Teaching and Learning

Literacy and Numeracy Program

At Clarendon Primary School, we take a holistic approach to children’s learning, using evidenced based, research driven practice. At Clarendon we embrace contemporary and traditional approaches that place the child at the centre of the learning process, supported by their families and teachers. Our work focuses on achieving developmental, intellectual, dispositional / behavioural and academic goals for children. We monitor progress using a range of methods, including running records, progressive achievement tests in reading comprehension and mathematics, NAPLAN and others.

Intervention Programs used at Clarendon include MultiLit, MiniLit, TooSmart and Reading Doctor.

At Clarendon Primary School we work to establish conditions for learning that most suit a child’s developmental stage, ability and learning disposition in a way that enables them to make progress towards achieving personalised learning goals.

Kitchen Garden

The school was one of the first in South Australia to establish the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program. Now all classes have gardening and cooking lessons each week, with activities integrated in all other aspects of the curriculum.

Information and Communication Technology

Information and Communication Technologies are integrated across the curriculum and used in ways to enhance student learning. Students may, at different times, use laptops, desktops, iPads, tablets, video cameras and still cameras to access curriculum content. We believe that ICTs should be used to create, process, innovate, present and share ideas, learning and thinking. All use of ICTs at Clarendon must be done in accordance with our user agreements and policies. See our Mobile Tech Policy on this page.

Child Protection Curriculum

All teachers at Clarendon Primary School are trained in the delivery of the child protection curriculum. It is expected that each year, the CPC is delivered according to national and state guidelines.

Autism Inclusion Teachers

Autism Inclusion Teachers are a new, nation-leading initiative that aims to build educator understanding and knowledge around supporting autistic children and young people.

Every public primary school in South Australia has appointed an Autism Inclusion Teacher. Our Autism Inclusion Teacher is our school principal Regan Birrell, who will take on the role 1 day per fortnight.

Autism Inclusion Teachers will build their own teaching expertise, knowledge and understanding of autism through engaging in formal learning offerings and participation in the Autism Inclusion Teacher networks. To improve knowledge and practice across the school, Autism Inclusion Teachers will then be encouraged to share their learnings and resources with their colleagues to utilise in teaching autistic children and young people in their own classes.

Visit the Department for Education website to find out more about improving support for autistic children and students.

Sports

Clarendon Primary regularly participates in sporting activities throughout the year. Some of these include: swimming, netball, T-20 blast cricket, cross-country, soccer, hockey, football, athletics, tag rugby and rugby league. Children in Year 6 & 7 are generally given priority in selection for sports teams, however, children in Year 4 & 5 may be invited to participate where appropriate. Teams are entered into various SAPSASA competitions and have produced some excellent results over the years.

Music

This year, 2021, Clarendon Primary is not involved in the Festival of Music Choir, however, in the past students have been encouraged to participate (most recently it was compulsory for our Year 4/5 Class, and optional for Years 6 & 7 students). Each year the choir performs in the South Australian Festival of Choirs. The choir is highly rated and has won the Strathalbyn Eistedfodd on three occasions.

Students in our Year 6/7 Class have a ukulele program which was introduced at Clarendon a few years ago. Each student is issued with a ukulele to use during their time in the class, which is traditionally presented to them as they conclude their primary schooling. It is amazing to watch their transformation from the beginning of each year to the end, as they become more dextrous and confident players.

DECD instrumental music tuition is often available. Currently Sully Heil teaches students guitar on Thursday during class time; the lesson times are altered each week to ensure students do not miss out on the same subject each time. The guitar lessons are generally one-on-one, however, there is also one group of three students who learn together.

Aquatics

The senior class participates in an aquatics program every 2 years, usually in Term 1. Students participate in kayaking, wind surfing, sailing, surfing, boating, canoeing and snorkelling lessons spread over two to three days.

Barefoot Club

Barefoot Club is a co-ordination program we run for all Reception students throughout the year at Clarendon. Children engage in a range of activities that are challenging, engaging and lots of fun, to help them develop fine and gross motor co-ordination, balance, spatial and physical awareness. Their learning usually culminates in an assembly performance which parents/carers and extended family are welcome to attend.

Book Week

Each year we celebrate Book Week with activities focused on reading and the library. In past years this has involved book making, storytelling, parades, performances and a variety of events involving students, parents and the community. Book Week is usually celebrated during Term 3. Check CBCA Book Week for information about the theme.

