The Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS) provides the basis for teacher planning in Victoria. It sets out the major areas of learning to be covered and describes the learning outcomes to be achieved by students at each level.

The VELS is a 2-year curriculum document that is set out as follows:

Remembering that every child is unique and may begin their learning from a different stage to that of his/her peers. They all have a range of skills, experiences, and abilities that they bring to school with them. Therefore the curriculum still needs to be adapted and modified within the classroom to cater for individual student’s needs and abilities. While most students will be working at their expected VELS level some will be working above and others below their expected level. Whether this is done through small group work, contract work or a negotiated or differentiated curriculum depends on individual teachers and classes.

Teachers at all levels test their students in Literacy and Numeracy to determine strengths and weaknesses and also to identify areas that need to be covered during the year.

We teach our Integrated Units on a 2-year cycle. Therefore the children in the same VELS level will all be covering the same unit. This allows staff to plan together and make more accurate judgements of student achievements across the year levels.

Our aim is to provide a supportive and caring classroom environment where students feel good about themselves and enjoy working with others as well as individually, but also one where they will be encouraged to take risks and have a go at new things.

Don’t forget our special initiatives here at MWNPS with regard to brain food and water bottles. It is essential for children to bring these daily to optimise their learning opportunities.

If you have any concerns regarding your child’s achievement or the curriculum please see their class teacher.

For more information on VELS and the Victorian curriculum please visit: http://www.education.vic.gov.au/parents/default.htm