Learning

Curriculum

St Joseph’s offers engaging learning experiences covering the Western Australian Curriculum.

We pride ourselves on our proactive approach to teaching and learning with an emphasis on students always being engaged, being accountable for their own learning and being confident and self-assured lifelong learners. We take pride in providing a safe, positive and encouraging atmosphere for all students to grow.

At St Joseph’s School we cater for the needs and interests of each individual child in our school. Most importantly, this means providing a wide range of quality experiences for children to develop physically, emotionally, socially, spiritually and academically. Students with disabilities and learning difficulties are provided with an Individual Education Plans to enable effective and full participation in the class learning program.

Our curriculum approach is in line with the Western Australian Curriculum and a summary of each learning area is below.

English

We use a variety of programs and approaches for teaching literacy skills. PLD by Diana Rigg program is used throughout the school for phonics and spelling instruction. Talk for Writing is used to teach writing.

Maths

We use pr1me Maths as our structured approach to maths instruction. This includes explicitly taught lessons on each of the relevant topics, with opportunities for students to practise independently, in small groups or with a teacher or education assistant. In addition, we have a strong focus on basic maths facts, with Year 1 to 6 students being assessed each term and their progress carefully tracked.

Extending Mathematical Understanding – (EMU) Intervention

EMU continues to provide targeted support for students who would benefit from additional assistance in developing strong foundations in mathematics. Endorsed by Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA) and Monash University, EMU is a research-based program designed to enrich children’s understanding of number and strengthen key mathematical skills.

Students participating in the program have been identified through the Mathematics Assessment Interview (MAI), which helps teachers understand each child’s current stage of mathematical thinking.

The EMU program provides daily small-group sessions, allowing students to receive targeted teaching based on their individual learning needs.

Science

Our Pre-Primary to Year 6 classes use the Primary Connections and Inquisitive programs for the science learning area. The programs cover biological, chemical, physical and earth and space sciences.

Health and Physical Education

Our Pre-Primary to Year 6 students have a sports lesson each week with specialist teachers and participate in morning fitness each morning. Health lessons, in line with the WA curriculum, are also taught.

Technologies

The WA Curriculum for technologies includes design and technologies and digital technologies. Each of these are taught from Pre-Primary to Year 6.

Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS)

The WA Curriculum includes HASS strands including history, geography, economics and business and civics and citizenship. Depending upon year level, these strands are taught in conjunction with research skills.

Arts

Our Pre-Primary to Year 6 students have visual arts and dance curriculum lessons each week with a specialist teacher.

Languages

AUSLAN (Australian Sign Language) is taught to Year 1 to 6 students each week. We also incorporate signing for our school prayer and Australian national anthem.