Curriculum

The education offered at St Joseph’s is centered on building an authentic Christian learning community, based upon the Catholic tradition.

We are committed to the full development of each child within a rich, positive environment. We encourage each other to explore God’s given gifts and affirm the gifts of others.

Our curriculum is integrated around seven key learning areas:

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

St Joseph’s Primary follows the Armidale Diocesan Religious Education Curriculum.

Religious Education reveals and deepens students’ knowledge and understanding of the Scriptures and of our Catholic Faith Story and Traditions. The development of comprehensive religious literacy enables students to enter more fully into the life of the Church.

Students are invited to respond in action to their learnings and be conscientious and caring citizens, who make positive contributions to our local and global communities. Celebration is an important aspect of Religious Education and the sacraments, prayer, and liturgy are integral to the faith life of our school community.

ENGLISH

At St Joseph’s we use evidence-based approaches to teach English.

Students learn to read, write, speak, view, and represent language. They learn about the English language and literature through working with a wide range of spoken, visual, multimedia, and digital texts. Students learn how language varies according to context, and how to communicate with a range of audiences for different purposes. They learn to read for information and pleasure. Students gain a sound grasp of language structures, punctuation, spelling, and grammar and learn to think in ways that are imaginative, creative, and critical.

MATHEMATICS

Mathematics in K–6 focuses on developing students’ mathematical understanding, fluency, communication, reasoning, and problem-solving through their study of Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, and Statistics and Probability. These capabilities enable students to respond to familiar and unfamiliar situations, using strategies to make decisions and solve problems relevant to their further education and everyday lives.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Science and Technology develop students’ skills in thinking, investigating, and problem-solving. It gives them knowledge and skills in scientific investigation and inquiry, design, and applying technologies. Children pose questions, test ideas, and develop and evaluate arguments based on evidence.

Students are given access to a range of devices to further encourage engaging, collaborative, and active 21st-century learning within the classroom. 

This includes:

  • iPads
  • Chromebook 1:1 Program
  • Bee Bots (programmable robots)
  • Sphero (programmable robots)
  • MaKey Makey’s (programmable circuit boards)

We are constantly looking to implement further digital interactive tools to further our students’ understanding of technology in today’s society.

HUMAN SOCIETY AND ITS ENVIRONMENT (HSIE)

Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE) provides opportunities for students to explore the past and present to develop an understanding of their personal and community identity. They investigate the interactions between people, places, and environments that shape their nation and world. They learn to participate in society as informed, responsible, and active citizens.

CREATIVE AND PERFORMING ARTS (CAPA)

Creative Arts gives students experiences in the visual arts, music, drama, and dance. They have opportunities to explore their creativity in each of these areas. Students learn to appreciate the meanings and values that each artform offers. They perform and express themselves through the visual arts, music, drama, and dance.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT, HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION (PDHPE)

Personal Development, Health, and Physical Education (PDHPE) develops the knowledge, skills, and attitudes students need to lead healthy, active, and fulfilling lives. Students learn about the importance of good food and regular exercise and develop positive attitudes towards a healthy lifestyle. Students learn how bodies grow and change over time. They learn skills to play individual and team sports, and the values of sportsmanship and teamwork.

Our aim at St. Joseph’s is to provide for involvement in physical activity in a way that promotes immediate and long-term benefits for the children. It is hoped that these benefits will be observed through high levels of fitness, better health, pleasurable social involvement, and the satisfaction derived from a skilled performance at the individual and team level.

A variety of team sports is encouraged at St. Joseph’s, depending upon the season. Individual skill development in specific sports areas is provided for in physical education lessons as well as the weekly sports session.  

 St. Joseph’s conducts its own swimming and athletics carnivals and cross country trials. Children who qualify at these carnivals will have the opportunity to compete at Diocesan, Polding, and State levels. Opportunity for selection in team sports (i.e. soccer, netball, cricket, etc) is also provided through to the state level.

Parents and guardians will be notified at the beginning of each term when Sports day will be held.  Full school sports uniform is to be worn on these days.

If you would like any further information visit NSW Government Parent Guide to the NSW Primary Syllabuses.