The Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS) provides the basis for teacher planning in Victoria. It sets out the major areas of learning to be covered and describes the learning outcomes to be achieved by students at each level.

The VELS is a 2-year curriculum document that is set out as follows:

Remembering that every child is unique and may begin their learning from a different stage to that of his/her peers. They all have a range of skills, experiences, and abilities that they bring to school with them. Therefore the curriculum still needs to be adapted and modified within the classroom to cater for individual student’s needs and abilities. While most students at upper Plenty will be working at their expected VELS level some will be working above and others below their expected level. Whether this is done through small group work, contract work or a negotiated or differentiated curriculum depends on individual teachers and classes.

Teachers at all levels test their students in Literacy and Numeracy to determine strengths and weaknesses and also to identify areas that need to be covered during the year.

At Upper Plenty we teach our Integrated Units on a 2-year cycle. This allows staff to plan together and make more accurate judgements of student achievements across the year levels.

Our aim is to provide a supportive and caring classroom environment where students feel good about themselves and enjoy working with others as well as individually, but also one where they will be encouraged to take risks and have a go at new things.

At all times parents are encouraged to discuss any concerns regarding your child’s achievement or the curriculum with class teachers or the principal.

Kim Tierney - Principal