Curriculum

Primary (Reception to Year 6)

We currently have 13 classes across the primary years Reception to Year 6.. Most of our classes are composite (more than one year level) and teachers modify the curriculum to cater for individual students. All students participate in lessons with specialist teachers including, Japanese, Music and Drama, Health and Physical Education and History.
Student learning is supported by SSO’s and other specialist staff who work together collaboratively to provide the best possible learning opportunities for our students. Literacy is a site priority and is explicitly taught in all curriculum areas focussing on writing, spelling and grammar. The Early Years are implementing Jolly Phonics and the Primary Years Spelling Mastery to further progress our students literacy skills .Guided Reading, independent reading and programs such as Rainbow Reading are used to develop reading skills.
We offer the following intervention programs for students experiencing difficulty in literacy and numeracy learning areas:
The Reading Tutor program (developed by Multi Lit Pty Ltd / Macquarie University) for selected students in years 3-9.
http://www.multilit.com/programs/reading-tutor-program/
The Quick Smart Numeracy program (developed by the University of New England / SiMERR Australia) for selected students in years 4-9. https://simerr.une.edu.au/quicksmart/pages/qsmathematics-intervention.php
All classes use Primary Science Connections as the basis of Science lessons and their work is showcased during Science Week and at assemblies. Students participate in extra curricula activities such as visiting performances, school camps and swimming programs.
Students are given many opportunities to develop leadership skills. As an R-12 site older students buddy with younger students to provide emotional and academic support. Students across the school are encouraged to participate in various student representative groups and all committees have students as members.
Play is the Way is the foundation of our pastoral care programme taught by all teachers Rec -6, reinforced by teachers years  7-12 and used by both student counsellors. Play is the Way is a philosophy and programme that helps students develop strong skills in self-control, motivation to pursue excellence and care for those around them.
We have continuous assessment and reporting with parent/ teacher/ student discussions including interviews and learning reports.

 

Middle School (Year 7 to 9)

At Moonta Area School we value our community of learners. Through our motto of Learning, Caring, Sharing Moonta Area Middle school aims to meet the holistic needs of young adolescents by: nurturing positive relationships between students, teachers, parents and caregivers; promoting resilience and positive social, emotional and physical development; developing an inclusive curriculum that supports the different individual needs and learning styles of our students; celebrating successes and achievements throughout the year.
Students (7-9) study a broad range of subjects, mandated by the Australian Curriculum across the areas of English, Maths, Science, HASS, The Arts and Technologies. Students are expected to take an active part in their learning, as a focus in our Middle School is taking responsibility for both learning, and also in the way we interact in positive ways with others as  citizens in our school community.
We offer the following intervention programs for students experiencing difficulty in literacy and numeracy learning areas:
The Reading Tutor program (developed by Multi Lit Pty Ltd / Macquarie University) for selected students in years 3-9.
http://www.multilit.com/programs/reading-tutor-program/
The Quick Smart Numeracy program (developed by the University of New England / SiMERR Australia) for selected students in years 4-9. https://simerr.une.edu.au/quicksmart/pages/qsmathematics-intervention.php
Students have the opportunity to engage in a variety of experiences beyond the classroom designed to enhance learning in different contexts: Activities week and Market Day, and Year Level specific camps, just to name a few.

 

Senior School (Year 10 to 12)

The Senior School at Moonta Area School is a learning environment built on the values of Learning, Caring and Sharing., As a small Senior School we are committed to providing our students with a wide range of options and experiences as part of the learning program to enhance student engagement.

Students in the Senior Secondary can be engaged in School based subjects, access a variety of VET courses  or possibly undertake learning through Open Access.  Through in involvement in Business Week, Work Experience and other programs students can enhance learning and skill development in a variety of settings beyond the classroom.

SACE

An extensive range of SACE options are offered at Stage 1 and Stage 2. Under the SACE, study can be designed to meet every student's needs - whether they want to go to university, study a trade, or get straight into the workforce after school. Moonta Area School has always endeavoured to offer a wide range of choices, determined in consultation with staff, students and parents. Open Access and other delivery methods are considered for subjects which can't be offered face to face.

Each subject or course successfully completed earns 'credits' towards the SACE. At least 200 credits are required for students to gain the certificate. Ten credits are equal to one semester, or two terms of study in a subject, and 20 credits are equal to a full-year subject. Students will receive a grade for each subject from A to E (A+ to E- at Stage 1). For compulsory subjects, they will need to achieve a ‘C’ grade or better.

The compulsory subjects are:

  • Personal Learning Plan (10 credits)
  • Literacy – at least 20 credits from a range of English subjects or courses (Stage 1)
  • Numeracy – at least 10 credits from a range of mathematics subjects or courses (Stage 1)
  • Research Project – an in-depth major project (10 credits at Stage 2 )
  • Other Stage 2 subjects totalling at least 60 credits.

The remaining 90 credits can be gained through additional Stage 1 or Stage 2 subjects or SACE Board-recognised courses of a student's choice.