At Hamilton (Gray Street) Primary School, learning is carefully planned across all subjects from Foundation to Year 6, following the Victorian Curriculum 2.0. Our approach is based on the latest research about how children learn, including the importance of Cognitive Load. This knowledge ensures our staff have a clear understanding to steadily and consistently meet the needs of students as they move through their learning journey.
Reading is taught explicitly and systematically. In the early years, students’ daily lessons include developing phonemic awareness and the explicit teaching of synthetic phonics, supported by decodable texts. In Years 3–6, students continue to develop their fluency, automatic word recognition, and vocabulary while engaging with rich texts that build knowledge and understanding. These high-quality mentor texts are used across all year levels and encourage students to read deeply and think critically through developing comprehension and vocabulary and exploring author purpose.
Writing builds on reading, giving students the chance to apply what they’ve learned. Structured lessons guide teachers and students to work together in planning, drafting, and revising their work to produce well thought out texts. Through linking with the mentor texts students develop an understanding of how authors use language and structure to communicate ideas. This approach helps students write with confidence and purpose, applying these skills across all subject areas.
At Gray Street, mathematics is taught using a structured, research-informed approach that helps students build understanding and confidence. Lessons follow our instructional model, moving from a Warm-Up to activate prior knowledge, a focused Launch into new concepts, and opportunities to Explore and apply learning through hands-on activities. This consistent approach ensures students develop strong number sense and have a deep understanding of mathematical concepts which they can then apply to problem solving.
STEM
S – Science
T – Technology
E – Engineering
M – Mathematics
Our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) program supports students to explore their natural curiosity about the world through hands-on and engaging learning experiences. Students are encouraged to ask questions, investigate ideas, and develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Across the program, students engage in units of work in Biological, Chemical, Physical, and Earth and Space science. They investigate concepts using scientific processes and participate in group discussions to deepen their understanding. Students undertake collaborative learning, working in teams to respond to a range of engineering challenges. Digital technologies are utilised, enabling students to develop their coding and stop motion animation skills
Activities and Programs
Lunchtime STEM Club (weekly): Each Year group has the opportunity to extend their STEM learning by participating in STEM Club.
STEM Night: A school-based community event to showcase STEM, held during National Science Week in Term 3.
STEM Incursions- An opportunity throughout the year to have STEM experts visit the school and grow students passion and curiosity
Visual Art Program
The Visual Art Program aims to provide students with a supportive and engaging learning environment in which they are encouraged to develop their artistic skills, creativity, and confidence.
Aligned with the Victorian Curriculum 2.0: The Visual Arts, the program supports students in exploring and developing ideas, practices, and processes in Visual Arts through both practical and reflective learning experiences.
Students develop imagination, critical and creative thinking, and fine motor skills as they plan, experiment, and make informed decisions about materials, tools, techniques, and processes. Through creating and responding to artworks, students learn to communicate ideas, perspectives, and meaning while developing an understanding of visual conventions and artistic practices.
The program offers opportunities for students to work across a broad range of media and art forms, including drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, clay, sculpture, construction, and textiles. Students engage in making and responding to activities that foster personal expression, collaboration, and an appreciation of diverse artistic traditions and contemporary practices.
Activities and Programs
Arts Festival Night.
Lunchtime Art Club – students choose an art medium and activity to create their chosen piece.
Lunchtime Art Workshops – students are guided through a specific art technique and medium to create a specific artwork.
Support, encouragement, and opportunities to participate in local, State, and National Art Shows are provided to foster creativity, confidence, and artistic growth.
Experiences are enriched through connections with local specialist artists and participation in workshops and educational programs offered by Hamilton Art Gallery.
Music Education
The Music Education program provides all students with the opportunity to grow through a broad range of musical experiences. Each week, students explore, create and enjoy music in a fun and supportive environment. From Prep, students sing, move, and play instruments as they learn about the elements of music. Throughout the program, students explore the role of music in everyday life, including how music can support wellbeing and emotional regulation.
As students progress through the school, they build confidence and skills on a range of instruments, while also developing early skills in reading and writing music. Students grow their confidence to create and perform both individually and as part of a group. All students play tuned and untuned percussion from Prep, begin learning ukulele in Year 3, and add keyboards and guitars from Year 5.
Activities and Programs
Hamilton (Gray St) Choir, for students from Year 3 – Year 6. Supporting students to work together as a team.
Choir performances at Hamilton Eisteddfod and Hamilton Carols by Candlelight – an opportunity to participate in local community events.
Gray St’s Got Talent. An opportunity for students to showcase their skills and talents at this annual school event
Instrumental Program – specialist instrumental private lessons available
Physical Education
The Physical Education program is designed to give students a well-rounded perspective of the importance of their physical health and fitness. Through intentional, well thought out planning, students are supported in developing the fundamental motor skills applicable to a wide range of sport. Through a focus on these skills, along with developing a positive mindset students learn to work together as team in a fun and supportive environment.
Across the year, students are introduced to a variety of sports including basketball, football, netball, soccer, hockey, badminton and tennis. There are many opportunities for students to be involved in these sports at a local, as well as a regional level. We take pride in seeing students enjoy being active, grow in confidence and learn to work together as team.
Activities and Programs
Swimming program to help develop the basic swimming skills to be safe in the water.
School and interschool athletics and cross country – an opportunity to participate at a higher level with a wider group of students and schools.
Interschool activities – Hoop Time Basketball, Cricket Blast, AFL 9’s, Table Tennis, Netball Championships, Hot Shot Tennis + more.
Visiting clinics – AFL, hockey, cricket and martial arts that help build students’ knowledge and skills of sporting opportunities