Curriculum

In 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.

Stage 3 Weekly Radio show on TLC FM 100.3

At St James':

• we use rich texts to build a love of reading, which will then complement the use of rich vocabulary in students' writing;
• we read and write for extended periods to allow children to become great authors;
• we offer online reading interventions and small group interventions called STAR and MACQLIT;
• we believe in building student capacity by providing explicit, modelled, shared, guided and uninterrupted independent writing time for students; and 
• we believe good writers edit (for meaning) and proofread(secretarial) their writing, and then we support students to further develop their writing.

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.

At St James' we believe that:

• mathematics is a reasoning & creative activity;
• students will be engaged in open-ended tasks & have a positive attitude towards their learning;
• students will work in flexible groupings; and
• students will have a growth mindset.

Students will have time to reflect on their learning- metacognition.

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.

At St James' we believe that:

• the use of experiments or practical experiences and investigations build student engagement, understandings and skills;
• robotics and design are not “add ons” but part of the real curriculum;
• field studies link the children to their real-world and authentic learning; and
• develops the building blocks of inquiry and students’ abilities to solve real-world problems.

Gardens designed in Science and Technology and then built by the local Men’s Shed.  Stage 3 students teach their Early Stage 1 buddy how to plant seedlings.

Stage 1 Student Collecting Eggs

Stage 3 teaching their Early Stage 1 buddy how to look after the hens which live in the chicken tractor designed by the Stage 3 class and built by the local Men’s Shed

History is a disciplined process of inquiry for students to explore the past and present and 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.

At St James', we have been working with Catherine Smyth and Alison O’Grady, senior lecturers from Sydney University, to deepen our children’s understanding of how history impacts their lives. We have integrated creative arts using visual arts, process drama, teacher and student in the role, ethical dilemmas and role play to build real-life questions and links for all students to their own and family stories.

Geography stimulates students’ interest in and engagement with the world. Through geographical inquiry, they develop an understanding of the interactions between people, places and environments across a range of scales in order to become informed, responsible and active citizens.

We believe that geography should include fieldwork and local excursions to ensure the learning is real-world and contemporary.

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 art form offers. They perform and express themselves through the visual arts, music, drama and dance.

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.

Bike-a-thon

In Religious Education, while recognising that parents are the first educators of their children in faith, the Primary Religious Education curriculum enables young people to see and respond to God in their lives. In particular, the ‘storytelling approach’ of Godly Play and The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd nurtures the natural capacity that young children have for curiosity, imagination and wonder.

Throughout their primary years, children are invited to reflect on Sacred Scripture, talk with God through prayer, discover the beauty of God’s creation and explore the meaning of symbols and rituals. Above all other things, this is the time when young people come to know how much God loves them and when they are drawn into a love of God and others.