1 Murdoch University

Schools as text Primary Placement

Describe the school in terms of
its demographics, appearance
and resources (be general here
and do not name the school).
The school was opened in 1996 and has approximately 680
students. It has 5 permanent buildings with an additional 5
demountable buildings. In 2010 the school received Education
Revolution Federal funding enabling them to build a new block
housing a science room and a multipurpose room. The
multipurpose room acts as a learning support centre with
literacy and numeracy specialists. This program aims to
enhance learning and teaching programs at the school.
Students have access to IT room and school has a variety of
specialist programs (Art, Science, PE, LOTE, Music). All
classrooms have whiteboards and internet access. The school
also runs external programs such as dance and additional sport
activities.

What were the roles and
responsibilities of the teaching
staff you observed?
Deputy Head chaired staff meeting about curriculum
workshop.(Attended)
Deputy Head taking assembly Book week
Head of Early Years chaired a group collaborative
meeting about the curriculum.(Attended)
Mentor Year 1 teacher roles and responsibilities
Meeting and greeting parents
Responsible for meeting diverse needs of students
Responsible for reinforcing acceptable behaviour in
and outside the classroom.
Provide a safe nurturing learning environment
Following and documenting IEP programs
Reports
Recess and dinner duty
Duty at sick bay
Specialist sports teacher organized cross country competition.
2 Murdoch University
What did you observe non-
teaching staff doing to
support teaching and
learning in the school?
Two education assistants in the classroom on a rotation
basis over a three day period.
One special needs educational assistant assigned to a
student with a hearing impairment.
Librarian roles include reading to students, introducing
students to different types of literature and managing the
library.
Dance sport teacher external one lesson per week.
Parent helpers assisting students under teacher
direction.



Students

You will have observed the
diverse nature of your
classes. How was this
diversity supported?
Diverse roles within the classroom :
Special needs EA support student with hearing
impairment (high ability) one session per week. The
student has specialist equipment and the teacher uses
this as a teaching aid. She wears it around her neck and
then during show and tell or paired sharing the student
then wears it.
Teacher and EAs support those students with IEPs or
lower ability with additional work. Teacher created
activities to encourage shared learning such as shared
reading (speaking, listening and literacy skills). Also
during formal teaching sessions on the whiteboard,
teacher breaks task and learning objective into simple
forms. She reinforces, uses pause and think response
encouraging all students to participate.
.Cultural diversity children encouraged to discuss
difference. Teacher also incorporated topics on cultures
within the curriculum framework. Also parents are
encouraged to take an active role in students homework.
Gender diversity teacher arranges mixed gender
seating and encourages students to mix during activities.
Students with mild behavioural problems rules and
expected guidelines placed on classroom walls. Systems
put in place such as the blue dot.
Students with differing life experiences and the impact
this has on the students encouraged to share ideas and
talk about experiences. The teacher introduced shared
conversations whereby students pair up and discuss
topics of importance to them to develop their listening
and socialization skills.








3 Murdoch University

Function of Schools

Did you observe the connection
of your schools with the broader
community? How did this
happen?
The school is affiliated with the Australian Navy and it
supports those students within the school. The
fractions are named after four submarines housed at
the naval base.
Parents and Citizens Association provide support to
educational program within the school. There is a
strong focus on maintaining positive and productive
school community relations.
Book week Teachers, parents and students were
encouraged to dress as their favourite book characters.
All invited to assembly.

What do you think the function
of school is?
To educate and develop acceptable socialisation skills
for all students.
To be inclusive and sensitive to the diverse needs of all
students.
To create a safe, nurturing environment that facilitates
and encourages learning.
The aspect of the school as a community, a supportive
environment and its relationships between teacher,
student and parents.
A positive environment enriched by the contributions
of its students and the effect this has on the
surrounding community.
All students should have equally opportunity to learn
and achieve.
To give opportunities to students to participate in a
variety of specialist programs.
To provide an environment that is firm but fair and
always consistent.