery sessions.
Literacy
There are programs in both literacy and numeracy to assist children who are not achieving to the best of their ability, and extension programs to encourage children to achieve to the best of their ability. These programs begin in Prep with screening of children for Phonemic and Phonetic awareness. These are two key skills which assist young children to become effective readers. For those who need assistance to develop these skills, additional support is provided by a Speech Pathologist employed by the School. For children in Year 1, the School runs a Reading Recovery program which provides one-on-one support for half an hour a day for up to 20 weeks. In addition, support is provided to children with delayed language development.
Support programs in literacy run up through the School so that children who have difficulty acquiring literacy skills are supported. These programs allow children to develop the key skills needed to become successful readers. For those who find reading easy, additional support is provided to extend their literacy skills. These include Book Circles which encourage more advanced readers to develop mature reading skills and introduces children to classic literature. Reading Circles are run by volunteer parents and community members.
Mathematics
The development of Mathematics is also designed to assist children to achieve to the best of their potential. Children who need additional assistance are supported with small withdrawal classes which focus on the areas of difficulty. Frequent testing ensures that children's progress is regularly monitored and that support is provided. In Mathematics, extension programs are also provided to allow children to explore Mathematics and develop a love of learning.
The Arts
The School also provides a comprehensive Visual Arts program with all children receiving access to specialist art classes. Somers Primary School runs a highly successful Arts Faireach year which is well supported by the local and wider community.
Science and Our Environment
Science is also a feature of the school with all children from years Prep to Grade 6 receiving science lessons. The Science program underpins the School's Sustainability program which encourages children to conserve water and electricity and which promotes recycling. As part of the Sustainability Program, the children participate in activities which build the environment and which given them a clear idea of the importance of the preservation of ecosystems in the school and local environments. Somers Primary School has achieved a number of awards for its work in sustainability.
LOTE - German
All children at Somers Primary School study German as a Language Other Than English (LOTE). Children are encouraged to appreciate other cultures and to understand the world from different points of view.
Health and Physical Education
Physical activity and sport is an important part of any school's program with children having access to weekly Physical Education and Sports programs. Prep children have a Perceptual Motor program which builds the children's coordination skills. Senior children participate in interschool sport in a variety of sports.
Information and Communication Technology
ICT in an education setting is more recently being called digital learning. Digital learning is any instructional practice that effectively uses technology to strengthen a student’s learning experience. At Somers Primary School we have a 1:2 ratio of desktop computers/netbooks to students. We also have interactive whiteboards in each classroom. We provide digital learning that encompasses a wide spectrum of tools and practice, digital learning emphasises high-quality instruction and provides access to challenging content, opportunities for learning anytime and anywhere, and individualised instruction to ensure all students reach their full potential to succeed in life and future careers.
Citizenship
Our children are encouraged to be good citizens and to contribste to the wider society. Each term the school runs a Citizenship Assembly which recognises the contribution of children to the School and to the wider community. The Student Wellbeing program promotes a harmonious environment and a calm place for both learning and play. Achievement awards are presented to children at assembly who have demonstrated excellence in their work and relationships. The children have a Junior School Council and leadership positions which encourage children to develop skills that will empower them in their secondary and tertiary education. The School runs regular leadership programs for the Year 5/6 children which teach the skills of leadership, public speaking and organisation.
Extra-Curricular Programs
Somers Primary School also provides a range of out of hours programs designed to broaden the children's interests. There is a before school Running Club which encourages fitness and is run by a dedicated group of parents. The Active After School Program is government funded and gives children access to a range of programs such as Dance and Soccer. Our Horizons program operates at lunch time in terms 2 and 3 and provides children with a wealth of choices of programs ranging from electronics to scrapbooking, computers, dance and library activities.