Department of Education - Victoria

Pentland Primary School opened in 1993. We are a growing school with a current enrolment of 560 students. Pentland is situated on the northern edge of Bacchus Marsh and lies at the base of the Pentland Hills. We are on approximately 10 acres of land, comprising of a mod grass oval/running track, undercover basketball/netball court, playgrounds, landscaped garden areas and an orchard which we are continually improving and developing.

At present our school consists of 23 classrooms as well as art, STEAM, library, respectful relationships and music rooms. We have a food technology room and gymnasium. All classrooms and specialist areas are heated and air-conditioned.

The Bacchus Marsh Township has experienced significant growth during the past 5 years. New housing developments and steady construction have resulted in increased enrolments for our school. The age and profile of the staff have been significantly influenced. Pentland Primary School is led by our Principal and 3 Assistant Principals and employs approximately 50 staff. We have a combination of recently graduated and experienced staff who are friendly, approachable, diverse and committed to achieving the best outcomes for all our students.

Pentland Primary School is very inclusive, our school community embraces all students and families. Diversity exists in the parent occupation and skills of our community. We currently have a Student Family Occupation index rating of 0.3747. School Council and the school leadership team have worked strategically to support families through targeted use of our equity funding. We operate a breakfast club 5 days per week. The welfare of the school community is an important value, in addition to an emphasis on ensuring all students feel safe and happy at school. This will continue to be a pivotal focus for us moving forward.

Pentland provides education programs that are relevant and of high quality with an emphasis on the use of technology across the curriculum. The school has adopted an integrated approach to planning and delivery of the curriculum. The school provides comprehensive programs across the Victorian Curriculum. Specialist classes include Visual Arts, Music, Physical Education, ICT, and Respectful Relationships. STEAM is in its second year, with exciting things planned for the future. Student intervention, support and extension programs are areas we also focus on, implementing STAP and Advanced Maths programs into our school with great success. The Early Years and Information Technology programs will continue to be pivotal to our school's curriculum delivery.

The implementation of the Victorian Curriculum and the Victorian Teaching & Learning Model 2.0 will remain a priority in building the capacity of our professional learning team. The E5 teaching and workshop models has remained a priority and a focus for the continual improvement of teaching and program delivery. Staff are supported by literacy, numeracy and inclusion coaching.

Pentland Primary school offers a wide range of opportunities for its students including a comprehensive camping and excursion program, swimming program, choir, involvement in sporting teams and local competition. We also have a Junior School Council, encouraging student voice.

A close partnership exists between the Bacchus Marsh College and Pentland Primary School. We are actively involved in a Community of Practice based around Disability and Inclusion.

 

SC1    Demonstrated knowledge of the relevant curriculum, including the capacity to incorporate the teaching of literacy and numeracy skills. Demonstrated capacity to respond to student learning needs.

SC2    Demonstrated capacity to implement high impact teaching strategies, guided by how students learn, and evaluate the impact of learning and teaching programs on student learning growth. 

SC3    Demonstrated capacity to monitor and assess student learning. Demonstrated capacity to use data to inform teaching practice and to provide feedback on student learning growth and achievement to students and parents.

SC4    Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills. Demonstrated capacity to establish and maintain collaborative relationships with students, parents, colleagues and the broader school community to support student learning, wellbeing and engagement.    

SC5    Demonstrated behaviours and attitudes consistent with Department values. Demonstrated capacity to reflect upon practice and engage in professional learning to continually improve the quality of teaching.