Teaching and Learning
The Core Vision and Mission Statement - To Live, Love and Learn from the Heart of Jesus - is at the centre of our beliefs about teaching and learning. We believe that children and teachers need to be inspiring, challenging and nurturing one another to love learning and reach their potential.
St. Bede was a dedicated scholar and an inspiration for our school vision. Children and teachers are encouraged to continually reflect on themselves as learners and set challenging learning goals so they can reach their full potential. School systems and structures are arranged to support children to see themselves on a continuum of learning that extends beyond the school context. The staff at St Bede’s take pride in delivering an education that caters for a diverse group of learners in a rural setting.
St. Bede’s delivers learning programs that guide all students towards independent work with support matched to individual learning needs. Teachers plan daily events and activities that are purposeful and aligned with the St. Bede’s Vision and Mission.
Religious Education/Sacramental Program
Religious Education is woven into the daily life of the school through formal religion lessons. Christian values are integrated into all Key Learning Areas. The Religious Education Program is linked closely to the Parish to further the children's sense of belonging to their Parish family. Opportunities for experiencing prayer and celebrating liturgy are regularly provided for the whole school community.
Various Liturgical events are celebrated throughout the year. These include: An opening School Mass, class Masses, Lent, Easter, Advent, feasts of St. Bede, St Mary Mackillop and other days of significance. Parents and family members are invited to all Masses and Liturgies.
The Sacramental Programs for Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation are school based with parents, Parish Priest and School working closely together. A vital component in the preparations for the celebration of each sacrament is the involvement of parents.
English
Students develop their language skills through activities involving speaking and listening, reading and writing, and viewing and representing. They learn about language and literature through working with a wide range of print, spoken, visual, media, multimedia and digital texts. Our
English education at St Bede’s includes:
InitiaLit in K-2 which is an evidenced-based whole-class literacy program. This is supported with MiniLit in K- 2. Soundwaves is taught in all 3-6 classrooms and it is a synthetic phonics and word-study program designed to develop reading, spelling and writing skills. This is supported with MacqLit. These programs provide all children with the essential core knowledge and strong foundations to become successful readers.
This emphasis is supported with morning Literacy blocks (9.15 -11.00am) and the regular purchasing of quality literature for every classroom.
The teaching of literacy is reinforced with individual goal setting. Teachers conference with students around reading and writing each week to assist them to continually improve and develop as readers and writers
The Library is an integral part of the school that provides support for all areas of the curriculum. The school library is open to the students, teachers and the school community. The Library aims to provide an environment which is welcoming and stimulating for individual and group learning with flexible furnishings and a range of quality literature.
Parent information sessions are held to assist parents in promoting literacy in the home.
Mathematics
Numeracy at St Bede’s is experienced as a daily 1 hour Mathematics block. Students warm up with a short activity and then explore new concepts using manipulatives (hands on materials) across all grade levels. Evidence of student learning is observable through carefully designed teaching and learning assignments where students can access learning at their individual level of need. Students are seen constructing, making, talking and doing as they negotiate challenging learning tasks. The staff of St. Bede’s believe that developing positive mathematical mindsets is fundamental to effectively problem solve and select appropriate strategies for learning. These skills are essential in preparing students for leading successful numerate lives. Engaging learning tasks that challenge all students builds their knowledge, skills and ability to apply mathematics in their daily life. The teaching of numeracy is supported with individual goal setting.
Human Society and Its Environment
Units of work in Human Society and Its Environment are based on the NSW NESA curriculum. All units are taught in Stages over a two-year cycle. Each unit includes activities involving thinking skills and the integration of technology. The specific teaching of History and Geography are core components of this integrated subject area. Through geographical inquiry the students develop an understanding of the interactions between people, places and environments across a range of scales in order to become informed, responsible and active citizens. Through the study of History, students develop the critical skills of historical inquiry and explore past events, to develop a critical understanding of the past and its impact on the present, to and to enable students to participate as active, informed and responsible citizens.
Science and Digital Technologies
Through studying Science and Technology students explore scientific and technological concepts and gain knowledge and understanding of the world. They develop skills in conducting scientific investigations and designing and producing solutions through learning about the Living World, Material World, Physical World, Earth and Space, and Digital Technologies.
The study of Science and Technology in K–6 enables students to explore scientific and technological concepts and develop knowledge and understanding of the world; enabling them to inquire, plan, investigate and develop solutions to problems. Through the application of Working Scientifically, and Design and Production skills, students develop an interest in and an enthusiasm for understanding nature, phenomena and the built environment.
Technology is incorporated into all areas of the curriculum. All classrooms, the library and Drama rooms have touch screen televisions for teaching and learning purposes. There are iPads, Chrome Books fand laptops for use in the classrooms to ensure all students can learn using 21st Century tools. The school aims to ensure that all students are competent and confident in using digital technologies to enhance their learning. Seesaw, Google Classroom and Teams are the platforms that teachers and students use to assist wit and showcase their learning.
Students also have access to coding and robotics and STEAM resources including programmable robots (Mindstorms, Spheros, Bluebots) and a 3D printer.
Creative Arts
The study of the creative arts enables young people to engage with and enjoy exploring expressive forms, ideas, and values. The creative arts provide opportunities to enchant, explore, investigate and respond to the world through making and performing.
Students study Music, Dance, Drama and Visual Art in focused lessons. There is optional access to private in-school piano, violin and cello lessons with specialist teachers. The school participates in key creative experiences in Braidwood including the Braidwood Show, The Two Fires Festival, The Heritage Festival, The Braidwood Writers Festival and in school annual performances and exhibits.
Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) develops the knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes important for students to take positive action to protect and enhance their own and others’ health, safety and wellbeing in varied and changing contexts. Physical education is fundamental to the acquisition of movement skills and concepts to enable students to participate in a range of physical activities – confidently, competently and creatively.
Students are exposed to a variety of sports, which aim to improve their physical fitness and co-ordination. All classes have a structured PE lesson each week with lessons focused on skill development through fun age-appropriate activities. Our emphasis is on enjoyment, skill development and willing participation. In the Infant grades the emphasis is on the development of gross motor skills, coordination and team participation.
Regular exercise and fitness are an integral component of the curriculum with each class participating in regular fitness. Regular sporting clinics and gala days are offered to all grades to enhance their skills and development.