Academic Excellence

Mastering Language Through Explicit Instruction

At St. Joseph’s Primary School, we are committed to ensuring every student achieves their full potential in English through clear, structured, and evidence-based instruction. Drawing on the Science of Reading, we provide students with the skills to excel in both written and spoken English.

Writing: Developing Confidence and Proficiency

In writing, our approach follows a clear, structured path from sentence formation to complex compositions. Using evidence-based strategies, we focus on teaching grammar and syntax, helping students master sentence structure, punctuation, and word order for clear, effective communication.

We incorporate The Writing Revolution and Multisensory Structured Language (MSL) to build strong language foundations in phonics and sentence-level writing. Additionally, a focus on morphology and etymology deepens students’ understanding of words, enhancing their vocabulary, writing, and ability to comprehend texts.

Our systematic method empowers students to communicate their ideas effectively and confidently across various contexts.

Building Knowledge and Comprehension Through Rich Units

All year levels engage in knowledge-rich units that build students' understanding of the world. These units enhance vocabulary and broaden background knowledge, supporting reading and comprehension skills. By expanding students' world knowledge, they become better equipped to make meaning from texts, comprehend complex ideas, and apply their learning across various contexts. In the middle and senior years, students also engage in high-quality novel studies, further deepening their understanding and critical thinking. This approach ensures that literacy skills are deeply embedded within a broader framework of learning.

Oral Communication: The Foundation of Literacy

We understand that speaking and listening are just as vital to literacy development as reading and writing. Our curriculum places a strong emphasis on these skills, providing students with the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, express their ideas clearly, and listen actively. Whether through group discussions, presentations, or structured conversations, students are encouraged to refine their verbal communication skills, laying a strong foundation for all areas of learning. By prioritising speaking and listening, we ensure our students develop the confidence and competence to articulate their thoughts and understand others.

Mathematics at St. Joseph’s Primary School

At St. Joseph's, we are committed to developing strong mathematical competence in every student, empowering them to interpret information accurately, communicate ideas clearly, and confidently apply mathematical concepts in the real world. We provide a robust, research-based approach to teaching that ensures our students build a deep understanding of mathematics, gain essential problem-solving skills, and develop the confidence to apply numeracy in everyday life.

Building Strong Mathematical Foundations

We follow an explicit teaching model that ensures students develop a solid understanding of key mathematical concepts. Our mathematics lessons focus on building number sense, fluency with core operations, and the "why" behind mathematical procedures. As students progress, they explore increasingly complex concepts across the strands of Number, Algebra, Space, Measurement, Statistics, and Probability.

Our curriculum is guided by best practices, including the use of concrete materials and visual aids to support understanding, along with explicit instruction and regular checks for understanding. As students demonstrate their learning, responsibility is gradually released, enabling them to apply their skills independently.

Leveraging Ochre Education Resources for Mathematical Mastery

We enhance our mathematics program by incorporating Ochre Education’s comprehensive resources, designed to support effective, evidence-based teaching practices. These resources are enhanced with concrete materials, which promote meaningful student engagement and deepen their understanding of mathematical concepts.

Each maths lesson begins with a targeted daily review, reinforcing prior learning and preparing students for new concepts. This structured approach guarantees consistent practice, skill development, and memory retention, helping students build fluency and confidence in applying mathematical procedures. By integrating these resources, we create a dynamic and effective learning environment that empowers all students to achieve mathematical proficiency.

Religion at St. Joseph’s Primary School

At St. Joseph’s, religious education is an integral part of our school community, guiding our values and interactions. We aim to create an environment where every student feels valued, respected, and supported in their spiritual journey. Through both words and actions, we model Catholic values, helping students develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them through a Catholic lens. This approach ensures that religious education is not just about knowledge but about forming the whole person—spiritually, emotionally, and socially.

We encourage our students to approach the world with a hopeful and compassionate perspective, inspired by the teachings of Jesus Christ. By engaging in meaningful dialogue and learning experiences, we foster awareness of the needs of others, both in our local community and around the world. We inspire our students to take action, guided by the values of justice, honesty, forgiveness, compassion, and equality, as exemplified by Jesus in the Gospels.

Embracing Social Justice and Service

A strong commitment to social justice runs through all of our learning experiences. We teach our students the importance of caring for one another, standing up for those in need, and acting in ways that promote the dignity of all. In line with Catholic teachings, students are encouraged to engage in projects that support those who are vulnerable or marginalised. We participate in key initiatives such as Project Compassion, the Christmas Giving Tree, and our sponsorship of Ellie, a student at St. Jude’s School in Tanzania. These actions foster empathy, compassion, and a sense of global responsibility.

Engaging with Scripture and Personal Reflection

In our religious education lessons, we regularly turn to scripture as a means of exploring the deeper meanings of life and our faith. Students are encouraged to reflect on stories and teachings from the Bible, asking thoughtful questions about the perspectives of others, the Church, and themselves. Through this process, students are invited to interpret these teachings and consider how they can apply them to their own lives. This reflection encourages critical thinking, personal growth, and a deeper understanding of their faith.

