Learning

At Belmont Primary School, we offer a well-balanced curriculum designed to build foundational knowledge and skills in key subject areas, creating a springboard for higher-level thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. As students grow in proficiency, they are empowered to reach their full potential.

A core focus across all year levels is the development of essential Literacy and Numeracy skills, underpinning academic success and lifelong learning.

Literacy

At Belmont Primary School students are in engaged in at least 10 hours of English per week as we understand how vital English skills are to support all learning.  We use evidence-based structured methods to ensure all students succeed and thrive in this area.

Our reading instruction focuses on the development of five essential skills: phonemic awareness, phonics, reading fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. A typical reading lesson includes explicit instruction in these areas, fluency practice, and a mini-lesson to deepen vocabulary and comprehension skills.

Our approach is guided by Scarborough’s Reading Rope, which highlights how skilled reading develops through the intertwining of two key strands:

As these strands weave together over time, they strengthen to form proficient, confident and skilled readers. By following this evidence-based approach, we aim to equip our students with the tools they need for lifelong reading success.

Phonics Instruction at Belmont Primary School

At Belmont Primary School, students in Foundation to Year Two receive explicit instruction based on the Phonics Plus scope and sequence, covering both initial and extended codes. This structured approach supports the progressive development of essential reading and writing skills.

Phonics Plus teaches the relationship between letters (graphemes) and their corresponding sounds (phonemes), helping students decode words effectively while building a solid foundation in morphological knowledge. The program also encompasses key literacy components, including:

By engaging in Phonics Plus, students develop the critical skills they need to become confident, capable readers and writers, setting them up for ongoing literacy success.

Spelling at Belmont Primary School

In Years Three to Six, students at Belmont Primary School are explicitly taught spelling using an evidence-based scope and sequence. Our lessons are carefully structured to ensure that students acquire the spelling skills they need in an effective and efficient manner, building their proficiency as both readers and writers. Through this focused approach, we aim to foster strong spelling skills that support overall literacy development and contribute to academic success

Building Strong Writers for the Future

Our writing lessons follow a structured, carefully sequenced framework designed to develop students’ skills from the sentence level to text level writing. Every classroom teacher provides targeted strategies to strengthen vocabulary and language proficiency, key foundations for future success in writing.

A typical lesson includes explicit instruction on crafting well-formed sentences, which serve as the essential building blocks for all types of writing. Writing instruction is seamlessly integrated into the broader curriculum through engaging core knowledge topics, picture book analyses, and novel studies. Students are also explicitly taught essential writing processes, such as planning, drafting, and revising, helping them refine their work and build confidence as thoughtful, effective communicators.

At Belmont Primary School, we utilise the DIBELS Data System (mClass) to conduct benchmark screening and progress monitoring in key areas, including word reading fluency, oral reading fluency, and comprehension.

The results from these assessments generate insightful, data-rich reports that guide our teachers in making timely, evidence-based decisions. This process helps us tailor instruction to meet each student’s unique needs, track their progress and enhance overall learning outcomes.

By leveraging data in this way, we aim to continuously improve student achievement and foster a strong foundation for literacy success.

Numeracy

At Belmont Primary School, students engage in a minimum of five hours of mathematics each week. Our approach emphasises mastering the basics to build automaticity, giving students the confidence to tackle more complex mathematical problems. We explicitly teach the essential concepts and skills that form the foundation of mathematical proficiency, ensuring students develop both competence and confidence.

We believe that a solid grasp of core mathematical fundamentals enhances students’ enjoyment and understanding of key areas, including number and algebra, statistics and probability, as well as measurement and space.

Lesson Structure and Approach
Each math lesson begins with a focus on fact fluency to strengthen students’ skills and reinforce essential operations. New skills are explicitly introduced, and students practise math facts daily, promoting consistent engagement. During the review portion of the lesson, teachers check for understanding, with students using mini whiteboards to record and share their answers.

Our lessons follow a carefully sequenced, three-stage learning process:

  1. Concrete Stage – Students explore mathematical concepts by physically manipulating objects.
  2. Pictorial Stage – They transition to representing their understanding using diagrams and images.
  3. Abstract Stage – Finally, students solve problems using formal mathematical notation and symbols.

Developing Deep Mathematical Thinking
Across all year levels, from Foundation to Year Six, we embed the four mathematical proficiencies- Understanding, Fluency, Problem Solving, and Reasoning into every lesson. This ensures that student learning and independence remain at the heart of our teaching.

Our goal is for students to develop refined, sophisticated mathematical thinking, enabling them to explain and justify their strategies with confidence and clarity. By fostering these critical skills, we aim to equip students with the tools they need for future mathematical success.

Humanities (Core Knowledge Units)

Humanities (Geography and History) is a vital part of our teaching and learning program. We have developed an aspirational, Knowledge-Rich Curriculum designed to build students’ understanding in a structured, systematic, and cumulative way.

