At Nollamara Primary School, we use evidence-based teaching strategies, whole school approaches and programs as well as instructional routines from Kindergarten to Year 6, including those in the Intensive English Centre (IEC) from English as an Additional Language/Dialect (EAL/D) backgrounds.
Nollamara Primary School is committed to providing a high-quality, inclusive education where every student is supported to succeed. We value strong partnerships with families and the wider community, creating a welcoming environment where students feel safe, supported and ready to learn. Our culture is built on high expectations, strong relationships and evidence-informed teaching.
As proud alumni of the Fogarty EDvance School Improvement Program, we have developed consistent, whole-school practices across all classrooms. Our planning and teaching are guided by current educational research and aligned with the priorities of our School Business Plan.
Teaching at Nollamara is grounded in explicit direct instruction and high-impact teaching strategies. Lessons are carefully structured to model new learning, guide practice, and gradually build student independence, with regular opportunities for feedback and review.
Staff participate in ongoing professional learning and a termly instructional coaching cycle to strengthen teaching practice and ensure consistency across the school. This work is supported by our curriculum committee, which works with the Curriculum Deputy Principal and Curriculum Consultant to review and align curriculum initiatives.
Through these approaches, we aim to deliver engaging, data-informed learning programs that support the diverse needs of all students, including those requiring intervention, extension or EAL/D support.
English
At Nollamara Primary School, we have mandated literacy blocks across Kindergarten to Year 6 to ensure consistency and sufficient time for high-quality literacy instruction in every classroom. Within these blocks, teachers deliver a structured Daily Review of literacy concepts, scoped according to each year level, to reinforce previously taught knowledge and strengthen long-term retention.
Students are explicitly taught a range of Tier Two vocabulary using the NPS instructional routine. These words are then applied in daily sentence-level writing activities to support students in developing precise and sophisticated language. Students also participate in a six-minute paired reading fluency routine each day to build oral reading fluency, accuracy and confidence.
In Kindergarten, Pre Primary and Intensive English classes, there is a strong focus on oral language development. Teachers deliver bi-termly themed units of work, underpinned by the Tracks to Literacy program, to systematically build students’ oral language skills.
Students in Pre Primary to Year 2 participate in the Let’s Decode program to develop phonological and phonemic awareness, including blending and segmenting sounds, as well as early word reading and writing skills. Students in Years 1 to 6 participate in Spelling Mastery four times per week. This is a Direct Instruction spelling program where students are streamed according to their academic ability to ensure instruction is targeted and effective.
In addition, all students receive explicit instruction in genre writing, with content carefully scoped across year levels to progressively build students’ writing knowledge and skills.
Mathematics
At Nollamara Primary School, we have mandated numeracy blocks across Pre Primary to Year 6 to ensure students receive consistent, high-quality mathematics instruction every day. Within these blocks, teachers begin with a structured Daily Review of numeracy concepts. These reviews are carefully scoped according to each year level and also target learning gaps identified through both formal and informal assessments. This approach ensures that previously taught concepts are regularly revisited, helping students strengthen retention and build strong mathematical foundations.
Students in Years 2 to 6 also participate in the Rocket Maths instructional routine on a daily basis. This structured program is designed to improve students’ automatic recall of key number facts, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, equivalent fractions and other essential numerical relationships. By building fluency in these areas, students are better equipped to engage with more complex mathematical problem-solving.
Each day, students also participate in explicit mathematics lessons delivered through the Maths Hero platform. These lessons are designed using the Explicit Direct Instruction (EDI) lesson structure, ensuring that concepts are clearly modelled, guided practice is provided, and learning is gradually released to students as they develop confidence and understanding. Teachers incorporate frequent checks for understanding throughout lessons to monitor student progress and address misconceptions as they arise.
Teachers also incorporate high-impact instructional strategies to ensure lessons are engaging and effective. Students are provided with frequent opportunities to respond, practise and apply their learning, helping information move from working memory into long-term memory. This approach supports deeper understanding and mastery of mathematical concepts over time.