Integrated Learning through Humanities and Science

Each term, our students explore dedicated Humanities, Science or Health units from the Victorian Curriculum. These topics form the foundation of our learning, with key content knowledge intentionally embedded across our English and Mathematics units, where appropriate and with deliberate focus. This approach ensures that our curriculum is rich in content and allows students to engage with a wide range of interconnected learning experiences.

Engaging and Enriching Learning

At St. Joseph’s, we provide students with creative, hands-on learning experiences that encourage them to explore and apply their knowledge in practical ways. Through activities like experiments, projects, learning expos, and presentations, students deepen their understanding and engage with the subject matter actively.

In addition, we integrate technology into our program to enhance and extend students’ learning. To further enrich their educational experience, students also take part in excursions, incursions, and engage with guest speakers, connecting their learning to the real world and bringing it to life in meaningful ways.

Fostering Critical Thinking and Exploration

In our topic lessons, we encourage students to think critically and engage with meaningful ideas and practices. Through an explicit and structured approach, we ensure that key content and vocabulary are clearly introduced and developed, providing students with the depth of knowledge needed to explore and apply their understanding independently. By first building a solid foundation of knowledge, students are then empowered to engage in thoughtful inquiry and exploration. Teaching sequences are carefully designed to be both sustained and responsive to student needs, ensuring that key concepts are explored in depth and students are challenged to move beyond basic understandings.

At St. Joseph’s, our specialist programs provide rich and diverse opportunities for students to explore their talents, develop new skills, and engage in learning beyond the core curriculum. Through STEM, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Italian, and Physical Education, students are immersed in hands-on, creative, and active experiences that foster curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning. Whether building problem-solving skills in STEM, expressing creativity in the arts, developing language proficiency in Italian, or building teamwork and resilience in sport, our specialist subjects play a vital role in shaping well-rounded, engaged learners.

STEM: Building Future-Ready Skills

At St. Joseph’s, we recognise the importance of equipping students with the skills needed to navigate an increasingly technological world. Through our dedicated STEM program, students engage in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics in a hands-on environment.

Our curriculum fosters creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking through real-world applications such as coding, robotics, engineering challenges, and scientific investigations. Students develop essential digital literacy skills, using technology in meaningful ways to collaborate, research, and explore.

As part of our commitment to responsible technology use, students also participate in cyber safety education, ensuring they develop the awareness and skills to engage safely and ethically in the digital world.

Performing Arts: Creativity in Action

Performing Arts is a dynamic and integral part of our curriculum, providing students with opportunities to develop confidence, creativity, and communication skills. Through specialist Performing Arts classes, students engage in music, drama, and movement, exploring self-expression and storytelling in meaningful and engaging ways.

Students develop performance techniques, collaborate on creative projects, and refine their ability to use voice, movement, and stagecraft. Whether acting in dramatic scenes, or participating in ensemble performances, they gain valuable skills that foster both artistic growth and personal development.

Every two years, we proudly bring the entire school community together for a spectacular School Musical. This highly anticipated event is a highlight of our Performing Arts program, showcasing the talents, dedication, and creativity of our students. With every student playing a role the musical is a true celebration of collaboration and artistic expression.

Inspiring Creativity through Visual Arts

Visual Arts is a vibrant and essential part of our curriculum, encouraging students to express themselves creatively while developing key artistic skills. Through specialist Visual Arts classes, students explore a variety of techniques, materials, and artistic styles, fostering their imagination and confidence as young artists.

Every two years, we proudly host our Art Show, a highly anticipated event that celebrates our students’ creativity and achievements. This showcase provides an opportunity for students to share their work with the school community, highlighting their growth as artists and the diverse range of skills they have developed.

Immersing Students in Italian Language and Culture

At St. Joseph’s, students from Prep to Year 6 engage in weekly Italian lessons, where they develop foundational language skills while also gaining insight into Italian culture and traditions. Early language exposure helps build confidence and provides a strong foundation for further language learning in later years. Through engaging activities such as storytelling, songs, role-playing, and exploring Italian customs and celebrations, students develop an appreciation for the language in a meaningful way. As they progress, they refine their communication skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing, deepening their understanding of how language and culture are interconnected.

Active Learning through Health & Physical Education

At St. Joseph’s, we recognise the vital role physical education and sport play in the holistic development of each child. Each week, students participate in a dedicated Physical Education lesson with a specialist teacher, focusing on gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and overall fitness. They also join a Sport session with their classroom teacher, emphasising teamwork, fair play, and the enjoyment of physical activity through a range of team games.

Throughout the year, students engage in specialist clinics run by external organisations, introducing them to new sports and skills. These clinics cover activities such as hockey, soccer, basketball, rugby, and frisbee, providing students with the opportunity to explore a variety of physical activities in a fun and supportive environment.

Students from Prep to Year 6 also take part in our swimming program, which spans two weeks. This program helps build essential water safety skills and boosts students' confidence in the water, encouraging lifelong participation in aquatic activities.

Through our well-rounded curriculum, we aim to foster confidence, competence, and a lifelong love of movement, encouraging students to develop the physical and personal skills needed to enjoy and engage in physical activity throughout their lives.