Opportunity Classes at Wollongong Public School
Opportunity classes located in government primary schools cater for academically gifted Year 5 and Year 6 students with high potential. These classes help students to learn by grouping them with students of similar ability, using specialised teaching methods and educational materials at the appropriate level.
It is a two-year placement program. In the majority of cases, students who accept a place in an opportunity class will leave their current school to attend the school with an opportunity class.
Wollongong Public School hosts two OC classes - one in Year 5 and one in Year 6. We provide students with systematic instruction to nurture their potential and gifts into talent. Our teaching experiences are designed according to the needs of the students, using a variety of differentiation and fluid grouping strategies.
The Wollongong OC program is designed to facilitate a dynamic and collaborative learning environment, in which students are encouraged to integrate their personal interests and strengths within their learning.
Using the Four Cs pedagogical approach the class provides a forum in which students learn to be creative and critical thinkers. In this stimulating learning environment, students are encouraged to excel in all aspects of academic, social, sporting, cultural and artistic endeavour. They learn alongside others of similar ability and develop positive relationships with like-minded peers. This environment recognises that different students respond to different teaching styles and empowers students to direct their own learning.
The Learning Program
Addresses all Key Learning Areas
Offers differentiated stimulating and enriching content through challenging extension activities.
Develops higher order thinking skills and provides opportunities for creative problem solving.
Involves students in activities such as group investigations, KLA based research projects, external academic competitions and a variety of oracy skills opportunities.
Promotes a stimulating atmosphere for socialisation with intellectually like-minded peers.
Focuses on developing the whole child, in particular supporting their social and emotional needs.
Other Learning Opportunities
Leadership training – through the Student Representative Council and group work within class time.
Enrichment Programs / Intellectual Challenges – Keirabald Art competition, Da Vinci Decathlon, Maths Olympiad, Science Fair, History Challenge, Multicultural Public Speaking Competition, Spelling Bee, First Lego League Robotics competition, Debating and a variety of writing competitions.
Performing Arts Groups – band, choir and dance groups, and organised creative arts activities.
Sport – PSSA sports as well as school sports that focus on skill building and games.
School Workshops and Visits – performances from visiting groups and specialist guests.