Curriculum
The General Curriculum available at St. Joseph’s is determined by these considerations:
SACRAMENTAL EDUCATION Children of the Catholic Faith during their primary school years are initiated into the church through the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. They also receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Parents are expected to attend a Parish Sacramental Program with their child as they prepare for the Sacraments. Non-Catholic children at the same grade level provide a valuable support or input to the Sacramental preparation of their classmates and are encouraged to be part of the Celebrations.
MATHEMATICS The program is based on the Australian Curriculum, offering clear and concise guidelines for developing proficiency with number facts, written algorithms, mental calculations, and estimations. Children must find mathematics enjoyable, so that they want to learn and will become proficient enough to apply their knowledge to everyday situations. Through our maths program all students experience success and challenge. Tasks selected are accessible at a range of levels. One activity could have many different related outcomes depending on prior knowledge and experience of students.
Regular interaction of students with different learning styles and experiences enriches the mathematics program for all, allowing the valuing of difference and the sharing of strategies. The program includes activities that use a variety of learning styles and encourage different forms of reporting results.
QUICKSMART NUMERACY
Students in Grades 4-6 needing extra assistance with Numeracy may be selected to participate in the Quicksmart Numeracy intervention programme.
LITERACY English learning takes place through interactions in meaningful events, rather than through isolated language activities. A two-hour literacy block enables us to offer an effective literacy programme that builds on children’s existing knowledge. We provide contexts for learning that enable children to develop control over written language and enjoy using it, so that they can interact effectively in a literate society. Our program is one in which reading, writing, speaking and listening are integrated in a supportive and stimulating environment in which independent and reflective critical thinking is fostered.
BRIDGES & MULTILIT READING PROGRAMMES Bridges is an intervention programme for any student needing extra assistance in Literacy in Grades 1 & 2. MultiLit is offered for any students in Grades 3-6 who needs extra assistance in Literacy.
HUMANITIES VELS provides the learning areas to be covered from Grade Prep to Six. The Humanities (History, Geography and Economics) provides a framework for the development of student’s knowledge and understanding of Australian society, societies in other countries, local and global environments and the interaction of people with the environment.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Science and Technology are presented across all grade levels. Students in Grades 3 –6 have an Integrated Science, Technology and LOTE programme.
CREATIVE ARTS The art and craft program gives the children the opportunity to explore a wide range of artistic experiences through the mediums of drawing, collage, modelling, construction, painting, craft, etc. The children are given a chance to view and appreciate their own and others work.
PERFORMING ARTS The Performing Arts, incorporating Music, Dance and Drama, is sometimes taught as an individual subject and sometimes in an integrated approach. Study in the Performing Arts engages students as makers or producers, performers or presenters, audience members, critics and art theorists. Music is largely based on themes, community events and religious celebrations. Music involves singing, speech rhymes, percussion playing, movement and listening at all levels. Drama enables students to create through improvisation, role-playing, characterisation and scripts. St. Joseph’s joins with other schools in our rural network to attend cultural performances.
COMPUTER EDUCATION St. Joseph’s is a part of the VPN (Virtual Private Network) which links all Catholic Schools in Victoria. This links us to the internet and other information sources. There are laptops and tablets in each classroom. The use of computers is incorporated into all ares of the curriculum.
L.O.T.E Languages other than English The LOTE provision in the school is Chinese. This is accessed through My Chinese Tutor using video conferencing equipment. Students in Grades F – 6 participate in LOTE classes.
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION Health Education covers a variety of health issues. It focuses on the body, people, food, nutrition, and health of individuals, communities and populations. It also incorporates personal safety and hygiene. The Health program uses a variety of current resources in order to provide effective learning activities for children. Physical Education is planned to meet the needs of children from Foundation– Grade 6. All activities are sequentially planned and are aimed to help the children of varying physical and mental abilities to acquire skills that are necessary for performing in games and dance, ball handling, athletics, swimming and bike education. St. Joseph’s students participate in inter-school activities organised by the Southern Mallee Lakes District and the Little Desert Zone.
LIBRARY The Library has an extensive collection of material that is available for children to read and borrow. The library includes picture storybooks, fiction, non-fiction, encyclopedias, research material, charts, posters and audiovisual material.
Children can borrow books on a weekly basis to enhance their home reading and research. All children need to have a suitable bag to protect books. Home reading books are changed daily in the library for Foundation to Grade 2 students and as required for students in Grades 3 – 6. Scholastic Book Club is organised and operates in the school and provides further interest in reading and books.
STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS: The School provides Individual Learning Plans for students with special needs, with assistance of Catholic Education Office funding and school based funding.
ASSESSMENT AND PROGRESS REPORTS: St Joseph's provides reports twice a year in accordance with Commonwealth Government reporting requirements.
It is our responsibility to convey information that provides an accurate and true picture of your child’s progress.
It is our intention that each teacher will communicate with each parent during the year. However, the education of your child is a partnership and hence, also your responsibility to contact the teacher if you have any concerns which may affect your child's learning.
TERM 1: Interviews
TERM 2: Report distribution
TERM 3: Interviews
TERM 4: Report distribution
- The Awakenings Religious Education Curriculum
- Victorian Essential Learning Standards and Australian Curriculum (AusVELS) which provide an outcomes based framework for teaching and learning.
- Local needs which are pertinent to the education of your child in the Hopetoun area.
- Jesus Christ
- God
- Church
- Scripture
- Sacraments
- Chrtistian LIfe
- Christian Prayer
- educating children in the Catholic faith
- bringing them the Gospel message of Jesus
- helping them know and trust in a God who loves them
- providing an atmosphere where their developing faith can be nurtured and strengthened
- supporting parents who have chosen a Catholic education for their children as a reinforcement of family beliefs and practices.
