Curriculum
IB World School
Primary Years Programme & The Victorian Curriculum
Macclesfield Primary School is a fully authorized IB World School which offers the Primary Years Programme (PYP) of the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). www.ibo.org
Programme of Inquiry
The Primary Years Programme Of Inquiry Grade Units 2023 Of Inquiry
PYP Parent Information
Benefits of IB for students – International Baccalaureate® (ibo.org)
The school curriculum is underpinned by the Victorian Curriculum and delivered through the PYP which provides a rich and rigorous inquiry model of learning. The curriculum contextualizes student learning as well as understandings and transfer of practice, whilst building the knowledge, skills and attitudes of individual students and staff as life-long learners. We have high expectations of students, staff and families and provide quality experiences with challenging personal learning goals as well as effective feedback for our community of learners. We continually strive to ensure high levels of literacy and numeracy which are taught explicitly as well as integrated into the inquiry process through transdisciplinary learning opportunities.
Specialist areas operating within the school include Health and Physical Education, Visual Arts, Music and Japanese from Prep-Year 6. Extra curricula activities include annual whole school concert, State School’s Spectacular, Tournament of the Minds, Mathematics Competition, Summer and Winter School Sports, Athletics, regular student segment on community radio 3MDR, camps and excursions linked to our units of inquiry and focus on student voice and agency, encouraging and supporting students to take action in their learning. For example, student action often results in student led activities at lunchtime, theme days organised by students & active participation in student leadership and Junior School Council.
Macclesfield Primary School supports strong community values which underpin the safe and orderly learning environment and contribute directly to the school’s positive standing and high reputation within the immediate and broader area. The PYP Learner Profile attributes provides the framework for all members of our school community and our School Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) approach translates our Learner Profile attributes into action.
Victorian Curriculum
The Victorian Curriculum F–10 sets out what every student should learn during their first eleven years of schooling. The curriculum is the common set of knowledge and skills required by students for life-long learning, social development and active and informed citizenship.
The Victorian Curriculum F–10 incorporates the Australian Curriculum and reflects Victorian priorities and standards.
Information on the ‘Foundation–10 Curriculum’ section on the VCAA website.
IB Learner Profile
The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.
As a school we have introduced the Learner Profile to the students. Please discuss these with your child and reinforce the language at home.
The Learner Profile attributes are to be: Inquirers, knowledgeable, Thinkers, Communicators, Principled, Open minded, Caring, Risk Takers, Balanced and Reflective
Inquirers: they develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives.
Knowledgeable: they explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. In so doing, they acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines.
Thinkers: they exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognize and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions.
Communicators: they understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others.
Principled: they act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They take responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that accompany them.
Open-minded: they understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience.
Caring: they show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a personal commitment to service, and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment.
Risk-takers: they approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs.
Balanced: they understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others.
Reflective: they give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development.