All Year 3-6 classes are composite (two year levels in the one class) These classes enable staff to group students according to where their learning needs will be best met.

Learning needs change as students progress from Year 3 to 6.  We believe that independent learning skills need to be developed in the middle and upper primary years. Students are encouraged and are guided to take on responsibility for their learning in a highly supportive learning environment.

Our school has developed a “Thinking Skills Continuum” from Reception to Year 12 based on the latest research on how students learn. All Year 3-6 classes focus on developing thinking skills and explore approaches to learning so that students experience different learning styles as well as understand that they have preferred learning styles.

The theme of “Sustainability” flows through much of the curriculum. It is developed through:

- Environmental learning projects, many featuring practical learning and experiences, EG recycling, gardening, landcare, catchment care, electrical energy management etc

- Social learning and the development of associated skills. Our students need to clearly understand the importance of positive relationships with peers, teachers and carers in the context of a community.

- Building positive attitudes to learning and thinking. Learning is a “life long” experience and can be life changing.

Students are supported in their learning in a variety of ways at Strathalbyn 3-6:

- Early identification of learning needs and strategies to address these needs

- Availability of consultants in student behaviour support, guidance officers and speech pathologists

- Specialist teachers in Visual Arts, LOTE Indonesian, Instrumental Music Teacher and E-Learning Teacher.

- Gifts and talents are identified and programs developed within classrooms. Students may also move to different classes and indeed Middle Campus (Year 7-9) for targeted learning experiences

- Extra curricula activities such as senior students choir, private and DETE music teachers, sporting activities at an advanced level

Please contact the Head of Campus, Strathalbyn Year 3-6, Ms Aileen Pederson for more information about the learning program by telephone on 08 85362344 or by email on aileen.pederson@easternfleurieu.sa.edu.au