Curriculum

In accordance with the Curriculum Council of Western Australia, Cornerstone Christian College operates within the guidelines of the Curriculum Framework.  The Framework identifies a number of learning outcomes which students should demonstrate at various stages of their development.  It sets out what students should know, understand, value and be able to do as a result of the programs they undertake in school from Kindergarten to Year 12. These outcomes are specific to 8 major Learning Areas:

· The Arts

· English

· Health and Physical Education (H & PE)

· Languages Other Than English (LOTE)

· Mathematics

· Science

· Society and Environment (S&E)

· Technology and Enterprise (T&E)

 At Cornerstone, we add a ninth learning area—Bible and Christian Living.  Further information about how a Christian Worldview is integrated into the program can be gained by arranging a tour of the College with a member of our leadership team.

Overdrive Program

‘Overdrive’ & ‘Velocity’ are in operation for students in middle and upper primary school.  This involves the identification of students who have demonstrated outstanding achievement on tests etc where statewide comparisons can be made.  When students are identified, programs are put in place to ensure their learning is progressed.  This may be in the form of ‘in class extension’ – Velocity – or participation in a specific ‘Overdrive’ initiative.  

 Learning Support Centre

Lynn Chapman, our Learning Support Centre  coordinator, works with small groups of students to better develop their literacy and numeracy skills. Teachers will refer students to Mrs Chapman for academic testing as they deem necessary.  She works collaboratively with teachers to develop individual education plans.  Mrs Chapman also coordinates our parent helpers.  Our desire through this program is to see all students achieve their potential in Literacy and Numeracy.

Music (Pre-Primary—Year 6)

Children have the opportunity to engage in a range of musical experiences and at times, are given opportunities to perform.  Each class has time allocated weekly for classroom music (Years 1 – 6).  Music is integrated throughout the pre-primary program. 

 Instrumental Music

Private tuition is available to students through the College and they may elect to learn a musical instrument by nominating for lessons with an instrumental tutor.

 Piano: Mrs Sherinne Jones 

Guitar: Mr Nigel Wittwer 

Flute: Mrs Sabine Kozlowski

Lesson times and costs should be discussed with each tutor.  The cost of individual music tuition is paid by each family who chooses to access the program.  Payments are made directly to the music tutor.

 LOTE – Languages Other Than English

An appreciation of other cultures and the opportunity to learn a second language is a valuable skill. At the College we are fortunate to have staff members from South Africa who are able to teach Afrikaans as our LOTE language. 

 Lessons are provided for students in years 3-7 and as an optional subject in high school.  We are working towards the reintroduction of an Asian language as a future option.

 Information & Technology

It is our aim to assist students to develop the skills that will enable them to use information technology across the curriculum.  Students are able to access computers in both the classroom and computer laboratory.  Students from year 4 upwards are given an opportunity to learn touch-typing skills, which we believe is fast becoming an essential skill. The Primary School now has its own newly equipped Computer Laboratory.

 Physical Education (PE)

PE provides an opportunity for children to not only develop their physical skills but also to increase their confidence and fitness.  Fundamental movement skills and game skills are covered in the program. There are a number of Carnivals throughout the year, both Intra and Inter-School. We also participate in other special events e.g. swimming, cross country and athletics carnivals are held each year.

The main focus is participation and enjoyment, however we also encourage healthy competition between teams.  The teams/factions are named after four of the twelve tribes of Israel as taken from the book of Genesis. 

 BENJAMIN              Green

JUDAH                    Red

NAPHTALI               Blue

REUBEN                  Yellow

Library

The Primary School has a shared Library facility with the Middle/Senior School.  Students have one lesson each week in the library and are encouraged to borrow Fiction and Non-Fiction books. A love of reading, as well as learning skills comprise the focus of work in the Library.  During their library time, students will also learn research skills.