At Donvale Primary School, each week is carefully planned to provide students with strong foundations, rich learning experiences and time to explore their interests. Learning is clear, structured and supportive, helping all students build confidence, experience success and develop a love of learning.
Our teaching aligns with the Victorian Curriculum 2.0 and is delivered through consistent whole-school practices, ensuring students know what to expect and feel supported in every classroom
Learning sessions at Donvale Primary School are one hour in length, allowing students time to focus deeply, practise skills and consolidate learning.
Across the day, students engage in a balance of explicit instruction, guided practice and independent learning.
Bell and session times
Literacy and numeracy are prioritised every day, providing students with the essential skills they need for learning across all areas.
Depending on year level, daily literacy learning includes:
Core literacy in Prep–Year 2, including a systematic synthetic phonics program, reading fluency, handwriting, grammar and spelling
Explicit teaching of grammar, spelling, punctuation and morphology in Years 3–6
English learning across all year levels, including rich text study, comprehension, writing instruction and developing a love of quality literature
Students read full texts, discuss ideas, and are guided step by step to become confident readers and writers.
Daily mathematics sessions include:
fluency and review activities
explicit teaching of new concepts
development of number fact knowledge
building conceptual understanding leading into rich problem-solving
This structured approach helps students develop confidence, accuracy and flexibility in their mathematical thinking.
Across the week, students participate in learning that helps them understand the world around them and their place within it.
Humanities (up to 3 hours per week)Students explore history and geography, developing background knowledge, critical thinking and curiosity about people, places and events.
STEM (approximately 2 hours per week)Learning across science and technology supports students to understand how the world works, including biological, chemical, physical, earth and space sciences.
These subjects are thoughtfully connected to literacy learning, allowing students to read, write and talk about meaningful concepts.
A balanced week also includes opportunities for creativity, physical activity and personal development.
The Arts – visual art, music and performance experiences that foster creativity and self-expression
Physical Education – developing fundamental motor skills, teamwork and a positive attitude to staying active
Mandarin – building language skills and cultural understanding
Health – supporting wellbeing and positive relationships, including the full implementation of the Respectful Relationships program
Students also participate in library sessions and whole-school assemblies, strengthening their sense of belonging and community.
All teachers plan together to deliver high-quality learning programs that are engaging, inclusive and responsive.
Across the week, teachers:
provide clear and consistent instruction
differentiate learning so all students can succeed
support extension and challenge where appropriate
ensure students feel safe, valued and supported
We believe all students can learn and grow, and we empower them to take increasing responsibility for their learning in a supportive environment.
A week at Donvale Primary School reflects our commitment to:
clear, structured teaching
strong foundations in literacy and numeracy
rich learning across all curriculum areas
student wellbeing, creativity and confidence
This thoughtful balance ensures students are supported to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
