Profile

Birmingham Primary School provides a learning environment which prepares students to be responsible, confident and productive members of society.

The school has an enrolment of 619 students and is situated in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges. It has a rural appearance and atmosphere.

Set in natural landscaped gardens, the school is fully air-conditioned and comprises a main building which includes twelve classrooms, administration centre, art room, resource rooms and canteen, a well equipped library and several relocatable classrooms. In addition there is large fire refuge/school hall which houses a modern music room and a sports resource area and provides a venue for whole school performances and assemblies. Access and facilities for the disabled are incorporated throughout the school.

The grounds include three separate adventure playgrounds, sealed basketball and netball courts and an amphitheatre. Passive play areas with outdoor seating are provided and the site is attractively planted, with abundant summer shade in accordance with our Sunsmart Policy.

School Philosophy

The school's philosophy and policies reflect the beliefs that:

• All children have the ability to learn and that this ability is enhanced in an atmosphere which is positive, caring, stimulating and secure. 

• The development of self-esteem, social skills and life skills such as communication, independence, problem solving, a sense of inquiry and creativity is fundamental to success. 

• The development of core skills in numeracy, literacy and learning technology is a high educational priority.

• Every child should be encouraged to achieve their personal best through a broad, challenging educational program.

• The school is a learning community which fosters a shared partnership between children, staff, parents and the wider community.

• In a cooperative, non-threatening environment based on mutual respect, students can share responsibility for their own learning and behaviour.

• Successes and efforts should be acknowledged and celebrated.

Curriculum

Sequential, comprehensive programs from Prep to Grade 6 are provided in English, Mathematics, Science, Technology, Health and Physical Education, Studies of Society and the Environment, the Arts and Languages Other Than English.

Classroom programs are enriched and supported by specialist teachers providing Library, Physical Education, Art, L.O.T.E. and Music. A network of support for children with specific needs is provided. Programs include Individual Learning Improvement Plans, intervention (P-6) and Reading Recovery at Grade one. An Early Literacy Co-ordinator works with parents, teachers and children to ensure that a quality literacy program is a major focus in the Early Years. Opportunities are provided for talented children to be extended and challenged through internal and external programs. 

Additional Programs

The school recognises that children have different learning styles, talents and interests and provides additional enrichment programs which include: Swimming, Bike Education, Inter-school Sports, School Skipping and Aerobics Squads, Sports Clinics, After-School Basketball and Music Programs, Recorder, Choir, School Band, a biennial Musical Production, Junior School Council, Life Education, Health and Human Relations, Police in Schools, Prep - 6 Camping program, a Curriculum focussed Excursion/Incursion Program, Special Activity Days, Buddy Programs, Civics Programs, Problem Solving Task Centres, Peer Support, Values Program, Religious Education and passive lunchtime activities such as Chess and Painting. 

Computing & Technology

A Computer Network System of 155 classroom computers and 75 mobile notebook computers has been established, providing all classrooms and specialist areas access to multi-media programs, Library software, and Internet access, enabling all staff and students to efficiently access and utilize information to support all VELS Curriculum areas. There are 11 Interactive Whiteboards located in all Grade Six classrooms, LOTE room, Music room and several other grade classrooms. The school is committed to incorporate I.C.T. to enhance and support Teaching and Learning throughout the school.

Out of Hours Care

An Out of Hours School Care Program caters for the needs of children before and after school. The Program provides excellent supervision and stimulating activities. The school community recognises the dedication and professionalism of the staff and has a strong commitment to on-going staff professional development. It also places great emphasis on the home-school partnership and values the high level of parent participation in school programs and decision-making bodies. Some examples of these are: Partners in Print, Family Maths, Canteen and Uniform Sales, Excursions, Sports, Working Bees, School Banking and School Council.

Effective communication between teachers and parents is facilitated through fortnightly newsletters, informal meetings, information evenings, formal interviews, two comprehensive reports on student progress each year, school assemblies and parent training programs.

Over the next three years the school priorities will focus on improving teaching and learning with an emphasis on Literacy and Numeracy.

Birmingham Primary School is continually evaluating student and school needs, planning for the future and is dedicated to bringing quality education to our students.