Early Junior Learning Team

At the beginning of 2012 the Early Junior Learning Team has four classes with the New Entrant class expected to start Term 2 in Room 8.

English / Literacy

The development of numeracy and literacy is of paramount importance in the early years. Therefore all units of work should be seen as a vehicle to developing skills in:

• Oral Language
• Speaking and Listening
• Written Language
• Writing and Reading
• Visual Language
• Viewing and Presenting, Handwriting

The following language learning processes will guide teachers and children in achieving the objectives of understanding and using language effectively:

• exploring language
• thinking critically
• processing information

Mathematics

The teaching of Numeracy remains a focus with strands of Geometry, Measurement, Algebra and Statistics provided for over the year. Our timetables provide an hour for quality learning time. Resources to build on and enrich programmes will continue to be purchased or made by parent helpers.

Discovery Learning

Room 1, 2, 3 and 4 will combine on available afternoons to provide children the opportunity for less formal learning utilising our outdoor learning environment.  This provides an opportunity to pursue children's interests and develop cooperative problem solving skills.

We plan for Integrated Units of Work in Science, Social Studies, Technology.   Teacher's planning and preparation will be shared according to strengths and interests. Implementation of units will be simultaneous, allowing for cross syndicate support and sharing of resources. Where possible, Te Reo is integrated as part of daily practice.  Kapa haka is timetabled for all classes together fortnightly in the hall.

Planning for the teaching of inquiry/thinking skills will be a major focus in topic work, using the Ashgrove Inquiry Model.

Health & Physical Education

Health and Physical Education continues to be an important component of our programmes for 2012. We have timetabled skill teaching lessons taken each alternate Tuesday afternoon or Thursday morning by the North Canterbury Sports and Recreation Trust as well as daily fitness programmes.  Jump Jam is taught in our outdoor area on Tuesday and Thursday monrings for the combined classes.  Health units will be covered throughout the year with the Life Education van coming to Ashgrove in Term 3 as part of our integrated topic. There is also a whole school focus on identified values for Ashgrove STARS - Service, Trust, Attitude, Respect and Sustainability. 

The Arts

Visual Art

Visual art may be integrated with the current topic or taught as a separate curriculum area depending on the skills needing to be covered. There is a focus on the use of different media each term with sketching and drawing being taught as part of visual art across the whole year. Each Year 1 student has a Visual Diary used for Observational Drawing which will be a record of their developing skills. We also have a short timetabled session once a fortnight with a senior class and Mrs Muirson, where the students learn collaboratively about a specific skill.

Music, Dance and Drama

There will be an emphasis on a different arts strand each term covering the 3 strands of dance, music and drama. Many aspects of these disciplines are covered in daily programmes and weekly planning. Junior pupils participate enthusiastically in Jump Jam taken twice a week.

Perceptual Motor Programme

A PMP programme is provided for all Year 1 pupils in terms 2 and 3. A teacher aide is employed to help run the programme along with parent helpers. The programme will run Mondays 1.30 - 3.00 pm and Wednesdays 1.30 - 3.00pm.  Classes will also take one floor session each week in our outdoor area.

Early Junior Assembly

Friday 2.15pm - 3.00pm

Children sing the National Anthem and syndicate songs, present items as a class and show items made in class or developmental programmes. Birthdays and achievements are acknowledged with a certificate. Each class has a turn to present assembly on a rostered basis.

Trips / Education Outside the Classroom

Term 1

• Rangiora Museum - Week 6
• KOS - Weeks 6 and 8

Term 2

• Police Station - Week 4

Term 3

• Swim / Gym - Room 4 to join Junior Syndicate, Rooms 5, 6 & 7 June 26th - August 21st (7 sessions)
• Life Education - Weeks 4 and 5

Term 4

• Swim and Gym - November to December (7 sessions)

Events to which Parents are Invited (check calendar for dates)

Term 1

• Meeting the Teacher - 7th February
• Parent Interviews - 27th & 29th February

Term 2

• Junior Cross Crountry

Term 3

• PMP Demonstrations

Term 4

• Tabloid Sports
• End of Year Celebrations

Reporting to Parents

• 7th February 2012 - Meet the Teacher Evening
• 27th & 29th February - Goal Setting
• Term 3 - Parent Interviews
• December - End of Year Written Report

New Entrant Survey

After 4 to 6 weeks at school all new entrant pupils are tested to give an indication of current level and areas of strength and need. Parents are invited to an interview to discuss the results.

Six Year Net - Literacy and Numeracy

Completed on pupils 6th birthday. Results report sent home to parents. Interview scheduled if child is at risk or at parent request.

Early Junior Newsletter

Beginning each new Term to outline upcoming programmes and advise parents of trips, additional programmes or changes within the syndicate and to celebrate successes. A copy of this will be given to the Principal and put on the school website for parents information.