At Yarram Primary School we use an explicit instruction model to ensure every student builds a strong foundation in mathematics. This approach focuses on clearly teaching key concepts and skills, providing students with guided practice to develop confidence and understanding, and encouraging independent practice to consolidate their learning. Lessons are carefully structured to break down complex ideas into manageable steps, with teachers offering clear explanations, worked examples, and immediate feedback.
Lessons begin with a Daily Review, where students practise skills that they have been previously taught. This routine, based on the cognitive science of how we learn, helps students to confidently remember what they have learned.
We implement a structured literacy approach to ensure that students develop strong and well-rounded literacy skills. This evidence-based framework provides explicit, systematic, and sequenced instruction, enabling students to master the essential building blocks of reading and writing.
Central to our literacy teaching are the "Big Six of Literacy"—oral language, phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. These key components guide our work across all year levels, helping students become confident readers, skilled writers, and effective communicators.
In the early years (Prep to Year 2), we place a particular focus on systematic synthetic phonics. This proven approach teaches the relationship between letters and sounds, equipping young learners with the decoding and spelling skills they need to succeed. By prioritising explicit and targeted instruction in these formative years, we ensure every student has a solid foundation to thrive in their literacy journey.
At our school, we teach science, history, geography, civics and citizenship through an integrated throughlines program. This knowledge-rich curriculum prioritises a deep understanding of key concepts and ideas. This approach ensures students build a strong foundation of factual knowledge, which they can draw upon to think critically, make connections, and apply their learning to new contexts. We empower our students to engage meaningfully with complex topics, ask insightful questions, and develop a lifelong curiosity about the world around them.
Children explore storytelling, performance and self-expression in a weekly Performing Arts class. This session includes music (with a focus on percussion), dance and drama activities. Throughout the year students have opportunities to participate in extracurricular performing arts activities, including joining the YPS choir and performing solos, duos, trios and plays as part of the Yarram Eisteddfod.
Our Art program fosters creativity and inspiration as students explore various artistic techniques and express themselves through visual mediums. Through painting, drawing, sculpting, construction and other art forms, children are encouraged to think outside the box, experiment with different materials, and bring their imagination to life. We are very proud to showcase student artwork in the community throughout the year at the Yarram Courthouse Gallery, at the Yarram Show and through other exhibitions.
At YPS all students participate in a weekly Auslan (Australian Sign Language) session. Learning a second language, like Auslan, in primary school has many wonderful benefits for children. It helps them understand different cultures, be inclusive, and develop empathy. Learning Auslan also improves their thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and reading and writing. It helps children make friends and communicate better with others!
At YPS we are proud to offer a dynamic Physical Education program that prioritises the importance of physical fitness, well-being, and an active lifestyle. Our PE classes provide students with opportunities to develop their motor skills, coordination, and teamwork. Through the Sporting Schools program we often bring coaches with specialised skills to enhance our offerings with programs such as gymnastics, volleyball and lawn bowls. Whether through sports, games, or exercise, our PE program aims to build strength, endurance, and confidence in our students.
Students in junior classrooms have additional sessions weekly with our Perceptual Motor Program. These fun activities teach balance, coordination and gross motor skills that are critical in the early years.
We believe in igniting curiosity and preparing students for the future through hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. In STEM sessions children engage in construction challenges, learn the basics of coding, use exciting technology such as brain boxes and bee bots, and apply critical thinking skills.
