Learning & Teaching

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St Peter Apostle Primary School Hoppers Crossing

Learning and Teaching Statement
In Alignment with MACS Vision for Instruction

At St.Peter Apostle Primary School we are committed to the MACS vision of fostering flourishing learners. We believe that education is not merely about the transmission of knowledge but about nurturing the whole child. Our teaching philosophy centres around creating an inclusive, engaging, and dynamic learning environment that supports the diverse needs of all students, empowering them to reach their full potential.

Differentiated Instruction
We understand that every learner is unique, and employ differentiated instruction to address the varied learning styles, interests, and abilities in the classroom. By utilising a variety of teaching methods, assessments, and resources, we ensure that each student can engage with the curriculum at their level. This personalised approach not only enhances academic achievement but also fosters a sense of belonging and confidence among learners.

Holistic Development
We recognise that learners thrive when their emotional, social, and cognitive needs are met. Therefore, we strive to cultivate learning spaces that promote well-being and resilience. By integrating social emotional learning into our curriculum, we aim to encourage students to develop self awareness, empathy, and effective communication skills, which are essential for their personal growth and success in the global community.

Active Engagement
We believe that active engagement is vital for meaningful learning. Our instructional strategies incorporate hands-on, collaborative, and inquiry-based activities that stimulate curiosity and critical thinking. By fostering a culture of questioning and exploration, we encourage students to take ownership of their learning journey, fostering a growth mindset that reinforces the idea that learning is a lifelong process.

Collaboration and Community
At St.Peter Apostle, we believe that collaboration extends beyond the classroom. Building strong relationships with families, colleagues, and the broader community is essential for supporting student learning. We actively seek opportunities to involve parents and guardians in the educational process, creating partnerships that enhance the learning experience. By promoting a sense of community, students learn the value of teamwork, respect, and responsibility.

St. Peter Apostle reflects a deep commitment to the MACS vision of flourishing learners. By fostering holistic development, engaging students actively, differentiating instruction, building community, and pursuing continuous improvement, we aim to create a nurturing environment where every learner can thrive and achieve their personal best.

Education in Faith

At St. Peter Apostle we are dedicated to providing an education rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and the traditions of the Catholic Church. Our primary goal is to nurture the spiritual, intellectual, and emotional development of each student, fostering a deep understanding of faith that guides their lives.

Education in faith at St. Peter Apostle Primary school involves:

Integrating Catholic Values: We weave Catholic teachings into academic subjects and daily interactions, encouraging students to embrace virtues such as compassion, respect,integrity and social justice.

Prayer and Worship: We provide regular opportunities for prayer and participation in liturgical celebrations. These are essential components of our school life, helping students build a personal relationship with God.

Community and Service: We emphasise the importance of community and service to others, inspiring our students to live out their faith through acts of kindness and support for those in need.

Encouraging Questions: We create an open environment where students can explore their own faith, ask questions, and engage in meaningful discussions about their beliefs and values.

Through this holistic approach, we aim to cultivate a strong foundation of faith that empowers our students to become responsible, caring, and faith-filled individuals in our ever-changing world.

Sacraments

At St. Peter Apostle, we believe that the sacraments are vital expressions of our faith and essential milestones in the spiritual journey of our students. Our approach to teaching about the sacraments is designed to foster a deep understanding and appreciation of these sacred rites, guiding students in their relationship with God and the community.

Objectives of Our Sacramental Program:

Understanding the Sacraments: We aim to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the sacraments—Baptism, Reconciliation Eucharist and Confirmation. Our curriculum emphasises their significance and their role in the life of the Church.
Experiential Learning: We encourage experiential learning through participation in liturgical celebrations and social justice projects. These experiences help students connect the teachings of the sacraments with their everyday lives.
Preparation for Sacraments: As students prepare for the sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation, we provide education that nurtures their faith and understanding. This includes family involvement to strengthen the home school connection in faith formation.
Encouraging Personal Reflection: We promote personal reflection and prayer as students learn about the sacraments. This allows them to explore their beliefs and develop a deeper relationship with God.
Building Community: Our teaching emphasises the communal aspect of the sacraments, highlighting the importance of being part of the Church community and the call to live out one’s faith in service to others.

