Academic Programmes

CWSA CLASSES

(Children with Special Abilities)

Ross Intermediate has two Special Ability Classes. These are designed to extend children that have a high level of Literacy knowledge and skill. These classes are selected based on interviews and feedback received from your child’s Primary School. If parents think their child could be suited to these classes, they are also able to come and see us and we can follow up with the school. We don’t test for this as we find the knowledge the contributing school has on the individuals is much more complex than we can offer. Students in this class are also given opportunities to sit NSW Examinations in English, Writing, Science and Maths.

MATHS EXTENSION CLASS

Students with ability in Numeracy and Mathematics are given the opportunity to be in the Extension Maths Class taught by the Deputy Principal. Through this class, students complete a range of National Problem Solving challenges.

BOOSTER CLASSES

(Available in Literacy and Numeracy)

Over the year we offer five rounds of Booster Classes in Literacy and Numeracy. Students are in groups of no more than 12 and spend six weeks working with a Teacher during the Literacy or Numeracy time. On the completion of this programme, they return to their Classroom Teacher. We identify students for this programme early in the year following initial testing.

SNAP FM

All classes spend time developing a range of Literacy skills through their SNAP FM unit. All classes and students experience this over their two years at Ross Intermediate. Students broadcast their shows at lunchtime and before school.

All students get the opportunity to be a part of this programme.

SNAP TV

This is an exciting and new learning programme available for all classes. In 2009 we launched a programme for all classes. Each class spends three weeks working towards their own SNAP TV show. Over this time they create a range of stories and arrange interviews and other material for the show. Some examples of the stories produced are available on our website under SNAP TV 2009. We have learnt a lot about what works well with this unit and look forward to delivering an updated programme to all classes in 2010. From 2010 we will be broadcasting our shows live across Tararua Television.

TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMME

Over the year students will undertake six different Modules through the Technology Programme. For 2010 we anticipate these being as follows:

·      Wood Technology

·      Food Technology

·      Static Arts

·      Music and Composition

·      Theatre and Performance

·      Swimming and Life Saving

Classroom Teachers are responsible for delivering other aspects of the Technology Curriculum not covered above.

Technology sessions run for 6 – 7 sessions. Students attend Technology once a week in the afternoon.