In level 4 we believe in teaching the ‘whole child’. Therefore, students are given many opportunities and experiences to develop into well-rounded individuals whom are well prepared to tackle the new set of challenges that will face them in high school and later in life. We see that academic, social and personal well-being elements make up this ‘whole child’ vision. All elements are equally important in ensuring that students feel comfortable, have fun and experience success in school and beyond.
As part of this view, we support students in becoming independent and motivated learners. We guide students in understanding the power that attitude has on their learning and assist them in making choices that positively impact their own and other’s learning and experiences. We see all 5/6 students as leaders and support them in developing such skills and qualities. All grade 6 students participate in leadership sessions where students are encouraged and supported to develop their leadership qualities and enhance student voice and agency to influence change in the school. The Year 5 students participate in a Buddy Program with our Prep students, where they learn to support, encourage, motivate, teach and learn from their younger peers.
At Belle Vue we understand that every student has a different set of skills, interests and ways of learning. We ensure we cater to these diverse needs through a high level of differentiation, along with teaching a relevant and engaging curriculum in the classroom. We also allow for students in Level 4 to demonstrate and develop skills and abilities in a wide range of extra-curricular activities, such as: Music, Art, Physical Education, Italian, Inter-School Sports, the Annual School Performance (which the Year 6’s take on the leading roles), Bike Education, Sustainability Initiatives, School Camps, a range of Clubs, Dance and Choir. These various programs foster positive interactions, team building and engaging learning for a wide range of interests.
As well as having thoroughly planned Numeracy and Literacy in the classroom that is tailored to individual needs, students explore and investigate a range of topics, which cover the other areas of the curriculum and promote inquiry learning. Over a two year cycle, students will explore the topics of Adaptations, Democracy, Natural Disasters, Earn and Learn, Identity, Immigration, Enterprise and Circuits. Through these topics, we are able to explore the curriculum areas of Humanities, Science and Technologies. Students also participate in our social and well-being program of You Can Do It, which supports students in developing capacities around the 5 keys of success; Organisation, Resilience, Persistence, Confidence and Getting Along. We also look at other concepts such as kindness, growth mindset, grit, optimism, character strengths and mindfulness. These are all seen to help give the students the strategies to deal with the curve balls in life and ultimately feel good and do good.
