curriculum
Junior Schoolprospectus
reception – year 5
We:
- Use a play-based learning approach to support Early Years learners.
- Create a warm, supportive and secure learning environment in which students take risks to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding.
- Create a culture of lifelong learning.
- Provide an integrated curriculum which fosters independent thinking, problem solving skills, creativity, self management, teamwork and social competence.
- Encourage students to recognise and develop their individual skills, interests and strengths through participation in a wide variety of activities outside the classroom, and through a range of teaching approaches.
Integrity, respect, kindness
The Junior School builds on the foundation laid in the child’s first five years – at home, childcare and preschool.
WRAP
A WRITING APPROACH TO READING
The relationship between speaking, writing and reading is developed by children understanding the purpose of each task and how they will be able to use each skill.
Learning to read is the most important educational outcome of primary education [Literacy Secretariat]
In order to read English, individuals need to have a broad vocabulary and knowledge of language structure. The complexity of the reading process begins with the faculty of oral language. Repeated exposure to new words through conversation, by listening to reading, actual reading and through the media provide the basis of our vocabulary.
In all aspects of early language development the importance of oral language remains essential. It is evident that how well and how quickly a child learns to read common words depends a great deal on how well that child has acquired and practised spoken language. This is supported by our understanding of phonological awareness [the sounds of the language].
More than ever before, the evidence suggests literacy instruction should continue beyond the elementary years and should be tailored to the more complex forms of literacy that are required of adolescent students. A growing research base on adolescent literacy supports an emphasis on direct instruction in the reading and writing skills needed to perform these more complex literacy tasks.
Literacy learning at Mount Compass Area School
WRAP is an integrated and systematic literacy instruction in spelling, writing and reading.
The explicit, systematic instruction in letter-sound knowledge has been demonstrated as the most efficient literacy learning methodology for Reception/Year 1 students. The explicit methodology teaches students how to decode words, comprehend and punctuate the English language whilst learning grammar and vocabulary.
The teaching and learning of WRAP builds on prior learning and no matter who the teacher, or at what year level, the methodology of communication remains the same.
– Kevin Mooney, Principal
Junior School
Student Leaders







Marcus, Year 3
My name is: Marcus
What was the best thing about being chosen as Year Group Captain?
The best thing about being chosen is being able to go on the leaders camp.
What do you love most about Mount Compass Area School?
I love the art opportunities the most at school.
What change do you want to see in the school?
I would like to see more trees and plants on the school grounds.
Who is your Favourite teacher?
Mrs Mac was my favourite because art is my favourite subject, and she was the teacher for that class.
Jade, Year 4

My name is: Jade
What was the best thing about being chosen as Year Group Captain?
It feels good because it means people trust you more and let you help them when they need help.
What do you love most about Mount Compass Area School?
I love how lots of people are kind and caring, you can help them, and they can help you.
What change do you want to see in the school?
I would only like to see the Buddy Bench out again. I would also like there to be buddy classes that link the junior and senior school classes.
Who is your favourite teacher and why?
I liked Ms. Mack because she always said to add more detail and push yourself.
Mitchell, Year 5

My name is: Mitchell
What was the best thing about being chosen as Year Group Captain?
The best thing about being chosen as a Year Group Captain is going to meetings, helping the school, and being recognised for the fact that I follow school values.
What do you love most about Mount Compass Area School?
I like the new buildings, good opportunities, and agriculture.
What change do you want to see in the school?
I want to see the students become a lot nicer to each other.
Who is your favourite teacher and why?
My favourite teacher is Mrs. White because she is so nice.
Isaac, Year 5

My name is: Isaac
What was the best thing about being chosen as Year Group Captain?
I enjoy seeing change in our school.
What do you love most about Mount Compass Area School?
I love that everyone is friendly.
What change do you want to see in the school?
I want to make sure the toilet block is rennovated so that it looks much nicer.
Who is your favourite teacher and why?
My favourite teacher is Mrs. White because she is friendly.
Eva, Year 3

My name is: Eva
What was the best thing about being chosen as Year Group Captain?
I felt really proud that I was chosen because it means people trust me with responsibilities, the camp was also good.
What do you love most about Mount Compass Area School?
My good friends and my teachers that help me in class.
What change do you want to see in the school?
I would like there to be lots of different lessons like art.
Who is your favourite teacher?
Miss Becker is my favourite because she has a good sense of humour.
Joey, Year 4

My name is: Joey
What was the best thing about being chosen as Year Group Captain?
I would like to see changes in the school, like adding a new playground.
What do you love most about Mount Compass Area School?
I love the plants and animals especially the farm animals and parrots that live here.
What change do you want to see in the school?
I want to help change the playground so that it is more fun.
Favourite teacher?
My favourite teacher is Miss Foster because she is really kind.
Chloe, Year 5

My name is:
Cooper
My name is: Chloe
What was the best thing about being chosen as Year Group Captain?
I have lots of ideas I would like to implement such as fun days.
What do you love most about Mount Compass Area School?
What I love most about Mount Compass is that it is such a small school and everyone works together to make the school better.
What change do you want to see in the school?
The change I would like to see in the school, is people getting along more.
Who is your favourite teacher and why?
I don’t really have favourites, but I do like Mrs. Davis and Mrs. De Zilwa because they are both fun and strict at the same time.
EXTERNAL LINKS
--
Enquiries:
DL:Mount Compass Area School Info
.
- Daymap - Parent Portal
- Daymap (staff & Students)
- Learnlink