The provision of the school’s curriculum is arranged
so that each class has a two-hour literacy block and
a one-hour numeracy block each day. Key learning areas
such as Science, Studies of Society and Environment,
Technology and Health are taught as Integrated Studies
where a focus is selected from one of these areas each
term.
In
our Integrated Studies approach, topics are developed
from a Key Learning Area but relationships with other
areas are explored and incorporated into these topics.
Whilst
it is recognised that a specific time allocation for
each Key Learning Area is important, time allocations
will vary according to the topics in hand, the focus
of the unit of work and the relevant unit level.
The
policy applied to the curriculum incorporates:
- Goal-directed
programs at all levels;
-
Recognition of, and teaching to, all levels;
-
Meaningful evaluation, including the keeping of useful,
continuous individual records;
-
Purposeful reporting to and communication with parents,
individually and generally;
-
Child participation in planning and organization where
it can be relevant and meaningful;
-
Flexibility and creativity in learning activities
and experiences, and in teaching techniques;
-
Establishment of positive values and attitudes;
-
A high degree of communication throughout the staff
and high level of pupil communication skills.
KEY
LEARNING AREAS (K.L.A.’S)
- English
- Mathematics
-
Science
- Technology
-
Studies of Society and Environment
-
The Arts
-
Health and Physical Education
- Language
Other Than English (L.O.T.E) - Italian
The Victorian Essential learning Standards Policy
Folder and other School Policies are available on
request, they contain more comprehensive information
than has been outlined here.
The
School Curriculum at St. Joseph's would be regarded
as 'in tune' with the modern integrated approach but
strong emphasis is placed upon the traditional subject
areas of English, Mathematics and Personal Development.
We
make no apologies for placing our emphasis on these
areas aspiring to excellence in the many facets above.
We view proficiency and skills in these areas as the
key to other subject areas and as the very basic necessities
that children need to open the doors to develop whatever
personal talents and interests they discover within
themselves.
We
provide every opportunity to help the children gain
in personal confidence, self-esteem and respect for
their peers. In our multi-age groupings we are able
to create learning situations where children recognize
talent and ability, irrespective of age or grade level.
Literacy
Advance
Literacy
Advance represents a comprehensive and sustainable strategy
for maximising early Literacy outcomes for all students
in Victorian Catholic Primary Schools. St Joseph's has
implemented CLaSS - (Children’s Literacy Success
Strategy) which is part of the Victorian Catholic Education
Commission’s Literacy Advance Programs.
The
CLaSS program and St Joseph's School Based Literacy
programs aim to enhance the Literacy learning of all
students. Literacy competence is the foundation for
effective learning.
CLaSS
- (Children's Literacy Success Strategy)
The
CLaSS Early Literacy is designed for schools to plan
and implement a strategic and comprehensive approach
to successful literacy achievement. This program ensures
that all students make progress and achieve success
in Literacy from Prep to Grade 6. They form part of
the whole school approach to Literacy education. Its
emphasis is on a balanced approach to the teaching of
reading, writing and oral language. CLaSS makes extensive
use of structured teacher classroom observations to
diagnose students' strengths and weaknesses in order
to establish starting points for teaching and to monitor
student progress.
Reading Recovery
Reading
Recovery is an early intervention program which forms
part of St Joseph's school based CLaSS Literacy Program.
It is designed to assist the learning of certain students
so that they can participate fully in classroom activities.
Reading Recovery is the recommended one to one tutoring
program for students experiencing literacy difficulties
after one year of school. As well as improving the reading
and writing skills of students who are experiencing
difficulty it develops independence.
The
Reading Recovery teacher provides an individual program
in half-hourly sessions each day of the week for each
student in the program. Reading Recovery has high expectations
in that it is premised on bringing the lowest achieving
students up to the level of the average student in class
within 12- 20 weeks.
It maximises
engaged learning time through one to one teaching. It
is based on structured, focused teaching using running
records and other observation of Literacy behaviours
to guide instruction and match teaching to learning
needs of the individual student.
Mathematics
St. Joseph’s is fortunate to be involved in the
SINE program (Strategies in Numeracy Education). Children
are tested by the classroom teacher and the mathematics
program designed by the classroom teacher is based on
the assumption that children need to move through phases
in their mathematical learning if they are to be successful.
Religious Education
Religious Education forms the central part of our school
curriculum. The program using the Melbourne Guidelines
for Religious Education “To Know, To Love, To
Worship” which provides a sequential program from
Prep to Grade 6.
Religious
Education is more than the lessons taught each day.
We aim to provide a safe and secure place where all
children are accepted and respected for who they are.
We endeavour to show through our interactions with each
other what it means to live a Christian life. We believe
that children’s lived experiences of these Gospel
values provide a basis on which to build a solid platform
for all policies within the school.
Sacramental
Programs: Children in Grades 3-6 are in involved in
programs for the sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist
and Confirmation. The children are prepared for these
programs during class time but parents are expected
to attend and participate in the family activity evenings.
Languages
Other Than English
Through
the study of Italian (LOTE), children have the opportunity
to learn not only the Italian language, but also about
Italian society. This enables the child to develop a
better understanding and appreciation of other cultures.
The study of Italian also aids as a foundation for learning
other languages. All grades undertake one hour of Italian
each week.
Physical Education
Physical Education and Sport have a high priority at
St. Joseph’s. The school emphasizes the importance
of Physical Education in the total education of the
child. Each week the children participate in a Physical
Education lesson and a Sport session. The Physical Education
lesson deals primarily with the development
of gross motor skills and hand eye coordination. During
the Sport sessions the children participate in team
sports at a school level.
Inter-School Sport
St. Joseph’s
is a member of the South-Central Catholic Sports Association
and the Victorian Primary Schools Sports Association.
The school participates in swimming and athletic carnivals,
weekly interschool sport as well as cross country. Children
from Grade 3-6 are able to participate in this due to
the smaller numbers in the school. Being affiliated
with the Victorian Primary Schools Sports Association
means that children can represent their state in National
competitions.
Swimming
Children in the school undertake the swimming program
during the year. Grades 3-6 participate in their program
in term one in preparation for the school and inter-school
swimming carnival and Grade Prep-2 complete their program
during term three.
Art
Children are
taught art in a specialist program where different skills
are taught. The children are asked to present their
work in the St. Joseph’s Art show.
Information Technology
St. Joseph’s
is in the fortunate position of having a specialist
Information Technology teacher and each class has specialist
lessons in this area each week.
Music
Children are able to learn musical instruments
through lessons with Metro Music School, which conducts
either private, shared or group lessons during school
time. Families are required to pay for this service
.
School Choir
Children
in Grades 3-6 may become members of the school choir.
These sessions take place once a week and the choir
represent the school at different events throughout
the year.
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