Martin Luther Campus Curriculum

Key Learning Areas

The school's curriculum offerings take into account the need for primary school students to be taught a comprehensive and balanced curriculum as has been defined in 'The Adelaide Declaration on National Goals for Schooling in the 21st Century' and its Christian ethos. Key learning area curriculum documents and resources produced by the Queensland Schools Curriculum Council are used.

The Key Learning Areas are:

• English (Literacy)
• Mathematics
• Studies of Society and The Environment
• Science
• Health and Physical Education
• Technology
• Language Other Than English
• German Years 4 - 6
• The Arts - Art, Music, Drama, Dance, Choir
• Christian Studies
• Library and Research
• Outdoor Education
• Years 4 - 6

Christian Studies does not assume Christian Faith. It provides an opportunity for students and teachers to express their faith, but does not overtly or covertly put pressure on students to do so. However involvement in the program by all students is necessary and the support of the students by their parents is essential also.

• Gospel centred
• Informed by the Lutheran confessions
• Educationally sound
• Australian in content
• Flexible in structure
• Relevant to the students
• Stimulating and challenging
• Responsive to the diverse needs of students and teachers

Cocurricular Activities

Children have the opportunity to participate in the following Co-curricular activities:

• Choral Choir
• Speech Choir
• Instrumental Music tuition
• Chess Club
• Community Service projects
• Swimming
• Tennis coaching
• Runners Club
• Speech and Drama lessons
• Auskick
• Academic Competitions (UNSW Educational Assessment)

Individual Learning Needs

The individual learning needs of students are the priority school and staff, both within the classroom and in our Individual Needs Program. This caters for students in the low ability as well as to students of high ability in our Extension Program.

School Assessment Program

All students are assessed for learning ability, mathematics, reading comprehension, reading vocabulary, spelling, and phonetic structure (lower school) at the end of each year or upon entry to the school. The Year 2 Diagnostic Net and the State and National Testing in literacy and numeracy for Years 3 and 5 are administered by class teachers.

Assessment Information

• Results and interpretations are readily available for discussion with parents
• Teachers apply the information to the classroom to meet the individual needs of the students
• Ongoing Student Profiles are developed
• Standardised Scores are checked against student attainments with State and National averages
• Student information is passed on from Teacher to Teacher through planned sessions

Individual Needs Centre

Support groups for Comprehension, Language, Reading Skills, Mathematics, Spelling and Writing are taught by the Individual Needs Teacher. Extension and enrichment groups are selected from Years 3-6 based on standardised testing and teacher recommendation. Individual programs are also developed and implemented by Teachers, Teachers' Assistants and the Individual Needs Teacher.

In recognising that each student is a uniquely created individual, Martin Luther Primary Campus provides a rich environment of extension and enrichment. Children from Years 3 - 6 identified in the high ability range are withdrawn to work in small groups with our Individual Needs Teacher. Groups receive one lesson per week and students are encouraged to apply, develop and extend their learning between sessions.

In these sessions the emphasis is on:

• The development of autonomous learners
• Creative and logical problem solving
• Divergent thinking
• Group co-operation skills
• Independent studies

All students have the opportunity to participate in a full range of local and national competitions, however students identified as having high learning potential are especially encouraged to be involved.

Music Program

Music has a special place in school life as part of worship, expression, enjoyment, entertainment and learning. This includes Class Music taken by a qualified Music teacher and Choir taken by a very experienced Choir teacher where children from Years 4 to 6 participate in eisteddfods, choral festivals, public functions, school concerts and musicals.

Instrumental Music and Band Program Qualified instrument teachers teach strings, woodwind, brass and percussion to students in small groups. These students are brought together each week for band practice.

Worship and Praise

On a daily basis, students participate in singing spiritual songs, which are part of devotions.

Computer Technology Program

The school recognises the importance of a media-rich learning environment where the use of computer technologies is part of the students' learning experiences. The use of computers is seen as a valuable means to achieve, extend and enhance curriculum goals through Internet use, keyboard skills and computer programs.

Sport and Outdoor Education

Intraschool Sport

The school houses of Cook, Flinders and Tasman are organised to enable students from Prep - Year 6 to compete in Interhouse competitions in Athletics, Swimming and Cross country.

Interschool Sport

Toowoomba Primary School Sport organises for students in Years 5 and 6 to compete in several seasons of sport which offer Friday competitions in softball, volleyball, touch football, netball, soccer, Australian Rules, tennis, cricket, basketball and carnival days for swimming, cross country and athletics. Selection for trials in all the above sports and more can be accessed for places in Darling Downs Regional Teams, with the further prospect of State selection.

Older students participate in the Queensland Lutheran Schools swimming and athletics carnivals.

Camping, Excursions and Outdoor Education

Excursions and camps provide the basis for our Outdoor Education Program. Prep - Year 6 participate in excursions relating to subject areas. Years 4 and 5 experience a two night stay at a suitable location while Year 6 visits Canberra and Sydney for a week as part of their SOSE curriculum.