School Programs (Curriculum)
Our school is committed to the progressive development and implementation of educational strategies that will best serve the learning needs of students in preparation for their life in the 21st century. The core components of our approach to learning are based on research detailing elements that facilitate the best conditions for the human brain to learn most effectively. These core components are:
- a focus on integration of content across Key Learning Areas
- creating a learning environment marked by an absence of threat
- providing content that is meaningful and based in real life experiences
- providing choice for students in regard to their learning
- allowing adequate time for learning functions to consolidate
- creating an enriched environment for learning
- promoting collaborative learning
- focusing on immediate feedback to assist student assessment
- focusing on mastery of learning as the basic test of competence
ENGLISH (LITERACY)
The three elements of our English Language approach - Reading and Viewing, Writing, Listening and Speaking are viewed as a whole, rather than as separate subjects. St Anne's follows a holistic approach to the teaching of English because we believe that each aspect is dependent upon the others. We endeavour to provide a rich language environment. All children will read and write every day.
The holistic language approach necessitates a good deal of parental help and the school will endeavour to provide workshops for parents to explain this approach. The underlying skills of phonics, spelling and grammar are taught in context. We have implemented specific literacy periods in the school to refine the focus on core learning requirements.
The three elements of our English Language approach - Reading and Viewing, Writing, Listening and Speaking are viewed as a whole, rather than as separate subjects. St Anne's follows a holistic approach to the teaching of English because we believe that each aspect is dependent upon the others. We endeavour to provide a rich language environment. All children will read and write every day.
The holistic language approach necessitates a good deal of parental help and the school will endeavour to provide workshops for parents to explain this approach. The underlying skills of phonics, spelling and grammar are taught in context. We have implemented specific literacy periods in the school to refine the focus on core learning requirements.
MATHEMATICS (NUMERACY)
The Queensland syllabus document is used as a basis for the ongoing development of Mathematics for Years 1-7. The syllabus emphasises the need for pupils to acquire a sound understanding of mathematical concepts together with good language skills to further the communication of mathematical ideas and experiences. Our mathematics program encompasses the three equally important strands of Space, Measurement and Number. Children will develop competency appropriate to their stage of development in each strand. Knowledge of basic number facts (tables) is considered to be a vital component of our primary Maths program. There is an emphasis on understanding and using Maths in real life situations and to solve problems. We have implemented specific numeracy periods in the school to refine the focus on core learning requirements.
The Queensland syllabus document is used as a basis for the ongoing development of Mathematics for Years 1-7. The syllabus emphasises the need for pupils to acquire a sound understanding of mathematical concepts together with good language skills to further the communication of mathematical ideas and experiences. Our mathematics program encompasses the three equally important strands of Space, Measurement and Number. Children will develop competency appropriate to their stage of development in each strand. Knowledge of basic number facts (tables) is considered to be a vital component of our primary Maths program. There is an emphasis on understanding and using Maths in real life situations and to solve problems. We have implemented specific numeracy periods in the school to refine the focus on core learning requirements.
STUDIES OF SOCIETY & THE ENVIRONMENT
We promote learning through investigation, questioning, thinking, generalising and forming concepts. Through this process we aim to develop individuals who can be flexible, autonomous, cooperative and responsive to their changing environment as well as being appreciative and tolerant of cultural differences. This Key Learning Area forms part of the integrated approach at St Anne's.
We promote learning through investigation, questioning, thinking, generalising and forming concepts. Through this process we aim to develop individuals who can be flexible, autonomous, cooperative and responsive to their changing environment as well as being appreciative and tolerant of cultural differences. This Key Learning Area forms part of the integrated approach at St Anne's.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
In today's society there is an expectation that children will gain a greater understanding of their environment. The science curriculum is structured to allow this to occur through hands-on experiences, inquiry and problem solving. This knowledge and understanding of our environment is developed through the five areas of Life, Energy, Matter, Earth and Space. This Key Learning Area forms part of the integrated approach at St Anne's.
In today's society there is an expectation that children will gain a greater understanding of their environment. The science curriculum is structured to allow this to occur through hands-on experiences, inquiry and problem solving. This knowledge and understanding of our environment is developed through the five areas of Life, Energy, Matter, Earth and Space. This Key Learning Area forms part of the integrated approach at St Anne's.
COMPUTER EDUCATION
It is the aim of St Anne's school to provide all children with "hands-on" computer experience. While working with computers children not only discover exciting new ways to learn, but also how to utilize the technology of the present and the future.
Computer education is accorded specialist teaching time and is also integrated into most areas of learning.
Our school has a well-established computer network, with computers in each classroom as well as a computer laboratory. All computers are connected via cable enabling each room to have full internet access as well as allowing children to access their work from any computer in the school.
It is the aim of St Anne's school to provide all children with "hands-on" computer experience. While working with computers children not only discover exciting new ways to learn, but also how to utilize the technology of the present and the future.
Computer education is accorded specialist teaching time and is also integrated into most areas of learning.
Our school has a well-established computer network, with computers in each classroom as well as a computer laboratory. All computers are connected via cable enabling each room to have full internet access as well as allowing children to access their work from any computer in the school.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT, HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Each child is involved physical activity designed to help maintain an adequate level of fitness, to improve gross motor skills, to aid in the development of fine motor skills, and to introduce skills required for participation in leisure sports. A specialist teacher is provided for this area of the program.
Personal development is integrated through our Religious Education program as well as specific teaching and learning with support from agencies such as the Life Education Van.
Each child is involved physical activity designed to help maintain an adequate level of fitness, to improve gross motor skills, to aid in the development of fine motor skills, and to introduce skills required for participation in leisure sports. A specialist teacher is provided for this area of the program.
Personal development is integrated through our Religious Education program as well as specific teaching and learning with support from agencies such as the Life Education Van.
CREATIVE AND PRACTICAL ARTS
- ART/CRAFT: This is undertaken by the classroom teacher and usually in conjunction with the integrated unit.
- DRAMA: This program enhances our balance between the more formal academic areas and the need for children to grow in their abilities to express themselves through a variety of mediums. The program will also link to school participation in such events as the Rock Pop Mime, Mackay Eisteddfod and Tournament of Minds.
- MUSIC APPRECIATION: Music is part of each class program and integrates well with other areas of learning. Liturgical music remains an integral part of the music program in our Catholic School. The Instrumental Music Program includes guitar and strings.