Through our dedicated learning and teaching approach, we strive to instil a lifelong appreciation for the sacraments in our students, empowering them to fully participate in the life of the Church and grow as faithful disciples of Christ.

English

At St. Peter Apostle, our philosophy is grounded in the science of learning, with a particular emphasis on the effective implementation of synthetic phonics. We believe that a comprehensive understanding of language, reading, and writing is essential for students to communicate effectively and engage with the world around them.

Understanding the Science of Learning
The science of learning informs our instructional approach, guiding us to create experiences that are cognitive, engaging, and relevant. We understand that learners construct knowledge through connections, and therefore, aim to create lessons that activate prior knowledge and build on their experiences. By utilising evidence based strategies, such as spaced repetition and retrieval practice, we aim to help students retain information and enhance their understanding of English language concepts.

Emphasising Synthetic Phonics
We firmly believe that synthetic phonics is a crucial component of early reading instruction. This method teaches students to decode words by blending individual sounds together to form words. We provide systematic and explicit instruction in phonics, ensuring that students have a solid foundation for reading and writing. Through engaging activities, such as phoneme segmentation and blending games, we assist students to develop their decoding skills and foster a love for reading from an early age.

Creating a Language Rich Environment
To promote language development, we create a rich linguistic environment that exposes students to diverse vocabulary, grammar, and language structures. This includes read aloud sessions, storytelling, and discussions that encourage students to express their thoughts and ideas. By integrating literature across various genres, we inspire a love for reading and help students make connections between texts and their own lives.

Differentiated Instruction
At St. Peter Apostle we recognise that each student learns at a different pace. We implement a differentiated instruction approach, tailored to meet the diverse needs of our learners. This includes providing targeted support for students who may struggle with phonics as well as extending challenges for advanced learners. By using formative assessments, we can identify areas of strength and weakness, allowing us to adapt our programs and teaching strategies effectively.

Collaborative Learning
We believe in the power of collaboration to enhance learning experiences. We encourage students to work together in pairs and small groups, fostering peer-to-peer interactions that promote discussion, critical thinking, and problem solving. This collaborative approach not only aids in language development but also builds important social skills that are essential for success in and out of the classroom.

At St. Peter Apostle, we display a strong commitment to teaching English through the lens of the science of learning. By emphasising evidence based strategies, creating language rich environments, differentiating instruction, fostering collaboration and engaging in continuous reflection, we strive to empower students to become proficient readers, writers and communicators, prepared to thrive in an ever-evolving world.

Mathematics

At St. Peter Apostle we are committed to the MACS vision of fostering flourishing learners. Our approach to teaching mathematics is deeply rooted in the science of learning. We believe that effective mathematics instruction not only equips students with essential skills but also nurtures their curiosity, critical thinking, and problem solving abilities. Our goal is to create engaging, inclusive, and supportive learning environments where all students can thrive.

Understanding the Science of Learning
The science of learning informs our instructional practices, guiding us to leverage cognitive strategies that enhance student understanding and retention. We recognise that students learn best when they can connect new information to existing knowledge. Therefore, at St. Peter Apostle we design lessons that build on prior learning, using scaffolding techniques to gradually increase complexity. This approach promotes deep understanding and facilitates long term retention of mathematical concepts.

Creating a Rich Mathematical Environment
To foster a love for mathematics, we strive to create rich learning environments that encourage exploration and inquiry. We integrate hands on activities, manipulatives, and real world applications into our lessons to make mathematical concepts relatable and accessible. By emphasising the relevance of mathematics in everyday life, we attempt to inspire students to see mathematics as a valuable tool for problem solving and decision making.

Active Learning and Engagement
At St. Peter Apostle we believe that active learning is essential for meaningful engagement in mathematics. We utilise a variety of instructional strategies, such as collaborative group work, problem based learning, and inquiry based tasks, to encourage students to take an active role in their learning. By facilitating discussions and encouraging students to share their ideas and strategies, we aim to create classroom cultures that value diverse perspectives and promote critical thinking.

