Ironbark Ridge Public School - Curriculum
 

OC Class

OPPORTUNITY CLASS 2010

 

At Ironbark Ridge Public School the Quality Teaching Framework underpins everything that we do. It is expected that every child will be exposed to learning experiences that are suited to their needs. We hold high expectations for every student and encourage “personal bests”. All students are offered a wide range of extra curricula activities to allow them to gain confidence, develop talents and be exposed to a variety of experiences. We have debating teams, Tournament of Mind teams, opportunities to compete in a variety of public speaking activities including the Multicultural Perspectives Public Speaking Competition and the Hawkesbury Eisteddfod, dance groups, a band program and a variety of sporting activities. Our students have achieved outstanding results in Australasian University Competitions and NAPLAN. We have a strong emphasis on Environmental Education and are part of the Streamwatch network.

 

The Opportunity Class of 2010 will be a 5 / 6 composite with 15 selected students in Year 6 who are already part of our OC class and 15 new students in Year 5 selected from this years OC testing. The OC students, along with our other students, will be an integral part of our school and will be encouraged to participate in all the opportunities we provide. We do not see our OC as simply a training ground for selective high schools. Those students who accept a position in this class will be expected to participate fully in ALL school activities with the aim of encouraging them to see themselves as people who see value in the personal skills that contributing to the community can bring.

 

Research (Joyce Van Tassel- Baska 1989) identified five elements essential to the success of an enrichment program;

  • Content acceleration to the level of the child’s abilities.
  • Thoughtfully planned, relevant content.
  • Guidance in a wide variety of learning activities.
  • The opportunity to work with other gifted students
  • Provision of resources that support learning needs.

 

The Opportunity Class at Ironbark Ridge Public School will be based on these elements and the belief that children need a “well-rounded” education that encourages them to achieve academically, socially and physically. Each child will be treated as a valuable individual with high expectations, responsibilities and learning opportunities, as well as being a member of our student body.

 

 

An orientation session for parents and students will be held on Thursday 3rd December at 2pm. This orientation will be conducted by the OC teacher for 2010. Please contact the school for more information about the Opportunity Class at Ironbark Ridge PS on the numbers above or on our website at www.ironbarkrg-p.schools.nsw.edu.au.