support and enrichment programs
Every student at Old Orchard Primary School deserves a learning program that meets their needs and our intervention and enrichment programs supplement the classroom programs to further address these needs. Across all levels of the school, students are selected to participate in additional sessions to either enrich or extend their learning or to provide additional assistance to foster their basic skills and understanding. Intervention programs support both literacy and numeracy development, our enrichment programs promote creative and lateral thinking as well as effective communication and the English as an Additional Language (EAL) program supports students with limited English and new arrivals.
ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS
Our Junior Scholars are a select group of Prep - Year 3 students achieving beyond the expected level who participate in weekly sessions designed to challenge their thinking and stretch their academic abilities. This innovative program extends learning through collaboration, as students work together to solve real-world problems. The program runs weekly from our Junior Scholars Hub.
Our Year 5/6 students who are performing above curriculum standards are invited to participate in the Higher Abilities Program. This program is designed to extend and challenge students, supporting them to further develop their critical thinking, problem-solving, and advanced literacy and numeracy skills. As part of the program, students attend a weekly session with a specialised external tutor, focussing on either Mathematics or English.
Students may also be nominated for the G.A.T.E.WAYS program, which offers specialised extension opportunities for high-ability learners across a range of domains. In addition, we provide opportunities for students to participate in external competitions. Each year, students may choose to take part in ICAS, the Premier’s Reading Challenge, and the Maths Olympiad.
SUPPORT pROGRAMS
The philosophy at Old Orchard is to inspire, challenge and support our students to be their absolute best. We offer a comprehensive support program that includes targeted small-group tutoring, ensuring students receive the guidance they need to thrive.
Our instructional model emphasises explicit teaching and teachers draw on a range of data to identify students who require additional support and tailor their instruction accordingly.
Our Disability Inclusion team work alongside teaching staff to support students in the classroom to access the curriculum effectively. We also have an onsite psychologist and school counsellor not to mention our school therapy dog, Ginger.
HOMEWORK CLUB
Each week, our Homework Club runs after school, providing students with dedicated support, time and space to complete their home learning tasks.