Writing

Writing is a skill that grows with practice and at Parkhill practice is plentiful with daily writing sessions across all year levels. Students are explicitly taught writer’s technique at the word, sentence, paragraph and whole text level.

Our writing teaching methods are currently informed by a best practice strategies following the Science of Reading. We look to incorporate our practice using the Writing Revolution and Talk for Writing. These evidence-based practices sit squarely with our commitment to explicit direct instruction. Students are encouraged to write in a variety of genres for a variety of audiences, and our teachers provide modelled and shared writing, gradually encouraging students towards independent, sustained practise.

Decoding emphasis

At Parkhill our early years (F-2) are dedicated to a synthetic phonics approach which ensures students are equipped with early decoding ability (“sounding out” letters to make words) and encoding ability (writing down the sounds you hear to make words and meaning).

Explicit and systematic phonics instruction

We have a continuum of phonic skills, progressing from simple to complex, which is followed throughout the early grades. Students progress through the continuum as they master skills. In the intermediate grades and upper grades (Y3-Y6) word study continues with more grammar and morphology (for example, learning word parts such as Greek and Latin roots or applying knowledge to word study investigations).

Numeracy lessons follow a similar model to our literacy lessons with a mix of targeted teaching to the point of need, independent learning to practise concepts and small group or partner work. Targeted teaching is flexible in nature meaning that students may be working in different groups and at different levels depending on the concept that is being taught.

More traditional approaches are supplemented with the 5E’s inquiry model. This approach encourages students to question, surmise, generalise and form meaningful links and connections to other skills and concepts.

STEAM subjects are intrinsically valuable for the knowledge they teach, but also encourage:

• critical thinking
• communication
• collaboration
• creativity
• innovation

Students will cover learning in all the STEAM subjects throughout the school year. The emphasis on STEAM complements Parkhill’s prized green spaces, science kitchens and much-loved garden program. See more of our facilities here.

Chinese Mandarin

Ni hao 你好 ! Students at Parkhill explore the fascinating Chinese culture and language through participation in weekly Mandarin lessons. The program focuses on developing student’s second language skills in the four main components of listening, speaking, reading and writing, as well as developing cultural awareness and enrichment.

Physical Education

We aim for all students to acquire the necessary skills to actively participate in sports and games in a fun and supportive environment. From development of fundamental motor skills (run, kick, throw, catch, jump, bounce) in the junior years to specific sports, strategy and the importance of a healthy lifestyle in the senior years, there is plenty of fun to be had.

Our school values naturally lead to our students taking risks and striving for improvement, whilst learning new forms of play and how to use equipment safely.

Performing Arts

Parkhill Primary School is well known for its vibrant Performing Arts program. Students enjoy a weekly Performing Arts lesson with a specialist teacher where they participate in a range of music, drama, dance and media arts activities. Year 1 to 6 students are invited to join the 70 member strong choir who rehearse before school on Friday mornings and perform at a number of exciting events throughout the year.

Gardening

Our school garden is always buzzing with activity. All students have the opportunity to spend time in our kitchen garden program. Our partnership with AHSCG group provides students with opportunity to nurture the Parkhill garden with a community group. The garden program further complements Parkhill’s strong focus on STEAM, especially science and art. But the highlight for many is of course… cooking!

NEVR Choir

The angelic sound of children’s voices filled Hamer Hall at the NEVR Youth Concert. The concert was a celebration of music in North Eastern Victorian Region state schools with 570 students performing on the evening in a range of orchestras, bands and choirs. Parkhill students performed brilliantly alongside their fellow choir members from eight other primary schools. It was an unforgettable experience for all involved.

Victorian State Schools Spectacular

On Saturday 13th September, 15 of Parkhill Primary’s students performed as part of the mass dance crew in the 2025 Victorian State Schools Spectacular at John Cain Arena. The event brought together thousands of students from across Victoria in a celebration of music, dance and creativity on a grand scale. Our dancers worked hard throughout the year, committing to weekly rehearsals and showing great teamwork, enthusiasm and dedication. During the performances, our students lit up the stage with energy and confidence, representing Parkhill with pride.

The 2025 Victorian State Schools Spectacular will be televised on Channel 7 and 7+ on Friday 19 December at 7pm.

School Concert

Held bi-annually, the Parkhill Primary School Concert gives every student the opportunity to perform. Students and staff work collaboratively to create an all singing and dancing show where everyone gets their chance to shine. Our wonderful school community rallies to create backdrops, props and costumes to bring our show to life. With one matinee and two evening performances, it’s a joyful celebration of talent, teamwork and school spirit – a highlight of our school year!