Differentiated Instruction
We recognise that every student has unique strengths and challenges and implement differentiated instruction to meet the diverse needs of our learners. At St. Peter Apostle we use formative and summative assessments to identify individual learning profiles and adapt teaching accordingly. This personalised approach allows us to provide targeted support for students who may struggle with specific concepts while offering enrichment opportunities for advanced learners, ensuring that all students can progress at their own pace.

Fostering a Growth Mindset
At St. Peter Apostle we are committed to fostering a growth mindset in our students, encouraging them to embrace challenges and view mistakes as opportunities for learning. We emphasise the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of difficult mathematical tasks. By celebrating effort and progress our students build confidence in their abilities and develop a positive attitude toward mathematics.

Our learning and teaching statement reflects a strong commitment to the MACS vision of flourishing learners and the principles of the science of learning in mathematics education. By creating a rich and supportive learning environment, actively engaging students, differentiating instruction, fostering a growth mindset, and pursuing continuous improvement, we aim to empower every student to develop a deep understanding of mathematics and a lifelong passion for learning.

EALD

At St. Peter Apostle, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students, particularly those who are English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EALD) learners. We recognise the unique strengths and diverse backgrounds that EALD students bring to our school community and aim to provide equitable opportunities for their academic and social development.

Key Principles of Our EALD Program:

Culturally Responsive Teaching: We embrace the cultural diversity of our EALD students by incorporating their languages, experiences, and perspectives into our curriculum. This approach not only validates their identities but also enriches the learning experience for all students.
Differentiated Instruction: Our educators employ differentiated teaching strategies to meet the varying language proficiency levels and learning styles of EALD students. We provide targeted support in language acquisition while ensuring access to the broader curriculum.
Collaborative Learning: We promote collaborative learning experiences that encourage peer interaction and communication. By fostering a sense of belonging, we help EALD students build confidence in their language skills and develop meaningful relationships with their classmates.
Language Support: Our school offers language support programs, including small group instruction, tutoring, and resources tailored to the needs of EALD students. We focus on developing their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in a supportive environment.
Engaging Families: We believe that family engagement is crucial for the success of EALD students. We actively communicate with families and provide resources to help them support their children's learning at home, fostering a partnership that enhances student success. All families are encouraged to attend our Community Hub where we offer many resources and opportunities.

Through these principles, we aim to empower EALD students to thrive academically and socially, equipping them with the skills and confidence to navigate their educational journey and contribute positively to our school community.

Intervention

At St. Peter Apostle Primary School, we recognise that literacy is foundational to the academic success and personal development of our students. Our commitment to literacy intervention is designed to support all learners, particularly those who may be experiencing challenges in reading and writing, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Key Features of Our Literacy Intervention Program:

Early Identification: We employ a proactive approach to identify students who may benefit from additional literacy support. Through regular assessments and observations, we can pinpoint areas of need and tailor interventions accordingly.
Targeted Instruction: Our literacy intervention provides targeted, evidence based instruction that focuses on the specific needs of each student. This includes phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary development, reading comprehension, and writing skills.
Small Group and Individual Support: We offer small group and one-on-one support to provide personalised attention for students. This approach allows us to adapt our teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles and paces.
Engaging Resources: Our intervention program incorporates a variety of engaging resources and materials that stimulate interest and motivation in literacy. We utilise diverse texts, interactive activities, and technology to make learning enjoyable and effective.
Collaboration with Families: We believe that family involvement is crucial to literacy development. We actively engage with parents and guardians, providing them with strategies and resources to support their children's literacy journeys at home.
Continuous Monitoring and Growth: We regularly monitor student progress through assessments and feedback, adjusting our interventions as needed to ensure ongoing growth and success in literacy.

Through our dedicated literacy intervention program, St. Peter Apostle Primary School strives to create a supportive and enriching environment that empowers all students to become confident and competent readers and writers, laying a strong foundation for their lifelong learning.

