Primary School

Educating the future leaders and learners at KAS is our core business. Our primary school is a continual progression from early childhood, embracing each child’s prior knowledge, to develop a continual learning path into secondary school.

Our passionate educators provide a safe and caring learning environment that values each individual. They provide quality Christian education through explicit instruction, assisting students to develop a deeper knowledge through exploration and problem solving. Literacy and numeracy are viewed as foundations for all, and we strive to provide a flexible curriculum which encourages students to take risks as self-directed learners. The fundamental skills of creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration overlay our curriculum, equipping our students for the future workplace.

KAS provides an inclusive learning environment that engages and challenges our students to grow spiritually, academically, socially, emotionally, physically and creatively to their full potential. KAS is dedicated to building strong community relationships, achieving positive student achievements and seeking out new and innovative ways to further support our students’ strengths. In partnership with our community, we provide our students with the means and motivation to excel which is leading us into an exciting future.

Staff

The educators at KAS are committed to working in the best interest of their students and their families. KAS educators value reflective practice, in which programming decisions are shared and take into account each child’s uniqueness, interests and needs. They are experienced, passionate and vibrant, creating a safe learning environment where students experience a sense of trust and belonging.

For a detailed list of KAS staff, click here

Academic Excellence

Academic excellence in promoted in the primary school through our progressive educational programs which recognise the unique and diverse needs of all of our students. Our staff are committed to ongoing professional learning, ensuring that their pedagogy is backed by researched ‘best practice’. Academic excellence is not just achieving exemplary levels of performance, but it is mastering a commitment and dedication to learning and growing.

Our Kindergarten to Year Two classrooms use the evidence-based literacy program InitiaLit as their whole-class literacy instructional program. InitiaLit provides all children with the essential core knowledge and strong foundations to become successful readers and writers.

Through supportive teaching methods and a structured academic program, our Year Three to Six students participate in Spelling Mastery classes. This is a six-level, direct instruction program that teaches students dependable spelling skills by blending three approaches: phonemic approach, the whole word and morphemic approach.

Curriculum

Students in the primary school at Kempsey Adventist School (KAS) study the following subject areas:

Encounter – faith, life-style choices and ethical decision-making from a Christian worldview
Mathematics
English – writing, reading, spelling, grammar, speaking and representing
History
Geography
Science and Technology
Creative Arts: Visual Arts, Music, Drama & Dance
PDHPE – Physical Development, Health and Physical Education
Sport

Math Pathways

We have individualised our mathematics teaching and learning to best suit each child’s needs by using Maths Pathways from Year 5 – Year 9. Using this personalised mathematics program, students progress at an individual rate which allows gaps in student’s prior knowledge to be identified and taught, ensuring they have the building blocks for subsequent skills to be taught. Students can work beyond their age group, encouraging students to progress at a level that suits their individual needs and ability. With real-time data available for teachers, students are able to be grouped for impactful, personalised instruction. Students set goals, reviewing their effort, accuracy and growth on a fortnightly basis. They can work on modules outside of school, with parents/carers having visibility of their child’s progress.

Co-Curricular

Co curricular opportunities at KAS may include:

Primary Clubs operate one afternoon a week
Band
Choir
Robotics
STEM recess club
Makerspace
VEX IQ robotics
Sporting teams
RC race track
Book club

Three Way Interviews

Three Way Interviews (parent-student-teacher) are great opportunities to connect with your child’s teacher and shouldn’t be missed. At the start of each year, families receive a calendar that outlines dates for the year. In addition to this, specific details about how to book an interview will be published. This is done using the website www.schoolinterviews.com.au and a code is given. Parents are able to book a time suitable for them.

Below are some tips about getting the best out of your time with the teacher.

Take some time before your meeting to write down any questions you would like to ask or comments you would like to make. Interviews usually run for only 10 minutes, so it’s good to have a reminder of the points you wanted to cover.

Common questions may include:

How is my child fitting in with other children?
What are the students working on now in class?
Is there anything about my child’s needs that I should know?
Does my child ask questions, participate in class discussions/classroom activities?
Is my child’s reading progress satisfactory?
What activities does my child seem to enjoy the most at school?
Who are my child’s friends?
Is my child’s numeracy progress satisfactory?
Does my child join in with other children in the playground?
What kinds of things will the class be doing over the next few weeks?
Can you tell me the best time and way to contact you if I have a query or concern?
Do you have any concerns about my child?
How is my child progressing in comparison to others in his/her year level?

Also, list anything that might be happening at home that may be helpful for your child’s teacher to know.

Research demonstrates that parent involvement in their child’s education has a very powerful and positive impact on the effective learning and development of their child. This is always most effective where parents and teachers work in a partnership, characterised by open communication and mutual support.