Innovation

What makes us special at Wattle Park Primary School?

At Wattle Park Primary School, we aim to engage our students in a range of innovative, authentic learning activities and programs. Some are special events and others are ongoing throughout the year.

Science at Wattle Park PS

Science education is an identified area of focus at Wattle Park for our current strategic plan. We have also attracted a number of grants to provide resources, special programs and professional devlopment for our staff in the area of Science education.

* NAB Science Futures Grant - In 2014, Science students from Swinburne University came in to work with our Year 5 and 6 students. They acted as positive role models, shared their science knowledge, helped students to understand the role of a scientist and possibly inspired them to take up a career in science later in life!

* TVLC Science Partnership - This project has connected Wattle Park Primary School, Box Hill North Primary School and Hawthorn West Primary School to work together in a learning partnership. Teachers from each of the schools have participated in professional development and implemented a school improvement project at their school. These projects aim to improve teacher confidence when teaching science as well as improve their knowledge of current teaching methods based on research. This project has been supported by Deakin University.

* Primary Connections - Teachers at Wattle Park are trialling the Primary Connections units. A program of the Australian Academy of Science supported by the Australian Government Department of Education, PrimaryConnections focuses on developing students’ knowledge, understanding and skills in both science and literacy.

PrimaryConnections key features:

      - An inquiry and investigative approach
      - A comprehensive professional learning program
      - Award winning curriculum resources linking science with literacy
      - An ongoing research and evaluation program

* Science in Schools program - Undergraduate students from Deakin University come to work with our students each year. In small groups, students participate in a range of fascinating hands on science activities and benefit from a high level of discussion and questioning.

Learning Expos

At Wattle Park PS, we highly value parent engagement and provide opportunities for parents and family members to come and celebrate our students learning. Learning Expos in 2014 have featured:

* "100 Years at Wattle Park" History displays - all year levels

* Foundation "On the Move" constructions and "Farm" dioramas

* Year 1 Environment dioramas

* Year 2 Endangered animals projects and a sausage sizzle to raise money for the Orangutans

* Year 5 and 6 "Night of the Notables"

Artists in Schools Program

We welcome our Artist in Residence Mr Damian Curtain. Click here to find out more about the program and see the artwork in progress.

Esmart School

The eSmart program helps schools to effectively mangage cybersafety and deal with cyberbullying. Through a grant from the Victorian Education Department, we have begun our journey to become an accredited eSmart school. Click here to read more.

Grandparents and Special Older Friend's Day

In 2012, we invited Grandparents and special older persons to join us for the morning. Our celebrations included a special assembly, classroom visits, and a delicious morning tea provided by our parent helpers. Many grandparents travelled long distances to visit. Click here to view a video and photogallery of the day.

Robogals Science Challenge

In 2012, a group of year 5 girls worked together to enter the Robogals Science Challenge. They learnt how to operate a drone using an ipad! Amazing stuff! Go to http://www.sciencechallenge.com.au/ to find out more about the competition.

Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program

Students in year 3 and 4 participate in our Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program. Each week, the students learn in the garden and in the kitchen with specialist staff, their teachers and community volunteers. They use produce they have cultivated to create delicious and healthy meals, which they share together in our purpose built kitchen. Find out more about the program here.

Rotary Primary Schools Speech Contest

(MASH - Mont Albert and Surrey Hills Rotary Club)

This annual program, run in August commenced in 2005 and has now completed its seventh event. Local primary schools each have two finalists who all present a three minute speech which are, simply put, always amazing. With the support of Toastmasters who judge the event, this program is such a win-win. Up to eight local schools come together on the night of the finals which is hosted by one of the schools. Prizes are awarded for first, second and third and a perpetual trophy is awarded to the winning school.