Kindergarten at New Town Primary School

Students turning 5 in the school calendar year are eligible for enrolment in Kindergarten. At New Town Primary School Kindergarten runs for three full days on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Whilst Kindergarten is not a compulsory year of schooling, it is recommended, as it provides children with the opportunity to develop their social skills through interaction and play with other children. It also provides children with some understanding of the basic routines and expectations of school.

Children will be provided with play-based learning opportunities, as well as an introduction to phonemic awareness through the PLD program (Promoting Literacy Development). This evidence-based program has been developed by Speech Pathologists and supports the early development of literacy skills. PLD provides teachers with a clear weekly focus to support the 3 key areas of Oral Language, Phonological Awareness & Phonics and Movement and Motor Skills.

Our Approach to Teaching and Learning

At New Town Primary School we are committed to providing an engaging, high-quality education that supports the success of every student through a knowledge-rich curriculum and contextualised learning experiences. Our approach to teaching and learning is built on high expectations, evidence-based practices, and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for all students.

Fundamental to our instructional design is our understanding of working memory and its role in the learning process.  Thus, decisions around everything from room layout, sequencing of instruction and school instructional practices are made in consideration of this key idea. Instruction is interactive and fast paced, with the use of supports, such as mini whiteboards, to ensure teachers can check for understanding and provide feedback in a timely manner to enhance student learning. Continual opportunities for revision are incorporated to support retention in students’ long-term memories.

Throughout the day, students move between learning spaces (for example the mat, their desks, outside areas) and have opportunities to work both with peers and independently depending on the learning goals associated with the task.

 Literacy

We are proud to have been working towards school-wide implementation of structured literacy practices for around 4 years now, a journey that supports Tasmania’s Lifting Literacy priority.  Over this time, we have seen dramatic student growth above that of similar schools, a testament to the hard work put in by our staff, students and school community.

 

New Town Primary School data 2024

In 2025, we have adopted two new DECYP preferred programs to support consistency of practice across DECYP schools, and continuity of learning for those students who move schools throughout their education. In Prep – 2 classrooms, students will participate in the University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI) Foundations synthetic systematic phonics program, while students in years 3-6 will receive spelling and vocabulary instruction through Word Origins.   Both programs develop students’ literacy skills through systematic, explicit instruction, equipping them with the essential reading and writing abilities they need to thrive in all areas of learning.

Our literacy blocks are integrated with knowledge units from other areas of the curriculum, supporting students to build their understanding and improve comprehension.

Numeracy

This year New Town Primary School has been selected to participate in the Department for Education, Children and Young People (DECYP) Maths Pilot. This initiative includes the implementation of the Explicit Maths Program (EMP) (P-2) and Shaping Minds curriculum (3-6), both of which are designed to strengthen students’ mathematical understanding through structured, systematic, and research-backed approaches and include continuous opportunities for extension. By participating in this pilot, we aim to enhance numeracy skills and deepen students’ mathematical reasoning, ensuring they have the tools they need for future success.

Support for all students

To support the diverse needs of our students, we implement a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) framework. This framework ensures that every student receives the level of support they need, whether through high-quality classroom instruction, targeted small group interventions, or intensive individualised assistance. By using data-driven decision-making and a collaborative approach, MTSS helps us identify and address students' academic and social-emotional needs effectively.

At New Town Primary we believe that every student can achieve success with the right support and opportunities. Our dedicated educators continuously refine their teaching practices to provide high-quality instruction that is both engaging and effective. Through collaboration, evidence-based programs, and a strong focus on continuous improvement, we are committed to fostering an environment where every learner thrives.

Specialist Subjects

In addition to the core learning areas, students at New Town Primary School also participate in regular specialist classes. In 2025 these classes are;

•  Prep – Year 2      Japanese, Music, STEAM, Physical Education.
• Year 3 – Year 6   Japanese, Music, Health, Physical Education.

 Additional Programs/Extra-Curricular Activities

 At New Town Primary School students have the opportunity to participate in:

• Debating (Years 5 and 6)
• After School Chess Club, including participating in chess competitions against other schools (whole school) – NTPS is currently 2^nd in the state
• After school Netball roster (Years 3 to 6)
• After School Soccer roster (Years 3 to 6)
• After School Tennis classes (whole school)