Curriculum

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Religion is the foundation of our school and is an integral part of our curriculum.  All students participate in the religious life of the school while students of the Catholic Faith are instructed in the sacraments of Reconciliation (Year Two), Confirmation and First Eucharist (Year Three). The Sacramental programs are very much Parish and family orientated with the school supporting the preparation process. The opportunity to celebrate Church Feast Days and other times of significance is given regularly to students. Family members are encouraged to join students and staff for all celebrations, class Masses and Liturgies, school Masses and school assemblies.

Our school shares in the mission of the Church which is based on a rich heritage of culture and tradition.  We provide a comprehensive Religious Education Program based on the Archdiocesan curriculum framework, Good News for Living. We encourage a growth in faith in our students through activities such as regular prayer and involvement in Liturgy. Students in grades 3-6 also engage in Making Jesus Real (MJR), a faith-focused values education program bringing the tools students need to feel the spirit of Jesus each day and recognise the God moments that are happening around them.

THE GENERAL STUDIES CURRICULUM

All learning areas from the Australian Curriculum are taught at St Joseph’s Catholic School. The Australian Curriculum frames our school's scope and sequence in subjects that include English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities and Social Sciences (HaSS), the Arts, Languages, Technologies and Health & Physical Education. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures, Asia and Australia’s Engagement with Asia and Sustainability  is incorporated into the school curriculum from Kindergarten to Year Six.

At St Joseph’s Catholic School we take collective responsibility to:

• Guide each student in his/her discovery of a Christian way of living within the family of God.
• Ensure each student attains skills and knowledge required  to continue to learn.
• Encourage students to take responsibility for their own learning.
• Provide equity and equal opportunity for all students.
• Provide a well-balanced curriculum which acknowledges and addresses the needs of students in a climate of social, cultural and technological change.
• Develop self confidence, self esteem and respect for others.
• Encourage students to learn cooperatively and to maintain a positive attitude towards learning.

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING

St Joseph's Catholic School is committed to providing staff with comprehensive professional learning. Professional learning can take a variety of forms and helps teachers gain insight into their craft and develop new ways of thinking about how students learn and content. In acquiring new knowledge and modifying their beliefs and attitudes to teaching, teachers implement changed practice that can lead to improved student outcomes.

EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT

At St Joseph’s Catholic School we respond to the needs of the learner providing identified students with extra support in the areas of numeracy and literacy.  Class teachers may refer students to the Education Support Teacher for assessment and assistance.  New students, after a settling in period,  may undertake screening tests administered by the Education Support Teacher to ascertain capabilities.

Identified students are given the opportunity to work one on one or in small groups with support teaching staff. Educational support teachers work closely with classroom teachers to ensure that all students have fair and equal access to all curriculum areas.

Parents will be informed of student’s inclusion in support programs. Any parental concerns regarding educational support may be addressed at any time by contacting the class teacher, Educational Support Teacher or the Principal.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORT PROGRAMS

Sports lessons, which are timetabled for each class once a week and daily physical activity, aim to improve fitness and coordination, to introduce as many skills as possible and to encourage a sporting attitude, enjoyment and self-esteem.

Students participate in Swimming, Cross Country and Athletics Fun Days. As part of the PE Program, students from Prep to Year Six  are usually involved in a one week swimming program. Teams of students from Grades 3 to 6 are selected to represent St Joseph’s at swimming, athletics and cross country carnivals at Catholic primary school carnivals in the North West region. Our school is extremely well represented in regional and state basketball tournaments.