Settling In - Classroom Expectations

In 2019, St. Joseph’s have focused on Classroom Expectations across the school. The goal, has been to create engaged self motivated learners.

Curriculum at St. Joseph’s continues to evolve, develop and respond to research, community expectations, feedback and a vision of high levels of learning for all. In 2019 we have had a whole school focus on classroom expectations - including respectful relationships, consistent learning routines, behaviours that support personal learning and general resilience.

In the Foundation area the learning around ‘Classroom Expectations’ will continue to be a key focus  throughout the entire year. In the Grade 1/2 area, after first Term, the focus shifts to increasing the amount of time spent on essential maths and literacy curriculum. Inquiry based learning in the Junior areas will include the key competencies including developing respectful relationships, health and PE.

The Middle and Senior classes have also had a sharper focus around classroom expectations in the first term.

They will then continue to learn about the world and how it works, with an Inquiry based approach to learning for Term 2, 3 and 4. The Inquiry approach is foundational to the units of work which derive content, skills and understandings from the Humanities Curriculum (Economics, History and Geography) and the Sciences (including Health). The theory behind using this approach is to increase the engagement of students through hands on activities and experiences.

Another change to the St. Joseph's Curriculum in 2019 is the addition of a one hour ‘Digital Technologies’ class in the Middle and Senior School areas. During which students are taught computer skills, including basic coding and cyber safety, by either Pat Allen, Nick Murrell or George El-Hage.