Throughout their journey at BPS, students will explore rich texts and engaging content that provide deep insights into key historical moments, government systems, ancient civilizations and more. By integrating Humanities topics into English classes, we ensure that learning is consistent, meaningful and connected across subjects.

Why Knowledge Matters?
Developing background knowledge is essential for strong reading comprehension and supports students in engaging with more advanced critical thinking tasks. When students know more, they can learn more and apply that knowledge in increasingly complex ways.

Our aim is to inspire curiosity, deepen understanding and equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to make sense of the world, both past and present.

Physical Education

Physical Education plays a vital role in our school’s programs, promoting physical fitness, teamwork, and overall well-being. Led by a specialist teacher, our PE program engages students in a wide range of activities designed to build coordination, strength, and a lifelong love of healthy living.

Students also have the opportunity to participate in interschool sports, where they can represent the school and develop sportsmanship and collaboration skills. Additionally, we offer various related programs and events, providing even more chances for students to get involved, stay active and thrive.

The Arts

We are proud of our strong commitment to the Arts. Our Visual Arts and Performing Arts programs are led by specialist teachers who inspire creativity, imagination and self-expression.

From Prep to Grade 6, all students actively engage in a variety of artistic experiences, exploring different mediums, tools, and techniques. These opportunities help them develop new ways of thinking, creating, and learning, while nurturing their confidence, curiosity, and artistic potential.

Students at Belmont Primary School can explore and extend their musical talents by joining our school choir, where they can develop their vocal skills, confidence, and love of music.

Each year, the entire school comes together for our much anticipated annual concert. This event provides students with an exciting opportunity to showcase their creativity, gain experience in the performing arts, and share their talents with the wider school community.

STEM

Students participate in weekly STEM sessions led by a specialist teacher. Our STEM program integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, while also fostering essential cross-curricular capabilities such as ethical decision-making, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving.

Students actively engage in hands-on activities, including coding, robotics and the use of innovative technologies. These experiences tap into their natural curiosity, encouraging them to explore, question and seek answers about the world around them.

Building STEM skills and passion from an early age helps children develop confidence, enthusiasm and a strong foundation for future success in these vital fields.

Through STEM, our students learn to:

By nurturing these skills, we aim to inspire lifelong learning, curiosity, and a love for STEM.

Wellbeing

Wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do here at BPS. We are committed to a whole-school approach that nurtures the social, emotional and academic growth of every student. Our wellbeing team, led by the Assistant Principal, works closely with staff, students and families to foster student engagement, build confidence and create a positive learning environment.

Building Strong School-Home Connections
We value strong, positive relationships between staff, parents and students, supported by open and regular communication. Platforms such as Compass, Seesaw and our weekly newsletter help keep parents informed and connected. We also encourage families to actively participate in their child’s school life by volunteering for classroom activities, excursions, and whole-school events.

To enhance student wellbeing, we offer a range of targeted programs and systems aimed at building emotional resilience, self-regulation and a sense of belonging.

Respectful Relationships
This program is taught weekly from Foundation to Year Six and focuses on key themes related to social and emotional health, safety and respectful interactions. The lessons are age-appropriate and designed to foster a school-wide culture of respect, equality, and inclusion.

Lunchtime Clubs                                                                                                                                      
To support student wellbeing, we offer quiet and engaging lunchtime activities twice a week. These include a drawing and art club, as well as developmental play, where students can explore a variety of play options. These clubs provide students with a calm, welcoming space where they can unwind, express their creativity and take a break from the playground. This helps foster social connections, creativity and a sense of balance during the school day.

Zones of Regulation
The Zones of Regulation framework is used consistently across the school to help students identify and name their emotions. Students are taught strategies to regulate their feelings, enhancing their ability to manage emotions and maintain focus for optimal learning.  

Zen Den
Our Zen Den is a calm, multi-sensory space designed to provide a safe and soothing environment. It is used for relaxation, stress relief and therapeutic purposes, particularly for students who may benefit from additional sensory support.

Berry Street Education Model
All teachers at Belmont Primary School have had Berry Street training. The Berry Street Education Model (BSEM) equips both mainstream schools with practical, classroom-based strategies to increase the engagement of all students. The education model enables schools to support students’ self-regulation, relationships and wellbeing to increase student engagement and significantly improve academic achievement.

By embedding wellbeing practices into every aspect of school life, we aim to create a nurturing and inclusive environment where all students feel supported, valued and ready to thrive.

Library

Our library is a welcoming and vibrant space where students can explore, discover and enjoy a wide variety of books. Each class visits the library weekly, giving students the opportunity to borrow books to take home and enjoy.

With guidance from their classroom teacher, students are encouraged to select books that match their reading level, spark their curiosity and foster a lifelong love of reading. Whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, or picture books, our library offers something for every reader!