STEM

STEM at Winthrop Primary School is about creative, designed solutions to real-world problems. Through the disciplines of Science, Technologies, Engineering and Mathematics, extended into The Arts and Literacy the students engage in authentic, cross-curricular learning. Collaboration and cooperation among the students, are key to success within this approach. Robotics and computer technologies are an additional component of the STEM approach to learning. The use of digital technologies, in STEM, focuses on using the tech to learn, not learning to use the tech. Robotics are an effective tool in creating design solutions.

Science

At Winthrop Primary School science is presented in an engaging and guided inquiry-based approach. We have a dedicated science room with a specialist teacher enabling all students to experience a hands on approach, lifting students interest and understanding.

Students are naturally curious. We help students develop deep learning, and guide them to find scientific ways to answer their questions.

Technologies

Technologies is multi-faceted. At Winthrop we use Design Technologies, to create digital solutions, and we use Digital Technologies to assist our design solutions. Both foci are valued equally. Within the design process, the students are required to follow a cyclical process. Investigate – design – produce – test – evaluate – redesign. Students reflect on their work and develop an attitude which is open to change, allows for improvement on ideas and accepting of critical feedback. Collaboration with other students is fundamental to the feedback and evaluation element of the design process.

Mathematics

The Western Australian Mathematics Curriculum is organised around the content strands: Number and Algebra, Geometry and Measurement, and Statistics and Probability, and the four proficiency strands: Understanding, Fluency, Problem Solving and Reasoning.

At Winthrop Primary School our Whole School Instructional Framework underpins how we teach Mathematics. Our Mathematics program is delivered using the Gradual Release of Responsibility model. Children have their learning scaffolded and are given an opportunity to consolidate their understandings before working independently. We believe that Mathematics is best taught using multi-sensory teaching techniques in conjunction with High Impact Teaching Strategies. Children are encouraged to think critically and apply knowledge to a wider range of real-world contexts.

We have a Mathematics Co-ordinator and Committee that oversee the implementation of the Western Australian Curriculum. They are responsible for allocating resources, providing ongoing teacher professional development and raising the profile of Mathematics in the school and wider community.