Student engagement and well-being has been identified as a vital component of Middle Years reform. The Middle Years constitute a stage of education during which young adolescents can explore themselves and the world in which they live, in a context of 'high expectations'.

The Middle Years of Schooling should be founded on a commitment to advance the learning capacity of all students and the achievement of outcomes that are meaningful to the student.

Jells Park Primary offers curriculum and school-based activities that provide opportunities, skills and understandings that encourage active and responsible citizenship in a safe, secure environment.

Thinking Oriented Curriculum

In understanding the term "Thinking Oriented Curriculum", four key components need to be addressed. They are:

1. Teaching for thinking - schools and teachers create learning environments that are  safe, caring and encourage risk taking by students. The environment is rich and stimulating for all students to explore, investigate and enquire.
2. Teaching of thinking - schools and teachers teach the thinking skills associated with different subject areas.
3. Teaching with thinking - schools and teachers support the development of students' thinking skills through the completion of rich tasks that encourage and challenge them.
4. Teaching about thinking - schools and teachers support students to reflect, regulate and self-assess.

 

Numeracy

In Victoria, as in other education systems around the world, the improvement of numeracy levels is a high priority. International research suggests that students who leave the early years of schooling without having experienced success in mathematics may make fewer gains in later years.