Excellence in Teaching and Learning
Consistent Curriculum Practices
By using a cohesive, whole school approach to our planning and delivery of instruction in all learning areas, students at Sorrento Primary School are taught in a consistent manner as per the Western Australian Curriculum.
Teaching and learning at Sorrento is implemented by active, enthusiastic and experienced teachers, who have a thorough understanding of the required learning areas. We recognise that positive relationships with and between students are a necessary condition of learning, and recognise that a supportive environment are the cornerstone to successful learning.
We use whole-school curriculum approaches for planning to ensure consistency across years, including whole school programs in writing, spelling, grammar, mathematics and science.
Teachers at Sorrento Primary use a school-wide structured lesson design, to ensure consistency in lesson delivery within each year level across all classrooms. Explicit teaching, and using a gradual release model of "I do, We do, You do" underpins every lesson.
Specialist Learning Areas
In addition to our regular classrooms, we have a number of learning areas which are delivered by specialist teachers. We currently have specialists delivering Indonesian, music, physical education and visual arts.
Music
The music program at Sorrento Primary School reflects the principles of the Western Australian Curriculum. Students from years 1 to 6 participate in the music program, and a senior choir is run for Years 4 to 6.
An instrumental program is provided for selected students in Years 5 and 6.
Classroom Music
The school has a well-equipped music room containing a wide range of music instruments, such as piano, marimba, ukuleles and an extensive range of tuned and untuned percussion instruments. Our classroom music program involves the students using many musical skills and processes, and also allows students to learn specific instruments across the years.
Choir
Choir is available to students from Years 4 to 6 in Semester One, then in Term Three, Year 3 students are invited to join. The choir performs regularly at assemblies, special events and ceremonies.
Instrumental Music
In Years 5 and 6, selected students have the opportunity to be involved in the School of Instrumental Studies Program offered by the Department of Education on-site at Sorrento Primary School. We offer tuition in Flute and Clarinet.
Physical Education
In addition to dedicated, targeted skills lessons conducted by our specialist physical education teacher, students across the school also have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities such as triathlon, beach sports, and our cross-country running club, the Sorrento Striders. Students in senior years also represent Sorrento Primary in Australian Rules football, soccer, netball and volleyball.
Indonesian
The language program is Sorrento Primary is Indonesian. Students from Years 3 to 6 participate in languages sessions and are taught by a specialist teaching using the KETAWA Indonesian program, a comprehensive languages learning program designed for students in Western Australia.
Indonesian – or Bahasa Indonesian as it is known by Indonesian speakers – is spoken by approximately 230 million people throughout the Indonesian archipelago.
Students learning a second language in primary school benefit from a deeper understanding of their first language, plus an increase in memory and learning ability in other areas. Learning to communicate in another language challenges children to discover more about how other people live, and opens their mind to different cultures and ways of life.
Visual Arts
Our Visual Arts specialist program provides for students from Years 1 to 6, creating artworks that communicate, challenge and express their own and others’ ideas – both as artists and as audience members.
Our dedicated art room allows for students to experience a wide range of visual art forms and mediums, as well as develop an art vocabulary and an understanding of art theory, delivered by our highly motivated and experienced art specialist.
iPads and ICT
At Sorrento Primary School, we use technology in the classroom to extend our opportunities. We use technology not to replace traditional methods, but to find entirely new ways to innovate, inspire and learn.
ICT and BYOD iPad Program
At Sorrento Primary School, we use technology in the classroom to extend our opportunities. We use technology not to replace traditional methods, but to find entirely new ways to innovate, inspire and learn.
Developing ICT Capability
Students at Sorrento Primary School develop Information, and Communication Technology (ICT) capability as they learn to use ICT effectively and appropriately. They access, create and communicate information and ideas, solve problems and work collaboratively in all learning areas at school and in their lives beyond school.
At Sorrento, we believe we have both a responsibility and an obligation to provide teaching and learning programs that embeds the use of ICT across all facets of the curriculum. This prepares students for the fast changing technological world that they are growing up in.
Every classroom is fitted with interactive whiteboards and full wireless connectivity, with student computers in all classrooms. We also have a dedicated computer lab, and banks of computers in the library and lower primary blocks. Students have the opportunity to explore digital technologies using manipulative technology – such as our banks of robotic devices, wearable technologies and electronics kits.
BYOD iPad Program
Students from Years 3 to 6 are encouraged to bring their own iPad to school providing it meets some specified requirements. Our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program allows for a deeper integration of technology across classrooms. More information about this pogram can be found in the BYOD iPads Community Handbook, downloadable from the Handbooks and Policies section of this page.
We have partnered with Winthrop Australia to offer competitive pricing, or leasing and flexi-payment options for iPads and associated extras. Visit their online shop here.
Kindergarten to Year 2 students use our school-based banks of iPads.
Cyber Safety
Cyber Safety in conjunction with safe, ethical and responsible use of technology are integral parts of Sorrento’s ICT programs. We maintains rigorous and effective practices which aim to maximise the benefits of the Internet and ICT devices/equipment for student learning, while minimising and managing any risks.
Access to technology is essential if our children are to to take full advantage of the benefits offered by new forms of digital learning. Providing access to this technology also affords us the opportunity to set expectations with students around appropriate use of the internet and devices like mobile phones, tablets computers and iPads.
We have partnered with Family Zone to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our students is maintained while they are online. This also allows us to monitor and help students navigate the complex online environment and provide a holistic approach to cyber safety. Learn more about the Family Zone program here.
