Learning & Teaching | Sacred Heart Primary School Croydon

Knowledge Rich Curriculum

Sacred Heart Croydon

W Keysborough Gardens Primary School nasi uczniowie w centrum projektują wszystkie nasze możliwości nauczania i uczenia się. Dążymy do tego, aby wszyscy uczniowie osiągali i rozwijali się jako uczniowie, a także tworzyli własny kurs uczenia się przez całe życie. Chcemy, aby nasi uczniowie mogli przejąć odpowiedzialność za swoją naukę, wnosić celowy wkład w ich środowisko uczenia się i rozwiązywać problemy pojawiające się w otaczającym ich świecie.

Nasza szkoła uznaje centralną rolę nauczycieli. Oczekuje się od nich opracowania angażujących i ambitnych programów nauczania oraz stworzenia optymalnych warunków do nauki uczniów, w tym wspierania rodziców jako pierwszych nauczycieli i partnerów w edukacji.

Modelują uczenie się przez całe życie, budując refleksję i głębokie poziomy myślenia w swojej praktyce i rzucając wyzwanie sobie i swoim uczniom, aby współtworzyli i stosowali nową wiedzę.

Literacy

One of the most fundamental responsibilities of schools is teaching students to read and write. Reading and writing are foundational literacy skills for all learning areas (MACS Vision for Instruction, 2024).

At Sacred Heart Primary School, our approach to literacy is grounded in the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) Vision for Instruction, aligned with the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority Victorian Curriculum 2.0, and informed by contemporary evidence-based research.

We are committed to an explicit teaching approach, where learning intentions and success criteria are clearly communicated, and teachers provide direct, structured instruction. This ensures that all students develop strong foundational skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Lessons follow a gradual release model, moving from teacher modelling to guided practice and independent application, enabling students to build confidence and mastery over time.

In the early years and beyond, we prioritise systematic, synthetic phonics instruction through the Sounds-Write program. This evidence-based approach teaches students to segment, blend, and manipulate sounds, forming a critical foundation for accurate and fluent reading and spelling. Our spelling instruction is further supported by PhOrMeS, a program developed by Speech Pathologist Shane Pearson, which deepens students’ understanding of phonology, orthography, and morphology, etymology and syntax. Together, these programs ensure a comprehensive and cohesive approach to word-level literacy.

Aligned with the Victorian Curriculum 2.0, we provide rich opportunities for students to engage with a wide range of texts and to create meaningful written, spoken, and multimodal responses. We emphasise vocabulary development, comprehension strategies, and the connection between reading, writing, speaking and listening.

Our literacy instruction is responsive and data-informed, allowing teachers to differentiate learning to meet the diverse needs of all students. Through this consistent, research-aligned approach, Sacred Heart fosters capable, confident learners who can communicate effectively and engage deeply with the world around them.

Numeracy

Numeracy at Sacred Heart encompasses the key curriculum areas of:

Number
Algebra
Measurement
Space
Statistics and Probability

Emphasis is placed on teaching each child at their point of need and supporting each child to develop confidence in the understanding and application of Numeracy concepts. Linking student mathematical knowledge and skills to real world contexts is vital. It is important for all students to not only understand mathematical concepts, but recognise how they are used in our world and to apply them in problem solving situations. Sacred Heart aim to achieve this by developing the following proficiencies in each learner:

Understanding
Fluency
Problem Solving
Reasoning

Religious Education

Sacred Heart’s approach to Education in Faith is based on understanding, experiencing and evaluating what it is to be a Catholic in our contemporary world. Pedagogy of Encounter is used to plan for learning in Religious Education. As part of the planning process the children are given opportunities to take their understanding outside the classroom, into the community and into the real world.

Sacrament learning is incorporated as part of the classroom programs. In collaboration with the Parish the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation. As members of the parish our families are involved with Parish Celebrations and events.

Students are prepared for reception of Sacraments by their teachers, in collaboration with the Parish. Children are prepared for Reconciliation and First Communion in Year 3 and Confirmation in Year 6.

As members of the Parish, parents are expected to participate actively in the Sacramental programs, including attendance at Parent Information Sessions and Parent/Child workshops and Commitment

Masses.

Social Emotional Learning

Sacred Heart is committed to providing a school environment that prioritises wellbeing. The promotion of a whole school approach to student learning and wellbeing is supported by all and led by the Principal, Deputy Principal and Student Wellbeing Leader.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) can help students learn the competencies and skills they need to build resilience and effectively manage their emotions, behaviour and relationships with others. Sacred Heart uses a number of resources to help students develop their self awareness, and an awareness of others. The Berry Street Education Model is embedded into all areas of the school, including the practice of Welcome Circles. This helps to set students up for a day of learning and cooperation.

We use elements of the Rights, Resilience and Respectful Relationship to help students to develop and maintain positive relationships and better understand their own emotions.

All students participate in a Buddies program with students from other levels in the school. The Buddies program is designed to develop social skills and allow students to share learning experiences.

Sustainability

At Sacred Heart, we believe that to be sustainable we are making a fundamental commitment to sharing our planet and ensuring a livable future for every inhabitant of the Earth. Guided by the vision of Pope Francis’s papal letter, Laudato Si’, our community is dedicated to "caring for our common home" through faith and action.