Inquiry

At St. Peter Apostle School, we embrace Inquiry Learning as a foundational approach to education that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and active engagement with the world. Our Inquiry Learning program empowers students to ask questions, explore concepts, and seek solutions, fostering a lifelong love of learning.

Our Inquiry Learning program aims to:

Encourage Curiosity and Exploration: Inspiring students to pursue their interests and ask questions about the world around them, promoting a natural desire to learn and discover.
Develop Critical Thinking Skills: Guiding students to analyse information, evaluate sources, and draw conclusions through research and investigation, enabling them to think deeply about issues.
Foster Collaboration and Communication: Creating opportunities for students to work together on projects, share ideas, and learn from one another, building essential teamwork and interpersonal skills.
Promote Reflection and Self Assessment: Encouraging students to reflect on their learning processes, set goals, and assess their progress, fostering a growth mindset and resilience.
Integrate Interdisciplinary Learning: Connecting themes and concepts across subjects to provide a holistic understanding of topics, allowing students to see the relevance and application of their learning in real world contexts.

At St. Peter Apostle School, we are committed to cultivating an inquiry based learning environment that nurtures students' natural curiosity and empowers them to become independent thinkers and active learners. Through our Inquiry Learning program, we aim to equip students with the skills and mindset necessary to navigate an ever changing world and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

Digital Technologies & STEM

Teaching and Learning at St Peter Apostle follows the Victorian Curriculum. The use of and explicit teaching of digital technologies is outlined in the Victorian Curriculum. Children at St Peter Apostle have access to digital technologies in the classroom and as part of our School Device Program. These technologies are used by students to collaborate in teams, create, problem solve and share their ideas and learning.

Children are actively supported by teachers when using digital technologies and are taught relevant digital literacy, an essential element of our modern world.

Children in years prep - 2 have access to school iPads within their classrooms and are used under teacher supervision for purposeful lessons and learning opportunities

Children in year 3 and 4 have access to 1:1 Chromebooks which are purchased by the school on behalf of the family and paid for by a tech levy within the school fees. Children This program will be expanded to years 3-5 in 2025 and 3-6 in 2026.

Children in year 5 and 6 in 2024 have access to a mix of shared Chromebooks and Macbooks which are used at school.

Investigations

At St. Peter Apostle, we firmly believe that investigations and play-based learning are essential components of a holistic approach to teaching and learning in our Foundation classes. These methods foster curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, allowing students to explore concepts in a meaningful and engaging manner. The Power of Play
Play is a natural and powerful tool for learning. It provides students with the opportunity to experiment, take risks, and engage in hands on experiences. Through play, children develop essential social skills, emotional intelligence, and problem solving abilities. I create a classroom environment that encourages playful exploration, where students feel safe to express their ideas, collaborate with peers, and learn from their mistakes.

Investigative Learning
Investigations are integral to deepening students' understanding of the world around them. By encouraging students to ask questions, make observations, and seek answers, we promote a culture of inquiry that inspires curiosity and critical thinking. Investigative learning allows students to connect concepts to real life situations, making learning relevant and meaningful. We aim to provide opportunities for students to engage in open ended investigations that encourage them to think creatively and approach problems from multiple perspectives.
Combining investigations with play based learning creates a dynamic and enriching educational experience.

Fostering a Love for Learning
By embracing investigations and play based learning, we aim to cultivate a love for learning in our students. These approaches empower students to take ownership of their learning, fostering intrinsic motivation and a sense of agency. When students are actively engaged in their learning process, they are more likely to develop a lifelong passion for exploration and discovery.

Investigations and play based learning are fundamental to our educational practice in our Foundation classes. By creating an environment that values curiosity, exploration, and collaboration, we strive to empower students to become confident, independent learners who are equipped to navigate the complexities of the world around them. Through this approach, we hope to inspire a generation of learners who are not only knowledgeable but also passionate about their learning journey.

Social Emotional Learning (SEL)

At St. Peter Apostle School, we recognise the importance of fostering emotional intelligence and social skills in our students. Our Social Emotional Learning (SEL) program is dedicated to creating a supportive environment where every child feels valued, understood, and empowered to express their emotions.

