Department of Education - Victoria

Old Orchard Primary School is a community-based school situated in Blackburn North in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne with a current enrolment of 450 students. We are a highly regarded school, providing a nurturing and supportive environment, with high standards and expectations of all students and a school of choice for many families seeking a school with a commitment to both student wellbeing and academic achievement. Our aim is to deliver an innovative, engaging and rigorous teaching and learning program which continues to evolve as we learn and grow together and adapt to the ever-changing educational landscape. 

The acquisition of high-level literacy and numeracy skills is at the centre of our curriculum with a strong focus on inquiry-based learning. Specialist programs are offered in STEM, Music / Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Physical Education and Mandarin. Many of our extra-curricular programs are linked to the specialist programs and provide genuine enrichment opportunities for our students. Access to iPads and other technology is provided throughout the school, particularly from Years 3 to 6, complementing other modes of learning. We have a modern library which caters for all students and actively promotes a love of literature and reading.

A strong culture of mutual trust and respect is embedded in the school, fostering positive relationships between all members of the school community, including staff, students and parents. Values such as courtesy, respect, tolerance, honesty, perseverance, cooperation and compassion are actively encouraged and there is a commitment to promoting resilience and optimism in the students. 

A strong emphasis is placed on student welfare, well-being and personal growth and a positive approach to student management is supported and practised by all staff members. We operate within the School Wide Positive Behaviour Support framework, with a variety of programs implemented across the school to encourage positive behaviour and social skills. Student voice and agency are actively encouraged and developed, and we provide numerous opportunities for our students to develop their formal and informal leadership skills.

Our school is located on spacious, well-presented grounds with outstanding facilities including a gymnasium, a multipurpose hall and extensive play areas. Staff work very closely in PLC teams to plan for student learning and have a strong commitment to personal and professional growth.

We are fortunate to have a very active and supportive parent community who contribute to the school through involvement in School Council, Parents and Friends Association, classroom programs, fundraising, sports activities, camps and excursions, the library and numerous other activities.

Old Orchard is a school with an outstanding reputation, where students, staff and parents are valued and respected as individuals. We aim to:

- prepare students to be positive and productive individuals with the skills to enable them to participate fully and successfully in society

- support our staff in developing their skills and expertise where they are trusted and supported to fulfil their professional responsibilities

- genuinely engage parents in their child's education

 

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.