HASS (Humanities and Social Science)
HASS is a subject which is immensely important to teaching our students that the world is a large and ever-changing place which we are all a part of. HASS is a very exciting subject at Nollamara Primary School, as we have such a diverse background of cultures with students who have come from all over the world. Our students bring a wealth of knowledge with them from their home countries and teach their peers new ways of thinking and doing things.
Our students are taught important research skills which encourage them to find reliable and evidence-based information to support their research topic. Throughout this subject, our students are using literacy and numeracy skills, applying critical and creative thinking along with being mindful of ethical understanding.
Technology
With technology continuing to evolve rapidly, students must develop the skills to use digital tools safely, responsibly and effectively in real-world contexts. At Nollamara Primary School, students are explicitly taught Design and Digital Technologies in accordance with the Western Australian Curriculum. Through this learning area, students develop an understanding of digital systems, problem-solving, and safe and responsible technology use.
To support this learning, both staff and students have access to a wide range of digital devices and technology across the school. This includes iPads and interactive whiteboards, which are integrated across all curriculum areas. The consistent use of these technologies supports students in building confidence and competence in using digital tools as part of their everyday learning.
The Arts
Teachers - Mrs Regina Eccleston-Wirth and Mr Greg Longman
Our Visual Arts program offers rich learning experiences built on teaching excellence, student wellbeing, and creative opportunity. The purpose-built Art room is an inspiring platform for building visual literacy, technical skills, and joyful creativity. Our specialist teachers use high-impact teaching, vast expertise, and a genuine love of the Arts to foster confidence, knowledge, and artistic prowess in all students.
Music
Teacher - Mr Simon Campbell
Our Music program at Nollamara Primary School provides students with opportunities to explore, create and perform music as they progress through the school.
In the early years, students respond to music through listening, movement and play, developing confidence in expressing musical ideas. As students move through the year levels, they build their skills in identifying pitch and rhythm, improvising musical patterns and creating their own compositions.
In the upper primary years, students learn to use rhythmic notation to compose and perform increasingly complex rhythms, while also developing rehearsal and performance skills.
Physical Education
Teacher - Ms Mary Glennon
Our Physical Education program encourages students to develop their physical skills, teamwork and confidence while fostering resilience and a willingness to try their best.
Students participate in our faction system — Waitj, Maali, Karda and Yonga — with senior students taking on leadership roles as faction captains. Our annual athletics carnival is a highlight of the year, bringing the whole school community together to celebrate participation, effort and school spirit.
Students also have opportunities to represent Nollamara Primary School in interschool sport, including basketball, netball, soccer, AFL and athletics. Our program is further enriched through community partnerships, where external providers offer specialist coaching and experiences.
KIDDO Program
Nollamara Primary School is a KIDDO school, supporting the development of Fundamental Movement Skills in students from Kindergarten to Year 2.
Through the KIDDO Parent Hub, families can access activities to try at home, see the skills their child is learning at school and track their progress.
Science
Teachers - Mrs Kate Van der Beeke and Mr Greg Longman
Our Science program provides engaging, hands-on learning experiences that spark curiosity and help students develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. Students build their scientific inquiry skills by learning to ask questions, make predictions, plan and conduct investigations, record results and share their findings.
Throughout the year, students explore a different area of science each term to ensure broad learning across the discipline. These include physics in Term 1, chemistry in Term 2, biology in Term 3 and earth and space science in Term 4.
In addition to regular classroom learning, a number of special events, incursions and STEM activities are delivered within the science learning area throughout the year, further enriching student engagement.
Languages - French
Teacher - Mrs Laura Hunter
Our French program is offered to students in Years 3 to 6 and includes the opportunity to study French as part of the Languages learning area. Within this program, students develop their skills in speaking, reading and writing in French. Through engaging, interactive lessons, students gain an understanding of French culture and lifestyle, supporting the development of their intercultural awareness and global perspectives.
