Curriculum

Our curriculum follows the syllabus documents mandated by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) and consists of the six NESA key learning areas as well as the Religious Education Curriculum developed by Sydney Catholic Schools.

English

The current NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) English Curriculum is followed throughout all grades of the school. Classes from K-6 set aside a literacy block of two hours each day. The concepts covered are:

  • Speaking and Listening

  • Reading and Viewing

  • Writing and Representing

  • Grammar, Punctuation and Vocabulary

  • Spelling

  • Responding and Composing

  • Handwriting and using Digital Technologies

  • Thinking Imaginatively and Creatively

  • Expressing Themselves

  • Reflecting on Learning

Mathematics

The aim of Mathematics is for students to:

  • Be confident communicators of mathematics, able to investigate, represent and interpret mathematical problems

The Mathematics Syllabus is divided into:

  • Working Mathematically

  • Number and Algebra

  • Measurement and Geometry

  • Statistics and Probability

Science

(Incorporates K-6 Science and Technology)

Science

This subject involves the students investigating scientifically, designing and making and/or learning about natural and man-made environments. Students are encouraged to explore their immediate environment by using their senses, questioning and sharing ideas. All Science units are linked to outcomes and where possible, are integrated with the other KLAs. Technology

Students have access to a range of technology at OLSS, including ipads, chromebooks, laptops, desktops and other mobile devices. Computer skills are taught across the School and are a part of daily life in the classroom. Children are taught basic computer operation and keyboard skills and are exposed to various publishing programs.

History

History is a disciplined process of inquiry into the past that helps to explain how people, events and forces from the past have shaped our world. It allows students to locate and understand themselves and others in the continuum of human experience up to the present. History provides opportunities for students to explore human actions and achievements in a range of historical contexts. The study of history investigates actions, motives and lifestyles of people over time, from individuals and family members as well as local communities.

The study of history strengthens an appreciation for an understanding of civics and citizenship. It also provides broader insights into historical experiences of different cultural groups within our society and how various groups have struggled for civil rights, for example Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, migrants and women.

EARLY STAGE 1: Personal and Family Histories

STAGE 1: Present and Past Family Life. The Past in the Present

STAGE 2: Community and Remembrance. First Contacts

STAGE 3: The Australian Colonies. Australia as a Nation


Geography

Geography is the study of places and the relationship between people and their environments. It is a rich and complex discipline that integrates knowledge from natural sciences, social sciences and humanities to build a holistic understanding of the world. Students learn to question why the world is the way it is, reflect on their relationship with and responsibilities for the world and propose actions designed to shape a socially just and sustainable future.

EARLY STAGE 1: Places

STAGE 1: People and Places

STAGE 2: People, Places and Environments

STAGE 3: People, Places and Environments of the World


Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)  

Physical Education program involves a variety of fitness activities and skills development. Skills covered are dance, swimming, athletics, gymnastics, team games and other modified games and sport. A qualified Sports Teacher assists with the Physical Education Program.

A health program is followed by all grades, following guidelines from the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) PDHPE Curriculum.

Personal Development

Students learn about themselves, their uniqueness as created by God, their feelings, relationships with others, their bodies and their sexuality, all in relation to the Church’s teachings.


Creative and Practical Arts (CAPA)

All Creative Arts areas aim to promote a positive attitude with the students and an enjoyment of the Arts as they develop and extend their skills in each area of Music, Visual Art, Dance and Drama.