Education Programs
The Curriculum Model
The philosophy and values of the school are implemented through our curriculum and pedagogy. Hawker School is currently rolling out the Australian Curriculum and learning outcomes and required content is delivered through an integrated model. Planning for teaching is organised in the following ways:
Three key academic areas:
Literacy
Numeracy
Integrated Studies (Technology, Science, The Arts and SOSE)
Science is based on the Program ‘Primary Connections’. This program was developed by the Australian Academy of Science and integrates Science and Literacy. It is a hands on program based on Science investigations and is aligned with the Australian Curriculum.
The Shine Program
This is a flexible EXTENSION and ENRICHMENT program, which integrates into the 3 academic areas. It also includes the Arts, French, Chess, Environment Program, Rostrum Public Speaking and the Music Tutor Scheme, which is run by the P&C.
The Well Program
This is a specifically designed program with a holistic approach to physical and emotional health. It teaches specific ‘life skills’ and includes the continued development of a positive approach to behaviour management and whole school culture.
Sportlink
Our Sportlink program connects Hawker School with Belconnen High School and Hawker College and is an important part of our Well Program.
Information Communication Technology (ICT)
ICT integrates across all areas of teaching and learning. The school currently has access to a laptop trolley lab of Mac laptops and a number of networked PC computers. Interactive Whiteboards are available across the school.
Student Support Services
Learning Support Committee
The Learning Support Committee consists of the principal, a member of the Executive staff, LA teacher, ESL teacher, School Counsellor and other members as necessary.
This committee helps with the diagnosis of learning and social difficulties, supports teachers and liaises with parents. Teachers may refer any student about whom they have concerns and to follow up the recommendations of the committee. They may also refer to external agencies.
The School Counsellor
A school counsellor is located in the school for one day each week to help with children's social, emotional and welfare problems and to administer diagnostic tests when appropriate. Students, parents and teachers may initiate an interview at any time by contacting the school front office.
ESL - English as a Second Language program
Hawker School has an ESL program, which caters for children where a language other than English is spoken at home. It aims to provide these children with the opportunity to be confident in and competent with English, and to acquire adequate fluency to cope with social, emotional and educational situations in their environment.
Learning Assistance Program
The school has a part-time Learning Assistance program to assist children with special needs. The LA teacher works with children with learning difficulties, such as reading, spelling and maths. The LA teacher liaises with the Learning Support Committee, School Counsellor, parents and other agencies and professionals e.g. Schools’ and Community Centre and speech therapists.
Integration Support
Hawker Primary has several special needs students that are integrated into classes. These students also receive extra support from a Learning Support Assistant.
Parents should speak to the classroom teacher or counsellor about concerns regarding the learning or social development of their child.
