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2008 Primary Teachers Association UP 5 6 7 Upper Primary Up & Running Conference
PRIMARY TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE
UP 5, 6, 7 - Upper Primary Up & Running!
28 - 29 June 2008
Perth Convention Exhibition Centre
The learning and social development environment of upper primary continues to change considerably. It is time to recognise the incredible task of upper primary teachers in meeting the needs of this increasingly worldly group of students. Upper primary students need to be far more self managing, using higher order thinking skills and negotiated curriculum programs. Socially, they are older than they used to be and display a very strong social peer focus. Learning is technically more demanding; students use basic skills in
a wider range of learning experiences. If they come into the upper primary classes with learning gaps or problems, the deficit is harder to address and makes upper primary learning styles very problematic. The traditional primary school environment is not always suitable for the new breed of students. Teachers have had to develop flexible teaching and assessment styles to match the varied learning styles of students. Student management has had to change and social issues are having an increasing impact on learning. Accountability to the system is becoming greater. Many students display low academic levels. The range of abilities, interests and social development continues to broaden. Teachers have to cope with the issues of inclusivity while support in the classroom is harder to get. At the same time the upper primary learning environment can be vibrant and exciting with negotiated programs, independent learners and an open landscape of interests, learning styles, and opportunities. Students and teachers can use all of this to work together to weave, delve, experience, play and learn in the awesome world of upper primary education.