At Kosciuszko Street Primary School, we are committed to delivering a high-quality education that equips our students with the necessary skills and knowledge for success. To achieve this, we employ a range of effective strategies and evidence-based practices.

Our teachers engage in regular collaboration and data analysis to ensure targeted and personalized instruction for each student. By reviewing student data, we can identify areas of strength and areas that require additional support, allowing us to plan and deliver effective teaching and learning experiences.

We place a strong emphasis on developing proficient readers. One of the key components in this endeavour is the implementation of a Knowledge-Based Curriculum. By explicitly teaching vocabulary and building a strong foundation of background knowledge, we have observed significant improvements in students' writing as they incorporate more sophisticated words and ideas.

Additionally, we recognize the importance of reducing cognitive load to enhance learning in numeracy. To achieve this, we have implemented Daily Reviews, a practice that allows students to regularly revisit and reinforce previously taught concepts. By reviewing and consolidating their mathematical understanding, students develop fluency and confidence in their numeracy skills.

Through our sequenced knowledge-rich curriculum, explicit vocabulary instruction, and practices such as Daily Reviews, we strive to provide our students with the tools they need to succeed academically. We are dedicated to fostering a love for learning, empowering students to become confident, critical thinkers who can effectively comprehend texts and apply their knowledge in meaningful ways.

At Kosciuszko Street Primary School, we believe that a strong foundation in literacy and numeracy is crucial for future success. We are proud to implement evidence-based practices that support our students' growth and development, ensuring they are well-equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Staff at Kossie teach across a range of learning areas including:

• Arts
• English
• Mathematics
• Health and Physical Education
• The Humanities
• Science
• Technologies

The capabilities we aim to provide our students through our curriculum, in line with the Victorian Curriculum includes:

• Critical and Creative Thinking
• Ethical
• Intercultural
• Personal and Social

Learning at Kossie

At Kosciuszko Street Primary School, we are committed to optimizing student learning outcomes by implementing effective strategies based on cognitive load theory. We understand the importance of presenting new information to students in manageable chunks that build upon their prior knowledge.

We believe that a strong foundation in mathematics is essential for students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. To ensure effective learning outcomes in mathematics, we employ evidence-based strategies based on the principles of Explicit Direct Instruction (EDI) and a systematic scope and sequence approach.

Mathematics at our school is not only about solving equations; it's about building a deep understanding of concepts and strategies. We present new mathematical concepts to students in manageable chunks, connecting them to their prior knowledge. By breaking down complex ideas into smaller, more manageable parts, we help students develop a solid foundation and build their mathematical skills step by step.

To support the transfer of new learning from working memory to long-term memory, we incorporate regular and spaced practice sessions. Through deliberate repetition and reinforcement, students solidify their understanding of mathematical concepts and enhance their problem-solving abilities. Our structured Maths Reviews play a crucial role in this process. These reviews involve revisiting essential maths skills at regular intervals, enhancing recall, problem-solving speed, and overall confidence. Students enjoy these fast-paced and highly engaging reviews, making the learning process enjoyable and exciting.

Furthermore, we have implemented a systematic scope and sequence for mathematics instruction from Prep to Grade 6. This approach ensures that all vital skills and strategies are taught in a logical and sequential manner. By following this scope and sequence, we prevent any gaps in students' mathematical knowledge and avoid unnecessary repetition of content from year to year. This systematic approach allows students to build a solid mathematical foundation, ensuring a smooth progression of learning throughout their primary school years.

Through the combination of EDI strategies, regular practice, and a systematic scope and sequence, we strive to optimize students' mathematical learning experiences. Our goal is to develop confident and capable mathematicians who can apply their skills and knowledge effectively. By providing a supportive and engaging learning environment, we empower our students to become critical thinkers, problem solvers, and lifelong learners in the field of mathematics.

Maths Reviews: Following explicit instruction, we incorporate regular intervals of revisiting maths skills. These structured reviews enhance recall, problem-solving speed, and overall confidence in mathematical abilities. Our fast-paced and highly active reviews are enjoyed by students, making the learning process engaging and enjoyable.

At Kosciuszko Street Primary School, we are dedicated to providing a comprehensive literacy program that includes systematic focuses on instruction. In addition to our engaging Language Arts program, we have implemented targeted initiatives that specifically address reducing cognitive load to enhance learning in key areas.

Phonics: we are dedicated to providing a comprehensive literacy program that includes systematic sequential phonics instruction. From grade Prep to 2, we utilize the highly effective Sounds-Write program to teach phonics skills. Sounds-Write is a research-based approach that focuses on the explicit teaching of phoneme-grapheme correspondences, enabling students to decode words accurately and fluently. Our teachers follow a structured scope and sequence to systematically introduce and reinforce phonics concepts, ensuring a solid foundation in reading and spelling.