Camps / Excursions / Incursions

Clarendon Primary School deeply values the learning that children undertake when outside of the school and when we have people visit our school. Camps, excursions and incursions are an expression of this value and something that we have children involved in each year. Previously, we have been on adventure caving camps to Naracoorte, aquatics camps at Port Vincent, camps to Narnu Farm, the Zoo, Arbury Park and many other destinations.

End of Year School Concert

A school concert is held each year on an evening in Term 4 where each class performs a dance they have learned during Term 4. Extended family is welcome to attend this event, which is generally held at a venue relatively close to our school.

Grandparents' (Elders') Day

One day a year is designated for students’ grandparents and other visitors of that generation to share in learning activities at the school. This is often linked with Harmony Day and an activity is held to further bond our students with their special older visitors.

ICAS/Westpac Maths Competitions

Students are encouraged and supported to enter the Australian Writing, Spelling, Science, English, Maths and Computing competitions which are organised by the University of New South Wales each year. We also participate in the Westpac Maths competition.

In 2014, one of our Year 4 students won the SA/NT ICAS medal for the highest score in the English Test in SA/NT.

Outdoor Playtimes

During outdoor playtimes, children at Clarendon Primary School are encouraged to play freely outside in the yard. Clarendon has many varied structured and unstructured play spaces around the yard and children are able to play in natural environments among the trees. Cubby building is a popular playtime pursuit. Sports and other play equipment is also available for students to access at playtimes.

We are a sun safe school, and therefore sun hats must be worn during Terms 1 & 4, and during Terms 2 & 3 when the UV is 3 or above.

Reader’s Theatre

Reader’s Theatre is a fun-filled, drama/literacy-based activity for children in upper primary. Children work together with a staff member to rehearse and present a short performance for the school at assembly. The group is focused on developing reading and oral literacy skills, and is lots of fun!

Resource Centre / Library

Students and parents may use these facilities for class, group or individual research. Students are issued with a card when they commence at Clarendon Primary. If parents would like to use the facilities to borrow, a card will happily be issued on request.

Borrowing: each class has library time for borrowing. Children may also borrow before school, after school, recess time, lunchtime or during class time as advised by the class teacher. Younger children may need help to use the Bookmark program. Materials may be borrowed for 2 weeks, with the option of extending this time if needed.

Returning: books must be placed in the Returns chute at the main desk to the right of the entrance door to the Resource Centre.

Reference books: these are to be mainly used in the Resource Centre or can be borrowed overnight.

Book bags (library bags): these are a good idea, especially for younger children.

Scholastic Book Club: books can be bought for your children through this club. This happens twice a term and the school benefits from all purchases made. We recommend you do not purchase “gadgets” through the Book Club as we have found that they often do not last.

Please encourage your children to become happy, responsible users of these resources. Enjoy and share their books with them.

Children are encouraged to complete the Premier’s Reading Challenge each year to win certificates and medals. In 2020 our school had 100% participation!

Science Week

This event is a week-long focus on a particular theme in science. All students can take part in the activities and this can involve a daily “guess what’s under the microscope” challenge. Also, each day during Science Week, Miss Best arranges some engaging activities for students to get involved in during one of the break times.

Students with Disabilities

Students with physical or intellectual disabilities and learning difficulties are supported in a range of ways in accordance with the national disability standards in education. At Clarendon Primary School we believe that working closely to support families and children is the best way towards creating the most ideal learning conditions for children with disabilities. Children may be supported through a range of services and interventions according to their unique learning needs.

Swimming

Water Safety and Swimming Classes for Reception to Year 5 are generally held in Term 2 for one week (Mon-Fri) at the Noarlunga Swimming Centre. Parents are invited to attend to watch on the final day.

Sports Day

Sports Day is a big event in our school calendar and is a day where families are invited to come and watch the fun and games. There is often a parent event which has traditionally been Tug of War, and this year we even had our first ever pre-school event with all younger siblings participating in a 100-metre “sprint”. Both activities earned points towards their child’s Sports Day team score.

Students compete in three house teams: Thorpe (purple), Freeman (blue) & O’Neill (green) and families are invited to dress in their child’s team colour and come along to support them. Team Spirit is a big part of the day, and children are often seen encouraging those in opposing teams.

This year, Thorpe finally took the crown from Freeman who had won the previous four years running, and Team Spirit was awarded to O’Neill.