We live in a world, which is complex, rapidly changing and rich in information and communications technology. We live in a world, which demands high-order knowledge and understanding; a world, which is increasingly global in its outlook and influences.
At St. Mary MacKillop, we strive to equip our students with a set of knowledge, skills and behaviours, which will prepare them for success in such a world; knowledge, skills and behaviours, which will enable our students to:
- manage themselves as individuals and in relation to others;
- understand the world in which they live; and
- act effectively in that world.
These educative goals underpin Victoria’s mandated curriculum, the Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS). Following is a table which outlines the domains (subjects) which are grouped into three interrelated strands: Physical, Personal and Social Learning; Discipline-based Learning; and Interdisciplinary Learning.
Being a Catholic school, Education in Faith is explicitly ‘taught’ and underpins all learning, teaching and indeed life at St. Mary MacKillop School.
Literacy (English), Numeracy (Mathematics) and The Arts are process domains. It is through these domains that we learn about, come to understand, respond to and contribute to our world. Because we learn through these subjects, there are daily lessons in Literacy and Numeracy at every year level. Being able to express our thinking, to read and write are at the core of all learning. Being able to think quantitatively (for example to calculate, measure and interpret data) is critical to understanding and participating in our world.
All students participate in a Visual Arts program and the Performing Arts are integrated through all classroom programs. It is also through The Arts that we can express our ideas, represent and interpret our world. The Performing Arts program supports students’ language development and their spatial perception.
The content domains, such as History (part of the Humanities), Civics and Citizenship and Science, while they have specific skills and content related to their domain, help us to understand our world and enable us to participate effectively in our world. In order to do this, we not only need to be able to communicate effectively, but we also need to be able to relate to and work with others. Hence, domains such as Personal Learning, Interpersonal Development, Communication and ICT are essential areas of learning. Maintaining physical health and fitness is paramount to learning and participating, to the best of our ability, in society.
A Conceptual Framework for the Integrated Curriculum
Underpinning everything that is essential to learn are concepts, such as, change, diversity, sustainability, systems, community, relationships, personal identity and values.
The school has developed a Conceptual Framework through which we teach what is essential to learn. Under the umbrellas of the seven Curriculum Organisers, delivered over a two-year cycle, we design investigative programs, which draw on the VELS, using the contexts of community and global events, and drawing on the students’ interests and capabilities.
Our Facilities
- A warm, inviting school facility, with newly renovated and refurbished classrooms
- A magnificent Resource/Library space
- An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre
- ICT hardware throughout all classrooms
- A safe fenced school playground, comprising active and passive playing areas
- Two Adventure Playgrounds
- Soccer pitch, Football ground, Basketball/Netball and Volleyball courts
- A School Stadium