Teaching and Learning

Class Programs

Teachers at Berry Springs School use an integrated approach to programming and planning. Class teachers send letters home at the commencement of each term outlining the program for the term. If you wish to find out more about class programs or ideas to assist your child’s learning please ask the teacher or take time to visit the classroom.

We cater for different learning styles and provide a variety of learning experiences.

English as a Second Language (ESL)

Berry Springs School has one ESL specialist teacher working on a 0.5 basis as part of the ESL General Support Program.

ESL students are assessed on entry to Berry Springs School and progress is monitored. The ESL teacher works with students who speak English but not Standard Australian English, as well as those with a first language other than English. The ESL teacher also provides support to class teachers.

Special Education

Berry Springs has a Special Education Teacher and Assistant who provide support, through individual assessment and programs, to those children with identified special needs.

Library

All students have at least one lesson with the teacher librarian in the library a week. The library is open each lunch time from Monday to Friday for children to enjoy the library facilities. Students are encouraged to borrow from the school library. Student library monitors assist the librarian in carrying out some administration activities.

Music

Berry Springs School has a junior and senior choir. The Choirs perform in at assemblies and in concerts. Teachers are supported in teaching music by staff at the NT School of Music. Instrumental tuition depends on the availability of staff from the NT School of Music. Over the past few years students have had the opportunity to learn a variety of instruments and we anticipate that this will be the case in 2008.

Health, Physical Education and Sports

The school is committed to improving the health of our students through teaching children about healthy food, good health habits and a comprehensive PE and Sports Program.

Languages other than English (LOTE)

Unlike ESL and Special Education we do not have a specialist LOTE teacher allocated to the school and the program depends on the expertise of staff within the school.

Homework Centre

An after school homework support program is available at School for Indigenous students. This service is funded by the Commonwealth Government through the Parent School Partnership Initiative. Parents / guardians will be notified of operating dates and times early in 2008.

Excursions and Camps

Classes may go on a number of Educational Excursions throughout the year. Some classes may also organise a camping excursion. These are regarded as an integral part of the learning process and are considered a fundamental part of the children’s education. They provide experiences, which stimulate curiosity and create springboards for further learning.

Peer Tutoring

A middle or upper primary class will buddy up with an early childhood class. The older students then assist / teach / coach the younger students in a variety of activities and have lots of fun doing it.

The SRC - Student Representative Council

The SRC meets weekly to discuss student and school issues. They are a very active group who give a voice to student concerns, organise fundraising events and run assemblies etc.

School House Teams

The four house teams are:

On enrolment each child is allocated to a house. Students can support their house each week through positive behaviour and classroom achievement. Our yearly Inter House Twilight Sports is an event not to be missed.

Sports Committee

A sports committee composed of senior students is responsible for the organisation of sports equipment and lunch time sports. They coordinate and organise sports for younger students.

Publication

Students also assist in developing publications such as the year book.