Key Learning Areas
St Mary’s school offers a vibrant, engaging curriculum. Our school is built on a foundation of faith with daily Religious Education lessons forming a central part of our students’ curriculum.
In addition to Religious Education, St Mary's provides challenging, student focused learning, following the six Key Learning Areas of the NSW Board of Studies:
ENGLISH
In English, students learn to read, write, speak, listen and represent language. They learn about English language and literature, how language varies according to context and how to communicate to a range of audiences for different purposes. They learn to read for information and for pleasure. They learn about poetry, novels, plays and visual texts. They begin to understand language structures, punctuation, spelling and grammar. They learn to think in ways that are imaginative, creative and critical.
MATHEMATICS
Mathematics develops students’ thinking, understanding, competence and confidence with numbers, shapes and measurement. Students learn to add, subtract, divide and multiply whole numbers, fractions and decimals. They learn to measure time and calculate with money. They learn geometry, algebra and how to work with data and graphs. Students use mathematical knowledge to communicate, problem-solve and reason.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Science and Technology develops students’ skills in thinking, investigating and problem-solving. It gives them knowledge and skills in scientific investigation and inquiry, design and applying technologies. Children pose questions, test ideas, and develop and evaluate arguments based on evidence.
HUMAN SOCIETY AND ITS ENVIRONMENT (HSIE)
Human Society and Its Environment includes History K–10, geography, civics and citizenship. Students explore how people, events and forces from the past have shaped their world. They investigate their personal and community identity and gain an understanding of their nation and its place in the world. They learn to participate effectively in maintaining and improving the quality of their society and environment.
CREATIVE ARTS
Creative Arts gives students experiences in the visual arts, music, drama and dance. They have opportunities to explore their creativity in each of these areas. Students learn to appreciate the meanings and values that each artform offers. They perform and express themselves through the visual arts, music, drama and dance.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT, HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION (PD/H/PE)
Personal Development, Health and Physical Education develops the knowledge, skills and attitudes students need to lead healthy, active and fulfilling lives. Students learn about the importance of good food and regular exercise. Students learn how bodies grow and change over time. They learn skills to play individual and team sports, and the values of sportsmanship and teamwork.
In addition to Religious Education, St Mary's provides challenging, student focused learning, following the six Key Learning Areas of the NSW Board of Studies:
- English
- Mathematics
- Science and Technology
- Human Society and its Environment
- Creative and Practical Arts
- Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
ENGLISH
In English, students learn to read, write, speak, listen and represent language. They learn about English language and literature, how language varies according to context and how to communicate to a range of audiences for different purposes. They learn to read for information and for pleasure. They learn about poetry, novels, plays and visual texts. They begin to understand language structures, punctuation, spelling and grammar. They learn to think in ways that are imaginative, creative and critical.
MATHEMATICS
Mathematics develops students’ thinking, understanding, competence and confidence with numbers, shapes and measurement. Students learn to add, subtract, divide and multiply whole numbers, fractions and decimals. They learn to measure time and calculate with money. They learn geometry, algebra and how to work with data and graphs. Students use mathematical knowledge to communicate, problem-solve and reason.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Science and Technology develops students’ skills in thinking, investigating and problem-solving. It gives them knowledge and skills in scientific investigation and inquiry, design and applying technologies. Children pose questions, test ideas, and develop and evaluate arguments based on evidence.
HUMAN SOCIETY AND ITS ENVIRONMENT (HSIE)
Human Society and Its Environment includes History K–10, geography, civics and citizenship. Students explore how people, events and forces from the past have shaped their world. They investigate their personal and community identity and gain an understanding of their nation and its place in the world. They learn to participate effectively in maintaining and improving the quality of their society and environment.
CREATIVE ARTS
Creative Arts gives students experiences in the visual arts, music, drama and dance. They have opportunities to explore their creativity in each of these areas. Students learn to appreciate the meanings and values that each artform offers. They perform and express themselves through the visual arts, music, drama and dance.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT, HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION (PD/H/PE)
Personal Development, Health and Physical Education develops the knowledge, skills and attitudes students need to lead healthy, active and fulfilling lives. Students learn about the importance of good food and regular exercise. Students learn how bodies grow and change over time. They learn skills to play individual and team sports, and the values of sportsmanship and teamwork.
