Middle Years Learning Community (Years 3 & 4)

The Middle Learning Area (MLA) has two learning spaces in one building, neighbouring the main school building. Classes work alongside each other as a community with a strong focus on consolidating foundational skills and being best-prepared for the final years of primary schooling. 

Students engage in daily Literacy (Writing, Reading and Speaking & Listening) and Maths blocks, alongside weekly Specialist sessions which include Physical Education, LOTE (Indonesian), Performing Arts (Music) and Visual Arts. There is also a strong focus on social and emotional learning, Integrated Studies and Digital Technologies. 

In Writing, students explore a range of writing genres and engage in skills-based Writer’s Workshops. We use the 6+1 Traits of Writing to guide and monitor development of their writing skills. Students learn and practise spelling and grammar through targeted lessons each day. 

In Reading, there is an increased focus on understanding and sharing about a range of different texts. Students engage in targeted vocabulary work, text analysis and shared group reading discussions, including Close Reading and Literacy Circles approaches. Reading and Writing are closely linked through the use of Mentor Texts.

In Maths, students explore mathematical concepts from a problem-solving perspective. They are exposed to challenging tasks and build deeper understanding of concepts, through unpacking and sharing known strategies, then discussing and analysing other strategies. Students also have opportunities to extend themselves as problem-solvers through the APSMO Maths Explorer program. 

Central to all of these learning areas is our BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) program. Students use iPads to both access learning information and to showcase their creativity in the ways that they can present and share their learning.Middle students have also been able to build skills across other technologies, including using laptops, a school drone, coding Spheros, 3D printers and a laser cutter. 

There is a strong focus on Wellbeing across our school. Students practise GEM (Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness), engage in the Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships program, and learn about the Zones of Regulation. Students also create Student Support Profiles, which provide information about how they learn best and strategies for managing their emotions. 

The MLA attends an annual school Camp. These camps are a wonderful experience for all who attend and assist in the building of rich connections and a sense of belonging among our cohort.

Digital Learning at NPS

Newtown Primary School believes that the use of digital technologies at school allows the development of valuable skills and knowledge and prepares students to thrive in our globalised and inter-connected world. Our school’s vision is to empower students to use digital technologies safely and appropriately to reach their personal best and fully equip them to contribute positively to society as happy, healthy young adults.

Year 3-6 classes at Newtown Primary School are designed to include opportunities for the purposeful use  of iPads. Students are encouraged to bring a charged iPad to school each day to be used during class time for different learning activities.

The school has invested in a range of supporting technologies, to build student capacity with technologies of the now and problem-solving of the future. These include 3D printers, spheros, a drone and a laser cutter.