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KEY LEARNING AREAS

At Ultimo Public School we recognise that children need to achieve their full potential in all areas – intellectual, social, emotional, cultural and physical. All students receive instruction in six learning areas:
  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Human Society and Its Environment
  • Science and Technology
  • Creative and Practical Arts
  • Physical Development, Health and Physical Education.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

To assist students to achieve individual excellence Ultimo Public School has a range of specialised programs:
  • A Teacher/Librarian takes every child in the school for lessons in library skills, research skills and literature. The librarian and the class teacher plan and teach closely together. Students borrow from our well-resourced library each week.
  • Information and Communication Technology programs provide all students with frequent access to high quality computer technology to enhance their learning in the Key Learning areas. Each classroom is well-equipped with computers and printers for access during class time. Classes also have lessons in a laboratory situation in the library where specific skills are taught. Students also develop skills in using digital and video cameras to enhance their presentations.
  • Visual Arts teacher and Music lessons with specialist teachers for Years 1 to 6.
  • The Chinese Community Language program provides all students with approximately 1 hour of instruction in Chinese per week. Students who speak Chinese as their first language have an additional hour of instruction in spoken and written Chinese each week.
  • Extension and enrichment programs for gifted and talented students are provided through a wide range of academic, sporting and creative school activities.Students have many opportunities to pursue their talents and interests witha wide range of lunchtime and before and after school activities on offer. During 2009 these have included public speaking, athletics, soccer, gardening, origami, basketball, Oz Tag, concert band, choir and recorder. 


LEARNING SUPPORT PROGRAMS

Additional programs provide support to students to meet a range of learning needs:

  • English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction is provided for students whose first language is not English. The ESL teachers work with students in small groups and within the classroom.
  • Reading Recovery is an individualised program for Year 1 students who are having difficulty with reading.
  • A Support Teacher Learning provides small group and individual instruction for students experiencing difficulty with literacy and numeracy skills. Individual students may also receive instruction from the District Support Teacher Learning program.
  • The Learning Assistance program provides additional teachers’ aide support to students requiring additinal support in literacy and numeracy.
  • Funding Support programs provide additional teachers' aide support to students with intellectual or physical disabilities.
  • The Exodus Foundation and Reading for Life programs are community resources asssisting a small number of students at Ultimo to improve their reading skills.
  • All students have access to a School Counsellor. The counsellor provides assistance to students experiencing emotional, social and learning problems.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Students have many opportunities to demonstrate academic excellence at Ultimo Public School. In class, student achievement is measured against outcomes set out in the syllabus requirements of the NSW Board of Studies in each Key Learning Area. In addition, students complete national assessments. In Years 3 and 5 students do the National Assessment Program in Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN). Students in Years 3 – 6 are also encouraged to do the Australasian Schools Competitions in English, Writing, Spelling, Maths, Science and Computer Skills. In Year 4, students have the opportunity to sit for the Opportunity Class test for placement in a selective class for Years 5 and 6. In Year 6 students can sit for the Selective High School test to gain placement in one of Sydney’s academically selective high schools for Year 7.

A wide range of other opportunities is also provided for students to demonstrate academic excellence. Students compete in the NSW Multicultural Public Speaking Competition, Premier's Reading Challenge and Premier's Spelling Competition.

THE ARTS

Students have many opportunities to display their artistic and creative talents.

Choral Program
The school has two choirs - a Junior Choir for students in Years 3 and 4 and a Senior Choir for students in Years 5 and 6. Both choirs perform regularly at a wide variety of school and community events. The Senior Choir participates in the Primary Schools Choral Concert at the Sydney Opera House and as part of the Schools Spectacular at the Entertainment Centre. The Junior Choir has performed in the annual Primary Proms Concert series at the Sydney Town Hall and the Hills Centre.

Visual Arts
Each year the school holds an Art Show to showcase the artistic talents of every student. The school actively pursues opportunities for students to exhibit their work to a wider audience.

Band Program
The school has a dynamic and growing Concert Band program under the directorship of Mr Daniel Murphy. Students are usually drawn from Years 3 and 4. Younger students may also join after consultation with the Band Master. Students have individual lessons and a full band rehearsal each week. The Band has performed at a number of school events as well as at the Burwood Festival and the Inner West Primary Bands Festival. Several band members have successfully completed their Australian Music Education Board exams in 2009. 

SPORT

All students participate in weekly fitness and sporting activities. Students from Kinder to Year 2 have a weekly sports session that aims to develop skills. Students in Years 5 and 6 have the opportunity to compete in an interschool competition on set Gala Days throughout the year. Swimming and Athletics Carnivals are held annually and students who are successful at these participate at District and Regional level. In addition, students participate in clinics in sports such as AFL, soccer, netball and cricket and in dance and gymnastics to improve their skill and technique. Each year a two-week intensive Swimming Scheme is held so that students in years 2 - 6 can  improve their swimming skills.

STUDENT WELFARE

The school has a number of specific programs designed to meet the personal and social needs of students. These include:
  • Peer Support Program in which Year 5 and 6 students lead small groups of students from Years K – 6 in programs to develop areas such as self-esteem and resilience
  • Student Leaders’ Program
  • Anti-Bullying Policy and Program
  • Child Protection
  • Drug Education
pdf School Code_of_Behaviour 85.02 Kb
Behaviour at Ultimo Public School is governed by a Code of Behaviour.
The school is often congratulated for the sensible and considerate behaviour of its students at many events within the broader community. Appropriate behaviour is acknowledged and affirmed in many different ways. These include Year 6 Citizenship Medallion (awarded annually), Principal’s Awards, weekly class Merit Awards and Conduct Ribbons, House Points Competition and the Caught You Being Good Program aimed at rewarding good playground behaviour. Students may also receive a Special Mention by the Principal in the weekly newsletter foracademic, sporting, cultural or citizenship reasons. These students are then invited to a Principal’s Afternoon Tea at the end of each term.

Inappropriate behaviour is dealt with swiftly and consistently. Consequences for inappropriate behaviour include time out in another classroom, loss of playtime and other privileges, letters and meetings with parents and, very rarely, suspension from school for a period of time.
 
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