Sustainability is a key Cross-Curriculum Priority at Sacred Heart. We don't just teach it as a standalone subject; we integrate it into every facet of our learning. From science and geography to ethics and the arts, our students explore the interconnectedness of environmental, social and economic systems.

Our students are the heartbeat of our green initiatives. Led by the Year Six Environment Team, Sacred Heart students are empowered to turn vision into reality. We are currently working toward becoming a Five Star ResourceSmart School by focusing on Resource Management - actively monitoring water, waste and energy usage.

We believe the best way to learn about the Earth is to get your hands dirty. Our school grounds feature vibrant, student-maintained spaces that serve as outdoor classrooms:

Productive Gardens: Well-established fruit, vegetable and herb patches where students learn about food security and Wurundjeri seasonal cycles.

The Frog Bog: A dedicated biodiversity zone that allows students to study local ecosystems and life cycles up close.

Native Planting: Annual and ongoing efforts to restore local flora and provide habitats for native wildlife.

Through these initiatives, Sacred Heart students are not just learning about the future—they are actively building a better one.

Library

Sacred Heart has a beautiful Library learning space that all students have access to. Borrowing takes place with classroom teachers on a regular basis. Celebrations of Literature occur throughout the year, with events such as Book Week.

Nasza nauka

ICT/DigiTech

In an increasingly connected world, Sacred Heart’s Digital Technologies program aims to move students beyond being passive "users" of technology to becoming creative problem solvers. Through this dedicated subject, students explore three main areas:

Digital Systems: Understanding how hardware, software and networks (like the internet) actually work.
Data and Information: Learning how to collect, manage and visualize data to tell a story or solve a puzzle.
Creating Solutions: The heart of the subject, where students use Computational Thinking to design, code and evaluate their own digital projects.

Alongside technical skills, Sacred Heart prioritises Digital Citizenship, teaching students how to remain safe, ethical and responsible in the digital space.

Our goal is to give your child the "digital fluencies" they need to thrive in the 21st century.

Visual Arts

Our Visual Arts program invites students into a colourful, welcoming art room designed to spark imagination and encourage creativity. Every week, from Prep to Year 6, students work with a specialist teacher to explore the four essential strands of the Victorian Curriculum 2.0:

Explore and Express Ideas
Visual Arts Practices:
Present and Perform
Respond and Interpret

Our students' creations are celebrated through vibrant displays across the school, culminating in a biennial Art Show that provides a formal platform for every student to showcase their talents to a wider audience.

Physical Education

Sacred Heart delivers a comprehensive Physical Education program for all students, promoting fair play, respect, teamwork and inclusivity.

We aim to inspire a lifelong love of physical activity by equipping students with the skills, knowledge and confidence to lead healthy, active lives beyond school. Students are encouraged to strive for their personal best and approach challenges with a positive, resilient mindset.

Aligned with the Victorian Curriculum Health and Physical Education (HPE) 2.0, the Physical Education program develops movement competence, personal and social skills, and understanding of health, safety and wellbeing. Through active participation, students build fundamental movement skills and confidence, apply strategies in varied physical activities, strengthen resilience and leadership and learn to make informed decisions that support lifelong health and physical activity.

School Sport Pathways

Sacred Heart is a proud member of School Sport Victoria. Students in Years 3–6 participate in House events including Swimming, Cross Country and Athletics, with opportunities to progress through District, regional, state and national competitions. Our annual Whole School House Sports Day brings the entire school community together to celebrate participation, teamwork and House spirit.

Students also take part in interschool Sports Gala Days facilitated by various sporting organisations, providing opportunities to experience new sports, develop teamwork and game sense, build confidence in competitive settings and connect with local clubs and community pathways.

School Progressive Swimming Program

All students participate in a two-week structured School Progressive Swimming Program each year, developing swimming skills, building water confidence and strengthening water safety knowledge to support safe and lifelong participation in aquatic activities.

Italian

Sacred Heart values the language diversity that exists within the school and community. In today’s interconnected and interdependent world, proficiency in multiple languages is a vital skill that promotes literacy, empathy and problem solving, amongst many things.

Students have a dedicated Italian language lesson with a specialist teacher every week from Prep to Year 6. Classes use gesturing, engaging stories, songs and activities to help students succeed in learning the language.

Classroom teachers and school staff work to include Italian language in their everyday interactions with students and each other. This approach is highly effective to increase language acquisition and ensure that Italian is used in an authentic and meaningful way for all students as well as being a really fun and vibrant feature of Sacred Heart.

Performing Arts

Performing Arts at Sacred Heart combines the teaching of Music, Dance and Drama curriculum. Through the Performing Arts, students are encouraged to explore their creative and expressive capabilities, and build on key skills to confidently share and perform alongside their peers.

Students learn about the Elements of Music and practise recreating sounds and rhythm by experimenting with melodic and non- melodic instruments. They explore the culture and history behind dance and movement in the local community as well as across the global community. Students are exposed to a variety of different dance elements and styles. Dramatic play and improvisation activities provide opportunities to further develop and stretch their imaginations. Students explore the idea of ‘storytelling’, and work with their peers to create simple scenes and participate in scripted role plays.

Students in all levels participate in a Whole School Concert bi-anually that combines the curriculum areas of Drama, Dance and Music.

Students are given the opportunity to learn tuned instruments through private tuition onsite which facilitates guitar, keyboard, drums and voice lessons throughout the week.