Phonemic Awareness: In addition to phonics instruction, we place a strong emphasis on developing phonemic awareness, which is the ability to identify and manipulate individual sounds in spoken words. We incorporate daily phonemic awareness activities using the Hegarty Phonemic Awareness Program. Through engaging and interactive lessons, students sharpen their listening skills, enhance their ability to distinguish individual sounds, and develop phonological processing skills that are vital for reading and writing success.

By combining systematic sequential phonics instruction with daily phonemic awareness practice, we provide our students with the necessary tools to become skilled readers and writers. These strategies foster strong foundational skills that support students' literacy development and unlock their potential to comprehend texts, express themselves confidently, and engage with a wide range of written materials.

Fluency: Our Fluency program is conducted daily, where students engage in repeated readings of short passages to a partner. This practice enhances word accuracy, expression, and comprehension skills, helping students become more fluent readers.

Spelling Mastery: Each day, students in grades 3 -6 receive explicit spelling instruction that focuses on learning strategies and rules applicable to their reading and writing. Through repetition and cumulative practice, students master each concept and retain essential information for lifelong application.

Writing Skills: Through bi-weekly explicit instruction, we guide students in improving their writing skills. Starting with mastery at the sentence level, we gradually progress to working with paragraphs and complete writing pieces. By practicing sentence-level skills to mastery, students enhance their ability to produce clear, coherent, unified, and well-structured written work.

At Kosciuszko Street Primary School, we are committed to nurturing a love for reading, equipping our students with the essential skills needed to become proficient readers and effective communicators. Our systematic and evidence-based approach to phonics and phonemic awareness instruction ensures that every child receives the support they need to succeed in their literacy journey.

By incorporating these targeted programs and approaches, we strive to minimize cognitive load, optimize learning capacity, and foster a supportive learning environment for our students. Through deliberate practice, repetition, and gradual skill development, we empower our students to become confident learners who can effectively apply their knowledge and skills in various academic contexts.

The Victorian Curriculum F–10

The Victorian Curriculum F–10 incorporates the Australian Curriculum and reflects Victorian priorities and standards. It sets out what every student should learn during their first eleven years of schooling. From 2017 the Victorian Curriculum F–10 will support the planning for whole school teaching and learning. The Victorian Curriculum Learning Areas & Capabilities are as follows:

Reporting to Parents

All students receive two written reports per year. A teacher or parent may request to meet with teachers to discuss their child’s learning at any time throughout the year if required.

• Report 1:  Mid-year (end of term 2) detailed report identifying individual achievements and/or areas of improvement, in relation to the standards set by the Education Department. This report is also discussed at a parent/teacher interview.
• Report 2: End of year detailed report also identifying individual achievements and/or areas of improvement, in relation to the standards set by the Education Department.
• School Wide & Unit Activities: Students at Kossie are actively engaged in classroom curriculum. This is supported through school wide activities and unit activities which ensure that students build strong connections with their school and local communities.

School Wide Activities

• School Choir
• Kossie Cup
• Sports Days
• School Concert
• Art Show
• Footy Day
• Staff Vs. Students games
• Colour Run
• Book Week & Book Parade

Sustainability Curriculum

At Kosciuszko Street Primary School, we prioritize environmental stewardship and actively strive to make a positive impact on the world around us. Our commitment to sustainability is evident through our dedicated Sustainability Program, which encompasses recycling, gardening, and worm farming initiatives.

To ensure the success of our sustainability efforts, we engage our students by appointing Sustainability officers or assistants from each grade. These student representatives play a vital role in promoting and implementing sustainable practices within our school community. They meet weekly to discuss challenges, brainstorm solutions, and organize events that align with our vision of creating a cleaner and more sustainable environment.

One of the challenges we tackle is reducing waste in our schoolyard, and we encourage students to adopt rubbish-free lunches, minimizing unnecessary packaging. Through these efforts, we aim to raise awareness about the importance of waste reduction and instil eco-friendly habits in our students.

Additionally, our gardening activities align with the seasons, teaching students the value of working with nature's rhythms. By nurturing plants, we foster an appreciation for the environment and the interconnectedness of all living things.

At Kosciuszko Street Primary School, we believe that involving students in sustainability initiatives not only empowers them to make a positive difference but also nurtures their sense of responsibility and care for the world they live in. By engaging in these hands-on experiences, our students become active participants in creating a more sustainable future.

Through our Sustainability Program, we continue to meet the challenges of fostering a cleaner and greener environment. By working together, we can make a significant impact on our school community and beyond, inspiring our students to be thoughtful global citizens who contribute to a sustainable world.