At St Joseph’s school, we understand the importance of the early years of schooling, when it is important that children experience success, acquire confidence and develop their independence. As students mature we guide and support them while they develop key skills and at the same time allow for their individual differences and talents to flourish.
COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM
The NSW Educational Standards Authority and the Wilcannia/ Forbes Catholic Education Office Documents and Syllabus are the basis of the school programs.
The formalised curriculum is divided into seven Key Learning Areas:
Religious Education:
As a parish primary school, we exist to provide the children with the opportunity of living in a caring, Christian community, which gives witness to the Gospel values it proclaims. The parish school exists to support you, the parents, in the development of faith and Christian values in your children.
English:
In English, students learn to read, write, talk and listen. They learn the English language and literature, how language varies according to context and how to communicate to a range of audiences for different purposes. They learn to read for information and for pleasure. They learn about poetry, novels, and plays. They gain a sound grasp of language structures, punctuation, spelling, and grammar.
Mathematics:
Mathematics develops students’ thinking, understanding, competence and confidence with numbers, shapes and measurement. Students learn to add, subtract, divide and multiply whole numbers, fractions and decimals. They learn to measure time and how to calculate money. They learn geometry, algebra and how to work with data and graphs.
Science and Technology:
Science and Technology develop students’ skills in thinking, investigating and problem-solving. It gives them knowledge and skills in scientific investigation, design and applied technology. This subject builds on the curiosity children have about their natural and built environments.
Human Society and Its Environment:
In Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE), students learn about history, geography, civics and citizenship. They investigate their personal and community identity and gain an understanding of their nation and its place in the world. They learn to participate effectively in maintaining and improving the quality of their society and environment.
Personal Development, Health and Physical Education:
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. They learn how bodies grow and change over time. They learn skills to play individual and team sports, and the values of sportsmanship and teamwork.
Creative and Practical Arts:
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. They 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.
At St Joseph’s we offer students a wide range of additional programs to enhance the learning environment:
- Liturgical Involvement
- Pastoral Care and Social Skills
- Parish-based Sacraments
- Special Education
- Literacy Support
- First Steps Literacy
- On-line computers in every classroom
- Mathematics – ‘Count me in too’
- Public Speaking Competitions
- Musica Viva
- Aboriginal Perspectives
- Extensive Sports
- Representative Sports to National Level
- Gifted and talented
- Daily Whole School Physical Education incorporating a Learning Connections Program – reflex, motor and sensory systems
- Mid-morning ‘Healthy Snack Break’