- our daily Religious Education classes
- our daily prayer celebrations
- celebration of special events
- regular participation in the Eucharist (Mass)
- support of Sacramental programs in conjunction with the Parish
- by inviting parents to be part of our school celebrations
- by conducting parent information evenings to explain Sacramental programs
- by informing them of special Parish events and celebrations
- by encouraging them to be part of the St. Joseph’s Parish community
SACRAMENTAL EDUCATION Children of the Catholic Faith during their primary school years are initiated into the church through the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. They also receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Parents are expected to attend a Parish Sacramental Program with their child as they prepare for the Sacraments. Non-Catholic children at the same grade level provide a valuable support or input to the Sacramental preparation of their classmates and are encouraged to be part of the Celebrations.
MATHEMATICS The program is based on the Australian Curriculum, offering clear and concise guidelines for developing proficiency with number facts, written algorithms, mental calculations, and estimations. Children must find mathematics enjoyable, so that they want to learn and will become proficient enough to apply their knowledge to everyday situations. Through our maths program all students experience success and challenge. Tasks selected are accessible at a range of levels. One activity could have many different related outcomes depending on prior knowledge and experience of students.
Regular interaction of students with different learning styles and experiences enriches the mathematics program for all, allowing the valuing of difference and the sharing of strategies. The program includes activities that use a variety of learning styles and encourage different forms of reporting results.
QUICKSMART NUMERACY
Students in Grades 4-6 needing extra assistance with Numeracy may be selected to participate in the Quicksmart Numeracy intervention programme.
LITERACY English learning takes place through interactions in meaningful events, rather than through isolated language activities. A two-hour literacy block enables us to offer an effective literacy programme that builds on children’s existing knowledge. We provide contexts for learning that enable children to develop control over written language and enjoy using it, so that they can interact effectively in a literate society. Our program is one in which reading, writing, speaking and listening are integrated in a supportive and stimulating environment in which independent and reflective critical thinking is fostered.
BRIDGES & MULTILIT READING PROGRAMMES Bridges is an intervention programme for any student needing extra assistance in Literacy in Grades 1 & 2. MultiLit is offered for any students in Grades 3-6 who needs extra assistance in Literacy.
HUMANITIES VELS provides the learning areas to be covered from Grade Prep to Six. The Humanities (History, Geography and Economics) provides a framework for the development of student’s knowledge and understanding of Australian society, societies in other countries, local and global environments and the interaction of people with the environment.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Science and Technology are presented across all grade levels. Students in Grades 3 –6 have an Integrated Science, Technology and LOTE programme.
CREATIVE ARTS The art and craft program gives the children the opportunity to explore a wide range of artistic experiences through the mediums of drawing, collage, modelling, construction, painting, craft, etc. The children are given a chance to view and appreciate their own and others work.
PERFORMING ARTS The Performing Arts, incorporating Music, Dance and Drama, is sometimes taught as an individual subject and sometimes in an integrated approach. Study in the Performing Arts engages students as makers or producers, performers or presenters, audience members, critics and art theorists. Music is largely based on themes, community events and religious celebrations. Music involves singing, speech rhymes, percussion playing, movement and listening at all levels. Drama enables students to create through improvisation, role-playing, characterisation and scripts. St. Joseph’s joins with other schools in our rural network to attend cultural performances.
COMPUTER EDUCATION St. Joseph’s is a part of the VPN (Virtual Private Network) which links all Catholic Schools in Victoria. This links us to the internet and other information sources. There are laptops and tablets in each classroom. The use of computers is incorporated into all ares of the curriculum.
L.O.T.E Languages other than English The LOTE provision in the school is Chinese. This is accessed through My Chinese Tutor using video conferencing equipment. Students in Grades F – 6 participate in LOTE classes.
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION Health Education covers a variety of health issues. It focuses on the body, people, food, nutrition, and health of individuals, communities and populations. It also incorporates personal safety and hygiene. The Health program uses a variety of current resources in order to provide effective learning activities for children. Physical Education is planned to meet the needs of children from Foundation– Grade 6. All activities are sequentially planned and are aimed to help the children of varying physical and mental abilities to acquire skills that are necessary for performing in games and dance, ball handling, athletics, swimming and bike education. St. Joseph’s students participate in inter-school activities organised by the Southern Mallee Lakes District and the Little Desert Zone.
LIBRARY The Library has an extensive collection of material that is available for children to read and borrow. The library includes picture storybooks, fiction, non-fiction, encyclopedias, research material, charts, posters and audiovisual material.
Children can borrow books on a weekly basis to enhance their home reading and research. All children need to have a suitable bag to protect books. Home reading books are changed daily in the library for Foundation to Grade 2 students and as required for students in Grades 3 – 6. Scholastic Book Club is organised and operates in the school and provides further interest in reading and books.
STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS: The School provides Individual Learning Plans for students with special needs, with assistance of Catholic Education Office funding and school based funding.
ASSESSMENT AND PROGRESS REPORTS: St Joseph's provides reports twice a year in accordance with Commonwealth Government reporting requirements.
It is our responsibility to convey information that provides an accurate and true picture of your child’s progress.
It is our intention that each teacher will communicate with each parent during the year. However, the education of your child is a partnership and hence, also your responsibility to contact the teacher if you have any concerns which may affect your child's learning.
TERM 1: Interviews
TERM 2: Report distribution
TERM 3: Interviews
TERM 4: Report distribution