We strive to:

Promote Self-Awareness: Helping students understand their emotions, strengths, and challenges, allowing them to develop a positive self-image.
Encourage Self-Management: Equipping students with tools to regulate their emotions, set goals, and handle stress effectively.
Enhance Social Awareness: Teaching empathy and respect for others, fostering a sense of belonging and community.
Develop Relationship Skills: Encouraging healthy communication, conflict resolution, and collaboration among peers.
Foster Responsible Decision Making: Guiding students to make ethical, constructive choices about personal and social behaviour.

Through a comprehensive approach to SEL, we aim to nurture well rounded individuals who are not only academically prepared but also emotionally resilient and socially responsible. At St. Peter Apostle, we believe that fostering these skills is essential for our students' success both in and out of the classroom.

Physical Education

At St. Peter Apostle School, we recognise the integral role of physical education in promoting the overall well-being of our students. Our Physical Education program is designed to foster a lifelong appreciation for physical activity, encouraging students to develop healthy habits that contribute to their physical, mental, and social development. All students participate in Physical Education each week through our specialist program.

Our Physical Education program aims to:

Promote Physical Fitness: Encouraging students to engage in a variety of physical activities that enhance their strength, endurance, flexibility, and coordination.
Develop Motor Skills: Providing opportunities for students to learn and refine fundamental movement skills through games, sports, and recreational activities.
Encourage Teamwork and Sportsmanship: Instilling values of cooperation, respect, and fair play by promoting teamwork in various sports and group activities.
Foster Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Educating students about the importance of regular exercise, nutrition, and making informed decisions regarding their health and well being.
Enhance Social and Emotional Skills: Creating an inclusive environment where students can build friendships, develop confidence, and learn to manage emotions through physical challenges and collaborative experiences.

At St. Peter Apostle, we are dedicated to creating a safe and supportive atmosphere that encourages every student to explore their physical potential. Through our Physical Education program, we aim to cultivate a generation of healthy, active individuals who value the importance of physical fitness and well being throughout their lives.

Italian

At St. Peter Apostle, we value the importance of language learning as a fundamental aspect of our students' education and personal growth. Our language program includes the study of Italian, offering students the opportunity to explore not only the language itself but also the rich culture, traditions, and history of Italy.

Our Italian language program aims to:

Enhance Communication Skills: Helping students develop their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in Italian, enabling them to communicate effectively in a second language.
Promote Cultural Understanding: Introducing students to Italian customs, music, art, and cuisine, fostering an appreciation for diversity and global citizenship.
Encourage Cognitive Development: Supporting critical thinking and problem solving skills through the challenges of learning a new language, enhancing overall academic performance.
Build Confidence: Creating a supportive environment where students feel comfortable practicing their language skills, allowing them to gain confidence in their abilities to communicate in Italian.
Foster a Lifelong Love for Languages: Instilling a passion for language learning that encourages students to explore additional languages in the future, broadening their horizons and opportunities.

At St. Peter Apostle, we are dedicated to preparing our students for a multicultural world by equipping them with the language skills and cultural insights necessary to thrive in an increasingly interconnected society. Through our Italian language program, we aim to empower students to embrace the beauty of language and the connections it creates with others.

Visual Arts

At St. Peter Apostle, we believe that visual arts play a crucial role in nurturing creativity, self-expression, and critical thinking among our students. Our Visual Arts program is designed to inspire students to explore various mediums and techniques, allowing them to communicate their ideas and emotions through art. Our students participate in visual art in a dedicated art space each week.

Our Visual Arts program aims to:

Encourage Creativity: Providing students with opportunities to experiment with different materials and styles, fostering their imagination and originality.
Develop Technical Skills: Teaching foundational skills in drawing, painting, sculpture, and other art forms, enabling students to refine their artistic abilities and techniques.
Promote Cultural Awareness: Introducing students to diverse artists and art movements, helping them appreciate global cultures and histories through visual expression.
Enhance Observation and Interpretation: Encouraging students to observe the world around them critically, developing their ability to interpret and respond to visual stimuli.
Foster Confidence and Self Expression: Creating a supportive environment where students feel comfortable sharing their work, allowing them to gain confidence in their artistic abilities.

