General Outline
The teaching and learning program is designed to help the child grow and develop in today's society. The curriculum provided encompasses all the arrangements made by the school to promote this development and growth. The programs and policies have all been ratified by School Council and staff and all are within the guidelines set down by the Department of Schools Education.

These include the arrangement of:
- learning experiences;
- children into groups and classes;
- teaching tasks by staff members;
- content of teaching into a curriculum;
- a learning environment for children;
- interaction between school and its neighbourhood; and
- systematic evaluation of all of the arrangements. 

Programs and Activities

The school's teaching and learning programs and policies are firmly based upon the belief that every student has the ability to learn and that this best occurs in a flexible, happy environment. The school offers a balanced and comprehensive 7 year sequential curriculum that is soundly based upon Department of Education, Employment and Training Guidelines and Frameworks. This emphasises the development of student literacy and numeracy skills by providing learning experiences in the areas of:

• Mathematics,
• English,
• The Arts,
• L.O.T.E.,
• Science,
• Thinking,
• Inquiry,
• Information & Communications Technology,
• Health and Physical Education and
• Design, Creativity &Technology.

Special features of Caulfield Junior College and its curriculum provision are the multi-age groupings. The school aims to foster in each student a co-operative and independent attitude towards learning, teaching life skills in conjunction with academic skills. It places a high value on the development of self-esteem and students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning and behaviour. In line with these goals the school has developed, and implemented a successful Whole School Approach to Student Welfare and Discipline.

Computers

The information age is revolutionising the way we live and learn, giving rise to a new era in education. 'Classrooms of the Future' is a major step towards preparing students for an information-based society undergoing rapid change and emphasises critical thinking, teamwork and communication skills students will need in the future. A major part of being a 'Classroom of the Future' is access to the latest interactive technology and using it throughout the curriculum.

At Caulfield Junior College our information technology is fully networked and has a broad range of multi-media for students to use. High quality software is available for their use. Interactive CD ROM titles are used for research, mathematics and language development. Using these programs, the students are taught how to begin to produce their own multimedia shows. Then the children are introduced to the use and development of spreadsheets, databases and programming.

Schools continually upgrade and reassess their computer hardware and software on a regular basis (yearly). Children learn skills on IBM machines. Children at Caulfield Junior College, including new school entrants, have equal access to our powerful new computers.

Art/Craft

Caulfield Junior College is very proud of our Art program with works being exhibited in various galleries including the National Gallery of Victoria. All children will participate in a P - 6 Art Program. In a relaxed and supportive environment we hope children, through exposure to many program areas, will come to perceive art as a means of communication and expression and a source of great enjoyment. Children will be provided with instruction and experience in painting, drawing, construction, clay and threads and textiles. Use of this variety of media will present a holistic view of Line, Shape, Color, Form, Tone, Texture and Contrasts.

Music

The music program aims to provide children with musical experiences which will provide opportunities for the growth of aesthetic sensitivity of music and an on-going interest in musical appreciation and performance. The program operates from Prep to year six and allows each child to experience music in its variety of form. Areas of experience are singing, listening, moving, playing and creating.

School Musical

The school staff, school council and students bi-annually produce and direct a school musical. This involves approximately six months solid work and your support is welcomed. We hope parents and friends will take this opportunity to see the wonderful talents of the children.

A school musical is an excellent way to promote the school and as all areas from Prep to year six will be involved, the school community is drawn closer together.

Experience will be offered in various forms of theatre - acting, singing, dance, costume design, sets and props, sound, lighting, make-up, ticketing, photography, advertising, music and front of house organisation.

Library

Our school has an extensive library and your child will be encouraged to borrow books regularly. When your child borrows a book it is important that you share the interest your child shows by reading with them or discussing the story . It is also vital that your child looks after the book and returns it in good condition by the due date. Apart from the actual skill of reading, the Library hopes to lead the children to enjoy reading and introduce many other books and authors that the children may otherwise miss. The older children will have experience with reference material that makes life easier when used properly, e.g. telephone book, street directory.

The children will be allowed to borrow two books at a time; however new school entrants will be restricted to one for the first six months.

And lastly a plea for help. The Library is one of the many areas in the school where parental help is greatly appreciated. Such jobs as covering books, stamping books, keeping books in shelf order etc.....will be greatly appreciated.

Perceptual Motor Program

Children in years Prep and 1 take part in PMP which is a Language/ Phys Ed/ Maths program designed to enhance children's motor co-ordination and concept development. Parents are needed to help run this program successfully and we would be grateful for anyone who can volunteer.

Physical Education

All classes participate in weekly Physical Education sessions. The sessions are based on the principles that physical education is possible for all students and is a lifelong activity. The physical education program aims to promote physical activity, the development of appropriate social skills, cooperative learning, knowledge and skills. The range of activities encourages confident participation and a positive attitude towards physical activity and a healthy lifestyle.

Program areas:

• Ball handling;
• Dance;
• Gymnastics;
• Athletics;
• Swimming;
• Minor games;
• Major games; and
• Outdoor education.

Thinking Skills

All classes participate in weekly Thinking Skills sessions as a specialist class. These sessions are based on the principle that thinking needs to be taught specifically and directly in order to maximise learning. The program aims to develop the full range of skills associated with higher order thinking thus providing students with life skills in problem solving and coping strategies.

Program areas:

• Cooperative learning;
• Thinking types;
• Six Thinking hats; and
• Philosophy with children.

Swimming

All children from Prep to Year 6 at Caulfield Junior Colege participate in a compulsory, intensive swimming program. Qualified teachers take the children in small ability group levels. Seniors attend during first term and Juniors attend during fourth term.

English as a Second Language

Provision is made within the school for E.S.L. to be taught.The role of the teacher is to help children understand and use oral and written language successfully, so that they can function at school and outside of school.

Caulfield Junior College will provide a variety of experiences and work with classroom teachers in order that the children will have a desire to learn English.

Excursions

We refer to excursions as 'out of school lessons'. This is because all school activities are related to set curriculum goals. It is essential that all children participate in these lessons as they are an integral part of your child's education. Children who do not participate are placed at a disadvantage in that they have not experienced the same focus as the other children. We keep the cost of lessons/excursions to a minimum.

Excursions require parental permission. A notice is always sent home describing the excursion and the cost - this notice will have a tear off permission slip which must be returned to school with the payment.

Note:

Teachers are not permitted to take a child on an excursion unless the permission slip and fee payment have been returned to the school.

Incursions

Visiting performers and artists are often invited to our school. It may be necessary to run these programs at a small charge to parents.

Religious Education

At Caulfield Junior College Religious Education instructors are provided from the Protestant, Jewish and Catholic Education centres. Children have the opportunity to participate in one of these sessions. Religious Education is for half an hour, one day per week.

French and Hebrew Immersion

Two intensive Immersion language programs are offered at Caulfield Junior College. Hebrew Immersion is a user-pay program being run three mornings per week (8:00a.m. to 8:50a.m.) and French Immersion is also a user-pay program being run two mornings per week (8:00am to 8:50am) and after school one afternoon a week. Children are assessed and placed in appropriate levels.