CurriculumKey Learning AreasEnglishStudents are challenged to live by Christian values in a world of accelerating change, therefore literacy skills are crucial to the development of the individual made in God’s image and likeness. Our literacy program is structured to enable children to:
MathematicsAt St Mary's we believe that children need to know and understand the basics of Number, Space and Measurement through the exploration and investigation of patterns, relationships, processes and problems, therefore we aim to provide an effective Mathematics program that balances the strands on Number, Spance and Measurement. We also aim to give students time to explore and investigate mathematical concepts. We believe that children need to use a variety of concrete materials and technologies to develop mathematical concepts, therefore we aim to ensure that there is a variety of appropriate equipment and resources readily available in the classroom. We believe that assessment and reporting in Mathematics must be accurate, meaningful and non-threatening so that parents, students and teachers understand the student's achievements and the areas to be developed, therefore we aim to regularly assess all strands of Maths, including Working Mathematically. We believe that students have different learning styles and develop mathematical concepts at varying rates and levels, therefore we aim to support the learning needs of each student. Science and TechnologyAt St Mary's the processes of investigating, designing and making and using technology are central to Science and Technology. We aim to provide a balanced curriculum which incorporates the six strands of Built Environments, Information and Communication, Living Things, Physical Phenomena, Products and Services and the Earth and It's Surroundings. The knowledge and skills taught can be transferred to other Key Learning Areas and can be used in real life situations. Scientific methodology is taught. A variety of ongoing assessment strategies are used. Outside agencies such as Questacon are used to provide enriched learning experiences for the students. Excursions are also important for enhancing learning opportunities. Human Society and Its EnvironmentAt St Mary's we believe:
Creative ArtsAt St Mary’s we believe that the art forms of visual arts, music, drama and dance play a significant role in how meaning is made in peoples’ lives. Visual arts, music, drama and dance offer students at St Mary’s opportunities for personal expression, enjoyment, creative action, imagination, emotional response, aesthetic pleasure and the creation of shared meanings. These artforms also provide students with opportunities to explore social and cultural values about spiritual and worldly beliefs in Australia and in other regions and cultures, and to celebrate, share and negotiate these values and beliefs. Through the arts, the diverse and pluralistic values of Australian cultures, including those of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, reflect the interests and aspirations of groups, and their identities. Through the provision of learning experiences in Visual Arts students will develop:
Visual Arts lessons are designed to:
Music lessons aim to develop in students:
Drama lessons are programmed and planned so that students will develop:
Dance lessons are planned and programmed so that students will develop:
Personal Development, Health and Physical EducationThe Personal Development and Health Syllabus supports the development of the student as a whole person. Implemented in the context of a Catholic school, it has the potential to make a significant contribution to the improved and ongoing quality of life for all individuals within the community. In a Catholic context, it can strongly affirm the God-given dignity of the human person, and support our students enjoying ‘life to the full’. Child Protection, Road Safety and Drug Education have been integrated within the related content areas for each stage of learning. The Life Education program is also a key element in the Personal Development and Health strands, with Healthy Harold visiting each class early in the year. RationaleIn our rapidly changing society there is increasing community awareness of the importance of healthy lifestyles. The resultant good health is characterised by improved quality of life, less sickness and disability, happier personal, family and social experiences and the opportunity to make choices in work and recreation. When individuals are well informed on health issues and have a sense of control about the decisions they make, they are more likely to experience positive relationships, improved quality of life and less illness. This resource aims to assist in the development of knowledge and understanding, skills and values and attitudes of students to make informed decisions about their health. The context for students to explore health issues is within PDHPE programs. Related Link: Life Education - http://www.lifeeducation.org.au Religious EducationAt St Mary’s we believe that through Religious Education in our classrooms and in partnership with our parents and parish community, students will gain a knowledge and understanding of Jesus Christ the person and the traditions of the Catholic faith. We believe that this knowledge and understanding must be engaged with contemporary social issues and the life experience of our students. Therefore we aim to make Religious Education alive and child centered by employing the best teaching methodologies, incorporating creative teaching strategies and multiple intelligences. We aim to sequence planned activities so that they reflect the Emmaus process. Through the Religious Education Program we aim to:
Information Communication Technology (ICT)Through the ICT resources and systems the school provides and encourages students to be twenty-first century learners. One of the positives in this is that students not only learn the "how to" or "where is" but more importantly the thinking that enables them to be innovative and creative in finding solutions. Integration of ICT across the curriculum is a major achievement and focus for innovation and transformation. This occurs through the laptop program, robotics, multi-modal learning, the use of interactive whiteboards as an effective teaching and learning tool, online access through myinternet, mydesktop and myclasses and the monitoring of student progress using a computerised tracking and reporting database. Support ProgramsAt St Mary's the needs of the learner are catered for through a range of programs. Reading Recovery, Special Needs and Intervention specialist teachers work with individuals and small groups of students to support specific learning needs. A Gifted Education program is also offered. RoboticsRobotics is an integral part of our learning at St Mary's. All students, in Years Two to Six, have the opportunity to design, build and program in Lego Robotics. This is integrated into other Key Learning Areas particularly Science and Technology. Why Robotics:
The Robotics course content comprises:
The activities within Robotics lessons integrate Mathematics, Science and Technology and English. The extent to which the content of a particular subject is covered is governed by the year level of students. And the learning curve of students. RobocupAn independent measure of the students’ learning achievements in robotics is demonstrated by the school’s success at the Robo Cup Junior Australia (NSW) Competition over the last eight years, including 2010 where our Dance Theatre team gained second place in the NSW competition. Public Speaking and DebatingPublic Speaking and Debating are important elements of the teaching of English, in the Talking and Listening strand. A professional coach from Toastmasters teaches the students in Years 2 - 6 the skills required for effective public speaking and successful debating. Each year St Mary's students participate in the Catholic Schools Eastern Region Interschool Debating Competition. FrenchBonjour! All students at St Mary's participate in an exciting program of immersion in the French language and culture. A specialist teacher conducts lessons each week for all students, from Kindergarten to Year Six. Students enjoy a visiting French theatre each year. |