At St. Peter Apostle, we are committed to nurturing a love for the visual arts that extends beyond the classroom. Through our program, we aim to empower every student to express themselves creatively, appreciate the beauty of art, and understand its significance in their lives and the world around them.

Performing Arts

At St. Peter Apostle, we value the performing arts as a vital part of our educational experience. Our comprehensive program in music, dance, and drama provides students with opportunities to express themselves creatively, build confidence, and develop essential skills in collaboration and communication.

Throughout the year during Performing Arts lessons students participate in the following…

Music: Our music program encourages students to explore their musical talents through vocal and instrumental instruction. We offer opportunities for participation in the school choir, fostering a love for music that enhances academic and personal growth.

Dance: Through our dance program, students engage in various styles during specialist classes allowing them to express their emotions and tell stories through movement. Dance promotes physical fitness, discipline, and teamwork while cultivating an appreciation for the art form.

Drama: Our drama program empowers students to explore their creativity through acting, stagecraft, and storytelling. With opportunities to participate in school productions students develop confidence, public speaking skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with peers.

At St. Peter Apostle, we believe that the performing arts enrich our students' lives, helping them to discover their unique talents. We are committed to nurturing a passion for the arts that will inspire lifelong creativity and self expression.

Technologies

At St. Peter Apostle School, we recognise that technology is an integral part of modern education and essential for preparing our students for future success. Our Technology program is designed to equip students with the skills they need to navigate and thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Our Technology program aims to:

Promote Digital Literacy: Teaching students essential skills in using various digital tools and platforms, ensuring they can effectively communicate, collaborate, and create in a technology driven environment.
Enhance Problem Solving Skills: Encouraging students to engage in critical thinking and innovative problem solving through hands-on lessons and projects that involve coding, robotics, and design thinking.
Foster Creativity and Expression: Providing opportunities for students to express their ideas through multimedia presentations, digital art, and other creative projects that incorporate technology.
Encourage Responsible Use of Technology: Instilling an understanding of digital citizenship, helping students navigate online spaces safely, ethically, and respectfully.
Integrate Technology Across the Curriculum: Incorporating technology into various subjects to enhance learning experiences, promote engagement, and connect classroom concepts to real world applications.

At St. Peter Apostle School, we are committed to creating a dynamic learning environment where students can explore the possibilities of technology while developing the skills necessary for their future. Through our Technology program, we aim to empower students to become innovative thinkers and responsible digital citizens, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

Earth Studies

At St. Peter Apostle School, we believe that Earth Studies is essential for fostering a deep understanding and appreciation of our planet. Our Earth Studies program is designed to engage students in exploring the natural world, encouraging them to think critically about environmental issues and their role in promoting sustainability. All students from Years One to Six engage in Earth Studies each week with a specialist teacher.

Our Earth Studies program aims to:

Promote Environmental Awareness: Educating students about the importance of the environment.
Encourage Inquiry and Exploration: Fostering curiosity through hands on investigations, excursions, and projects that allow students to explore Earth's physical features, climate, and diversity.
Develop Critical Thinking Skills: Encouraging students to analyse environmental challenges, consider various perspectives, and develop informed solutions to promote sustainability.
Foster a Sense of Stewardship: Instilling a sense of responsibility for the environment, motivating students to take action in their communities to protect and preserve natural resources.
Integrate Interdisciplinary Learning: Connecting Earth Studies with other subjects such as science, geography, helping students understand the broader context of environmental issues.

At St. Peter Apostle School, we are committed to nurturing environmentally conscious individuals who are equipped with the knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on the world. Through our Earth Studies program, we aim to inspire a lifelong commitment to caring for our planet and promoting sustainable practices for future generations.

Extra Curricular Activities

Student Wellbeing

Spiritual

The Arts

Sporting

Leadership

Learning & Teaching