Curriculum

The Curriculum offered by St Joseph’s Catholic School is determined by NESA (NSW Education Standards Authority), the Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst and the teaching staff.  NESA sets the learning requirements for each stage of primary school.  The stages are: Early Stage 1 (Kindergarten); Stage 1 (Years 1 & 2), Stage 2 (Years 3 & 4) and Stage 3 (Years 5&6). NESA’s syllabuses state what must be taught in the 6 Key Learning Areas of English, Mathematics, Science & Technology, HSIE (Human Society & Its Environment), Creative Arts and PDHPE (Personal Development,  Health & Physical Education).

Religious Education

Catholic Schools hold core Catholic beliefs as central to their mission. Such beliefs permeate all that is done in a Catholic School, including teaching and learning across the entire curriculum.

As St Joseph’s is a Catholic School, Religious Education lessons are incorporated into the curriculum.  Formal lessons are programmed across all stages for 30 minutes each day.  Lessons are taken from the “To Know, Worship & Love” Religious Education Program.  

English

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. They also learn to think in ways that are imaginative, creative and critical.’ – NSW Education Standards Authority  

Literacy is the effective use of knowledge and skills to interpret and use language confidently for learning, communicating and engaging in society. It involves the integration of listening, speaking, reading, viewing, creating, writing and critical thinking. These skills are applied in different curriculum areas for a variety of purposes.

Mathematics

In Kindergarten to Year 6, Mathematics ‘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.’ – NSW Education Standards Authority. 

Numeracy is the effective use of Mathematics to meet the demands of daily learning and life. Numeracy takes place across the curriculum and throughout the school day in a variety of contexts.

Science & Technology

The Science syllabus covers Science and Technology for Kindergarten to Year 6 students.

Science and Technology ‘fosters in students a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world around them. Students are encouraged to embrace new concepts and to learn through trialling, testing and refining ideas. They are supported to participate responsibly in developing innovative ideas and solutions in response to questions and opportunities relevant to them and the world around them.’ – NSW Education Standards Authority.

Human Society & Its Environment

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.’ – NSW Education Standards Authority.

The focus is on History and Geography in Kindergarten to Year 6.

Creative 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. 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.’ – NSW Education Standards Authority. 

PDHPE

‘Through Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) students develop self-management, interpersonal and movement skills to help them become empowered, self-confident and socially responsible citizens. The learning experiences in PDHPE provide students with a foundation to actively contribute to, and advocate for the health, safety and wellbeing of themselves and others in the community and beyond school. Students are provided with opportunities to participate in physical activity to develop movement skills and recognise the impact of physical activity on health and wellbeing.’ – NSW Education Standards Authority.