Curriculum Policy

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Whole School Pedagogy & Curriculum

Learning and teaching at Siena Catholic Primary School is based on the Brisbane Catholic Education Model of Pedagogy which brings together the principles and practices of learning and teaching that lead to success for all learners.

These principles and practices arise out of the beliefs and values of the Brisbane Catholic Education Learning and Teaching Framework. The principles are:

1. High expectations

2. Equity and excellence

3. Learning entitlement

This model of pedagogy is based on the practices of:

1. Focus on learners and their learning

2. Establish clear learning intentions and success criteria

3. Activate multiple opportunities

4. Respond with feedback that moves learning forward

5. Evaluate the impact of teaching

At Siena Catholic Primary School, our teachers:

• FOCUS on learners and their learning.

• ESTABLISH clear learning intentions and success criteria.

• ACTIVATE multiple opportunities through differentiation.

• RESPOND with feedback that moves learning forward.

• EVALUATE the impact of teaching on each student’s achievement and success

At Siena Catholic Primary School, our students:

• develop a sense of belonging and community, through compassion for others

• engage in meaningful and purposeful tasks

• extend their knowledge through critical, creative and self-regulated thinking

• reflect, self-assess and self-direct

• are challenged and supported to develop deep levels of thinking and application

• develop and apply deep levels of thinking

• set individual goals and challenges

• feel safe and supported in their learning environment

• accept responsibility for their learning

What does the curriculum promise for our students?

The Australian curriculum identifies seven general capabilities. These are learner characteristics that are essential, regardless of what subject students are engaged in. It is our belief that if these capabilities are our focus, then our students will be successful, confident and creative individuals, able to participate in our society as active and informed citizens.

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ACARA - Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority

What are the cross curriculum priorities? The Australian Curriculum is designed to meet the needs of students by delivering a relevant, contemporary and engaging curriculum that builds on the educational goals of the Melbourne Declaration. The Melbourne Declaration identified three key areas that need to be addressed for the benefit of both individuals and Australia as a whole. In the Australian Curriculum these have become priorities that provide students with the tools and language to engage with and better understand their world at a range of levels. The priorities provide dimensions which will enrich the curriculum through development of considered and focused content that fits naturally within learning areas.

• Providing students with opportunities to demonstrate what they know and can do in relation to the identified success criteria across all learning areas

• Gathering evidence and recording data of students’ demonstrations in all learning areas

• Making judgments about students’ demonstrations in all learning areas.

Staff use a variety of assessment techniques and sources to gather evidence about students’ demonstration of learning.

These include:

• Observation

• Focused Analysis

• Periodic testing

• Consultation

• Self and peer assessment

Reporting

Reporting is an essential component of the learning process at Siena Catholic Primary School. It provides information to students, parents and teachers which allows for the celebration of learning achievements as well as goal setting and planning for improved learning. Reporting occurs in a variety of ways including verbal feedback to students, results from formal assessment items as indicated on criteria sheets, parent information sessions, student progress discussions and interviews, student folios and written reports.