Whole-School Learning Approach at Mentone Primary School

At Mentone Primary School, we are proud to offer a consistent, evidence-based, and engaging education experience across all year levels, from Prep to Year 6. Our curriculum is underpinned by the Victorian Curriculum and carefully designed to support students' academic, social, and emotional development. Below are the shared elements of our teaching and learning programs that students experience throughout their schooling journey with us.

English and Literacy

Daily Instruction and Structured Literacy:
All students participate in daily English instruction, focusing on reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Lessons incorporate both whole-class and small-group instruction.

PhOrMeS Program:
The PhOrMeS (Phonology, Orthography, Morphology, Etymology, Semantics) program is embedded school-wide. This structured approach builds strong foundational skills in phonics, word recognition, vocabulary, spelling, and comprehension through explicit, multisensory lessons.

Writing Development:
Students explore various writing genres including narratives, persuasive texts, information reports, and poetry. Emphasis is placed on planning, drafting, revising, editing, and presenting clear, structured, and engaging writing.

Reading Fluency – Paired Fluency:
Students across all levels engage in Paired Fluency reading, where they read aloud with a partner to enhance reading accuracy, expression, and confidence.

Speaking and Listening:
Oral language is a key component of the English curriculum. Students participate in class discussions, presentations, and collaborative activities to develop effective communication skills.

Mathematics

Curriculum Alignment:
Mathematics is taught daily in alignment with the Victorian Mathematics Curriculum 2.0, focusing on core areas such as Number, Algebra, Measurement, Space, Statistics, and Probability.

Instructional Model:
The “I do, We do, You do” model is applied to explicitly teach mathematical concepts, followed by guided and independent practice. Daily reviews are included to reinforce previously learned skills.

Real-World Application:
Lessons include hands-on activities and problem-solving tasks that encourage the practical application of mathematical skills in everyday contexts.

Inquiry-Based Learning

All year levels explore six transdisciplinary Units of Inquiry that help students make connections across curriculum areas:

• Who We Are
• Where We Are in Place and Time
• How the World Works
• How We Express Ourselves
• How We Organise Ourselves
• Sharing the Planet

These units nurture curiosity, critical thinking, creativity, and global awareness by exploring concepts in science, history, geography, civics, and design technologies.

Personal Development and Enrichment

Discovery-Based Learning:
Prep begins with Developmental Play and Discovery Time, giving students daily opportunities to explore, create, and collaborate. These sessions are designed to support fine motor development, critical thinking, and social-emotional skills. Students engage in open-ended tasks like craft, large-scale construction, cooking, science experiments, and gardening.

Buddy Program:
Prep students are paired with Year 5 buddies. These fortnightly meetups include shared storytelling, play, drawing, and lunch, helping Preps feel connected and supported while building friendships across year levels.

Marine Ambassador Program:
Selected Year 5 students participate in the 'i sea i care' program with the Dolphin Research Institute, gaining experience as environmental stewards and community educators.

Leadership Development:
Year 5 students begin preparing for future leadership through the PLAY Leaders Program, where they lead activities for younger students during lunch breaks. This fosters responsibility, confidence, and team-building skills.

Leadership Roles and Selection Process:
Year 6 students apply for leadership positions such as School Captain and House Captain by submitting a written application and participating in an interview with the Principal. This process builds presentation skills, initiative, and goal setting.

Mentone Primary School’s consistent and holistic approach ensures that students are not only academically prepared but also socially responsible and emotionally resilient. We are committed to providing every student with the opportunity to thrive in a safe, inclusive, and challenging learning environment.