Our curriculum is based around a number of significant resources including the Victorian Government’s ‘Victorian Essential Learning Standards’, the collective experiences of our academic staff and input from our wider School family. The development of boys’ thinking skills is central to the implementation of the curriculum.
It is important to note that all elements of our curriculum are constantly being audited/evaluated and, where appropriate, further developed.
Our primary curriculum goal is to assist and encourage boys to develop a range of skills and attitudes that will benefit them not only during their formal education but beyond. Our aim is to ensure that our boys:
- are provided with a co-operative and creative learning environment;
- are equipped with a wide range of age-appropriate thinking skills;
- are given clear, challenging but achievable goals;
- are encouraged to develop an array of skills and strategies and in doing so are prepared to take academic risks;
- are provided with opportunities that encourage self-motivation, increased self-confidence and self-reflection;
- are provided with an array of relevant, highly motivating resources and learning experiences.
The foundation of our curriculum is the eight Key Learning Areas that are recognised Australia-wide:
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- Technology
- Humanities
- Languages Other Than English- Japanese
- The Arts- Music, Drama and Art
- Health and Physical Education
A key focus of our teaching is the development of our boys’ thinking skills. A sequential program has been designed to develop the organisational, analytical, critical, creative and metacognitive thinking of our boys. This is implemented by staff adopting specific teaching strategies when delivering the curriculum. At each Year Level specific thinking skills are emphasised. These include:
- Year Prep- The Six Thinking Hats (one at a time)
- Year One- The Six Thinking Hats (hat sequences)
- Year Two- Organisational Thinking Tables
- Year Three- Thinkers Keys – lateral thinking
- Year Four- Thinkers Keys – lateral thinking
- Year Five- Graphic Organisers
- Year Six- Habits of Mind
It is important to note that any skills taught in previous years are reinforced as the boys move through the Junior School. In addition to this various Graphic Organisers are used at all Year Levels.
A vital component of the boys’ learning centres on our Social Problem Solving Program. Implemented at all Year Levels, the program is primarily based on the ‘You Can Do It’ program. Skills such as confidence, persistence, organisation, getting along and resilience are taught to assist the boys in their social, moral and personal development.
From Year 1 extension programs are offered to boys who are identified as highly able so as to further challenge and enrich their education. Boys with specific learning difficulties are also provided with extra support either on an individual or small group basis.
The success of our curriculum can largely be attributed to our culture of having the boys, teachers and parents working together as a team throughout our boys’ learning journey.