“We learn more by looking for the answer to a question and not finding it, than we do from learning the answer itself.”
At St Augustine’s we focus on engaging students in vibrant, creative learning experiences that develop inquiring minds.
Our aim is to develop students who are able to think deeply and critically, interact, create and collaborate effectively in a global world.
The prescribed Victorian Curriculum is used to frame learning that is responsive to the children’s needs, the context of our school and the wider community.
At St Augustine’s we are committed to:
- Using a variety of best practice teaching strategies
- Engaging in rich discussions with students about their learning- Providing feedback to students
- Enabling inquiry based learners
- Targeted Teaching -Using data effectively to improve learning
- Making learning visible-Clearly articulating Learning Intentions and Success Criteria
- Engaging in professional discussions with colleagues around student learning
Inquiry Learning
Students now need to think, learn, know and do. They need to know how to find information that will help them to answer questions, analyse what they discover, present this learning and use it to make sense of the world around them.
At St Augustine’s we use the Inquiry Learning approach. Inquiry based learning is an approach to teaching and learning that places students’ questions, ideas and observations at the centre of the learning experience.
Learning is driven by student interest, prescribed curriculum, and relevant questions. Throughout the Inquiry process, students are taught to explore, question and seek answers before sharing their new discoveries.
Literacy
Active and effective participation in Australian society depends on the ability to speak, listen, read, view and write with confidence, purpose and enjoyment in a wide range of contexts.
Students are encouraged to explore and engage in a wide range of literature, everyday and media texts from their own and different cultures, to take pleasure in using texts to explore ideas and to think critically.
Mathematics
The learning of Mathematics empowers students with the skills and strategies necessary to successfully navigate and solve problems independently in their everyday lives and in the real world.
At St Augustine’s students participate in rich learning experiences designed to develop their mathematical knowledge and skills, reasoning and thinking, problem solving and investigation. Mathematics is integral to all aspects of life and with this in mind we endeavour to ensure that children develop a healthy and enthusiastic attitude towards Mathematics.
Mathematics at St. Augustine’s is based upon the Victorian Curriculum which focuses on the strands of Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, and Statistics and Probability.
Specialist Programs
Weekly Specialist Programs are taught from Prep to Year 6 by specialist teachers.
- Physical Education
- Language Other Than English -Italian
- Performing Arts (Music, Dance, Drama)
- Technologies
Intervention & Enrichment programs
At St Augustine’s, classroom teachers and Mathematics and Literacy experts use diagnostic testing, work samples and observations, to identify students who would benefit from specialised assistance or enrichment.
Maths Olympiad
Students from Year 4, 5 and 6 who have shown strong Number skills are extended by participating in the Australian Problem Solving Mathematical Olympiads Junior section. The students complete five papers of 5 questions each that utilise and challenge their problem-solving techniques.
Number Intervention/Enrichment
This intensive program for students in Years 1 – 4 aims to develop strong mental strategies and mathematical knowledge.
Reading Recovery
Reading Recovery is an intensive, one to one, early intervention program designed to support Year 1 students having difficulty with reading.
Reading Recovery is an early literacy intervention program. It aims to help students develop reading and writing skills so that they develop greater independence. Selected students are removed from the classroom for 30 minutes of individual instruction each day.
L.L.I (Levelled Literacy Intervention)
A small group reading intervention program for students with identified needs in Literacy. This program aims to increase students’ reading comprehension skills and improve reading confidence.
G.A.T.E.WAYS
Access is provided for Parents of gifted and highly able children to enrol directly into the various programs being offered throughout the year. These programs include: Brainwaves Club, Eureka and Journeys Programs.
Q.U.E.S.T (Question, Understand, Explore, Seek, and Think)
This school based enrichment program is specifically designed for our highly able and talented students. The program aims to provide advanced opportunities for students to think and problem solve, enhance students’ creative thinking skills and encourage innovation.
