Literacy and Numeracy
Students should leave Irrawang High School as literate and numerate young people ready to launch into the word with these basic skills. We aim for growth in literacy for every student in our school whether their goals are further academic study, travel or directly into the workforce. We have a comprehensive literacy strategy which aims at developing skills in reading, comprehension, spelling, vocabulary and academic writing. Literacy activities are embedded in our daily teaching routines in all our subject areas and we have a broad range of intervention opportunities for students who need additional support or enrichment activities.
In 2020 we commenced "Ramp Up Writing" a writing program for Years 7 – 10 aimed at going back to the basics of constructing sentences before building more complex and sophisticated writing. This program is delivered to students in a "literacy sprints" model where students are given a series of short sharp literacy lessons delivered by a team of trained sprint coaches.
Irrawang High school continuously work with key personnel from each of our partner schools in order to understand, support and align with national literacy and numeracy learning progressions. There are numerous activities, both formal and informal, that assist all students transitioning to the high school setting. Key staff from IHS often visit partner primary schools and information from the primary school is forwarded to ensure Personal Intervention Plans are in place prior to the start of students first year in the high school to support students with extra needs. Extension activities are also available within the GATS and Enrichment program in Stage 3 and continue into Stage 4.
Our Numeracy teacher Mrs Garner is a highly experienced Mathematics teacher, who identifies numeracy demands across the curriculum. She provides identified students in Years 7-9, with the opportunity to transfer their mathematical knowledge and skills to context in the real world.
The main focus of her very small, engaging and fun classes consist of:
• Estimating and rounding with whole numbers
• Recognising patterns and relationships
• Using fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios and rates
• Using spatial reasoning
• Using measurement
• Interpreting statistical information
Mrs Garner provides specialist individual and small group support, facilitating deep learning and building understanding.
Communication between staff and parents enables the maths team to develop positive, confident students who navigate their world as critical and logical thinkers.