Curriculum

Teachers in Catholic Primary Schools have a privileged role in implementing the curriculum. They make decisions about the why and how of delivering the State-wide curriculum and interpret this in light of staged learning. Their role is to match students to the curriculum and create equality in learning environments.

Sydney Catholic Primary Schools are accountable to governments and their local communities for meeting the teaching and learning requirements of the state. They are required to have an educational program based on, and taught in accordance with the Board of Studies NSW Syllabuses for the six Key Learning Areas of Primary Education.

Syllabuses developed by the Board of Studies NSW (including NSW Syllabuses for Australian curriculum) describe clearly the State-wide common curriculum requirements and prioritise what needs to be taught in primary schools. In addition to this the Catholic Education Office Sydney has key documents that are used in planning for teaching and learning and include Religious Education as the seventh Key Learning Area for Catholic Schools.

Key Learning Areas:

• Religious Education
• English
• Mathematics
• Human Society & its Environment                                                                 (History: Start Teaching 2016, Geography: Start Teaching 2017)
• Science & Technology
• Creative & Practical Arts
• Personal Development, Health & Physical Education

The curriculum is also supported through a number of programs and co-curricular activities that enable students to make connections in their learning, apply to real life situations and work collaboratively.

These programs and activities include:

• Chess Club
• Coding Club
• School Musicals (Infants & Primary)
• Debating
• Interest based learning
• Specialist Sport Program
• Specialist Music, Visual Arts, Dance & Drama
• School Choir & Band
• Regional & Archdiocesan Sporting Trials

Special Education

Fr John Therry Catholic Primary School is committed to assisting and supporting students with special needs through the provision of specialised teaching and support staff, adaptive teaching and learning resources and individualised adjustments to learning programs to best cater for individual student needs.

As a Systemic school we are supported by the Archdiocesan and Regional offices and have access to advisors who can assist the school with enrolment and support for students.

Our school is inclusive of all students within a mainstream setting and we have a range of programs that support student learning and provide access to the learning continuum.

Specialist programs include:

• Special Needs Program
• Reading Recovery Program
• Targeted Intervention
• Multilit Tutors
• Gifted Education
• New Arrivals Support
• Hearing and Vision Support
• Special Education Learning Support Officers

Please contact the Principal should you require more information or would like support with enrolment. School visits can also be arranged if you would like to view our facilities.