Reading

Students participate in daily reading workshops. The reading workshop model is a research proven approach which is a responsive, yet predictable routine with student reading time being given priority. This underpins our aim of promoting a love of reading through engagement with quality children’s literature.

Students read for a range of purposes, such as researching information, forming opinions and of course, for enjoyment. In the Early Years, students build strategies for decoding words with a strong focus on phonics, laying the foundations for skilled reading. As they become more proficient, readers develop their vocabulary and comprehension strategies.

Writing

Students participate in daily writing workshops which incorporate the explicit teaching of skills and strategies, followed by focussed work time for students to practise their writing skills independently. We develop engagement and understanding of the writing process and celebrate ourselves as authors, with students having many authentic opportunities to share their writing with others in our community.

Spelling

In 2022 we introduced the Smart Spelling program from Prep to Grade 6. This whole school approach builds upon each layer of spelling knowledge and learning throughout the year levels and is a systematic and multi-sensory approach with a focus on vocabulary, phonics, spelling patterns, word meanings, and origins.

Maths

Creating capable, confident and happy mathematicians is a priority at our school. We provide the students with daily opportunities to succeed in Maths through a variety of ways, including skill development, problem-solving and given the opportunity to explain their mathematical reasoning. Using the Rolling Hills instructional model, students tune-in their thinking with a variety of games and challenges using quick mental computation skills. Students learn specific skills for new maths concepts and apply these by way of open-ended activities, real-life problems and fun mathematical tasks. Teachers provide a differentiated curriculum where students can learn at their point of need, continuously being challenged in a fun and engaging way. Having success and progressing in Numeracy is celebrated! There are opportunities for student support and extension to cater for all learners.

Technology

We approach technology with innovation, critical thinking and creativity. This immersive, hands-on approach to technology supports learners to develop an understanding of how both digital and design technology are used to shape the world they live in.

Design Technology

Beginning at Prep, students are immersed in the design technologies curriculum, imagining and fabricate their own designs and creations. Using age-appropriate machinery, students independently cut and join materials to complete their creations.

Digital Technology

In parallel with learning the fundamental skills required to use Digital Technologies, students investigate machines, electronics and robots, using digital technology skills to record their learning and inspirations’.

Combined Technology

As students develop deeper-skills and more in-depth knowledge of technologies, they are able to combine their digital and design skills to tackle more demanding problems. Through the use of robotics, coding, electronics, computer aided design (CAD) tools and their own creativity students imagine and craft unique solutions to meaningful problems and challenges.

Art

The Visual Arts program plays a pivotal role in nurturing creativity and encouraging students to explore and learn new skills in a range of artistic areas.

Our aim is to give students a range of experiences in drawing, painting, collage, construction, printmaking, modelling and threads and textiles, whilst developing their skills in the art elements of line, shape, colour, texture and space.

Our Visual Arts program equips students to take risks, make mistakes and create artworks that develop their skills, abilities and techniques. We explore artworks from contemporary and historical artists and create artwork based on a range of themes and worldly experiences.

Our student’s artwork is proudly displayed throughout the school and opportunities to participate in community art experiences is highly encouraged to further enhance student’s art opportunities. In addition to our art sessions, the art room is open for students once a week for ‘Art Club’, where our school art captains welcome all students to participate in further art activities in a calm and happy place to create.

Performing Arts

We offer a varied and engaging Performing Arts program incorporating dance, drama and music. The program is run by Kate Warner in a designated Performing Arts room. Students participate in an hour of Performing Arts a week for one semester – Prep – Grade 2 in Term 1 and 2/ Grades 3-6 in Term 3 and 4.  

One of the many highlights of the school calendar is our biannual Production, featuring all students in Grades 3-6. Students in Grades 5 and 6 also have the opportunity to audition for featured roles. 

Students across the school also perform in our annual Christmas Carols evening. Singing and instrumental music lessons are available for those students who are interested, facilitated by our external provider, Noisecraft Studios. 

Global Studies

The aim of our Global Studies program is to provide an opportunity for students to develop an appreciation of cultural diversity while also developing an understanding of culture and languages around the world. Through an immersive learning approach, students are exposed to the geography, cultural traditions and languages of countries other than Australia. 

In 2022, students in Prep to Grade 2 will explore the location and cultural aspects of family, food and music traditional to France. They will learn French language concepts including counting, greetings, colours and basic nouns. 

Students in Grade 3 to 6 will explore Spanish geography and cultural traditions, such as celebrations and festivals, food and the Arts. They will learn Spanish language concepts, including greetings and key phrases for communication, counting, colours and basic nouns. 

Physical Education

We have embedded an exciting, high-quality Sport and Physical Education program that develops student’s physical skills and promotes a positive attitude towards participating in physical activity for life. Each grade participates in weekly Physical Education classes.

• The Foundation to Grade 2 students focus on developing fundamental movement skills, locomotive skills, balance, coordination, sportsmanship, teamwork and resilience.
• The Grade 3-6 students continue to enhance their skills and understanding in the areas of sport specific skills, tactics and strategies, fitness, responsibly, leadership and determination.

In addition to the weekly Physical Education lessons, students are also offered the opportunity to participate in a range of extra sporting activities including, weekly year level sport, PMP, Sporting Schools programs, community coach connection programs, athletics carnivals, cross country competitions, swimming carnivals, swimming lessons and a range of interschool sports competitions.

All of the Sport and Physical Education programs offered at Rolling Hills are always designed to ensure maximum participation, success and enjoyment by all of students. We pride ourselves on running an inclusive program that aligns with our school values and tribe agreements.

Inquiry

Our Inquiry approach consists of concept-based learning sequences that provide opportunities for students to explore and develop an understanding of themselves and the world in which they live. Each term an 8-week learning sequence is delivered covering the following concepts:

• Community
• Sustainability
• Social Justice
• Creativity
• Identify
• Change
• Discovery
• Connections

All year levels investigate the same concept simultaneously, creating common themes and language across the school and at home. This promotes rich conversations and encourages students to ask meaningful questions about their world.

Science

Our Science program provides students with hands-on learning experiences through which students develop scientific knowledge and understanding. Students are given the opportunity to grow their critical and creative thinking skills, ask questions, make predictions and draw conclusions using scientific methods and processes.

Students explore biological, chemical, physical, earth and space sciences. This allows students to build a solid foundation of knowledge and develop an interest in science. As they expand their curiosity and willingness to explore and speculate on the ever-changing world in which we all live students are able to develop a life long passion for science learning.

Wellbeing

Our whole school approach supports the wellbeing of students, staff and families. Our aim is for all our community to flourish. When we are flourishing, we are then learning at our optimum; resulting in feeling good, functioning well and therefore thriving in life. 

Along with literacy and numeracy, it is of equal importance to build wellbeing literacy. Students will develop their understanding of positive psychology concepts such as, but not limited to strengths, coping strategies, emotional management, mindfulness and positive friendships and relationships. They will build their wellbeing literacy through the use of a common language, capabilities and understanding.