The seven primary syllabuses cover:

Religious Education

• Profession of Faith

• The Celebration of Christian Mystery

• Life in Christ

• Prayer.

English

• Talking and Listening

• Reading

• Writing.

Mathematics

• Working Mathematically

• Number

• Patterns and Algebra

• Measurement and Data

• Space and Geometry.

Science and Technology

• Investigating Scientifically

• Designing and Making

• The Natural Environment

• The Made Environment.

Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE)

• Change and Continuity

• Cultures

• Environments

• Social Systems and Structures.

Creative Arts

• Visual Arts

• Music

• Dance

• Drama.

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)

• Fundamental Movement and Physical Activity

• Healthy Choices

• Self and Relationships.

ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING

Parent information evenings are conducted early in Term one.

Parent/Teacher Interviews are usually held at the end of Term 2. We would expect that all families would speak with their child’s teacher at this time.

Written reports are sent home in June and December. Parents are encouraged to come to speak with teachers at any time but please phone for an appointment beforehand.

HOMEWORK

Children will be given some work to revise or learn at home on most nights

In Kindergarten and Year 1 we encourage parents to read daily to, and with their children and to regard writing and mathematics practice as encompassed by activities regarded as part of daily living. Some project work, linked to class activities may be set.

To develop good study habits, a sense of responsibility for their own learning and to consolidate or revise work introduced in the classroom, children from Years 1-6 will be assigned homework regularly. Work given for homework will generally be of a revising nature. Some project work, to be completed over a longer period of time may be set. No homework will be set at the weekend. Homework should take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete in Year 2, 20-30 minutes in years 3-4 and approximately 30-40 minutes to complete in Year 5-6.

It is strongly recommended that children complete the work set. Homework can only be successful and beneficial when parents, working in partnership with the school, support it. Teachers and parents are asked to ensure that homework is completed.

Teachers are asked to monitor the borrowing and return of home readers so that readers are returned before new ones are issued.

INFORMATION COMMUNCIATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT)

Information Communication Technology, (ICT), learning is integrated into all of the Key Learning Areas (KLAs) of Primary School.

At St. Mary’s School we have a well equipped Library, two Computer Laboratories and computers in each classroom which all students use regularly. Skills are being developed in word processing, typing, research, E-mail and Internet usage. Each class has the opportunity to use the equipment each week with guidance and help from the Library Assistant and class teacher. ICT will increasingly be used in the classrooms to enhance teaching and learning. Our classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards and data projectors.

MUSIC PROGRAMS

• K – 6 choral program

• K – 6 recorder and /or percussion program

• Instrumental music lessons

• Participation in the Coffs Harbour Eisteddfod

EXCURSIONS

School Excursions and visits by performers or groups from outside the school are an integral part of the school curriculum. Many of the themes and topics of each Stage in Primary School can be enhanced by an excursion or visit where children can see, touch, hear, taste and smell the atmosphere on such an outing.

At the heart of excursions is the belief that the experience of ‘hands on’ for the children is the most beneficial way to learn. Reading about a topic is perhaps our first means of learning. Being told about it may be second. Looking at pictures, television, movies or the internet may be the next step but actually being there gives us all the greatest chance to understand.