Learning And Teaching

At St. Carlo Borromeo we strive to provide our students with the knowledge, skills and practices required to succeed in the 21st century. We acknowledge the significance of assisting students to become motivated and independent learners and understand the importance of a supportive and stimulating classroom.

The curriculum at St. Carlo Borromeo is in line with the Victorian Curriculum. It outlines what is important for students to learn and develop during their time at school. We use these standards to plan programs for learning, assess student progress and report to parents. We make every attempt to integrate the curriculum to maximise this learning. The critical and creative thinking, ethical, intercultural, personal and social capabilities are embedded across all subject areas.

At St. Carlo’s we employ an inquiry based approach, to learning within an integrated curriculum, developing the knowledge, skills and dispositions. In preparing our students for their future, we recognise the importance of developing their capacity to learn 'how to learn'. Our inquiry approach embraces the philosophy of ‘lifelong’ learning and is a process that draws on a range of tools and strategies to develop thinking, research, collaboration, communication and self management skills.

Each Inquiry begins with an exploration of relevant key concepts. The content, skills and dispositions incorporated provide a balance between curriculum outcomes, real life contexts, current affairs and student interest.

Each term our students embark on an Inquiry which is a cross-curricular, inquiry based investigation that aims to develop a cumulative understanding of the six big conceptual ideas:

• Ethics

• Change

• Diversity

• Relationships & Identity

• System, Resources & Management

• Responsibility

• Environment

Each child at our school is unique and has their own gifts, talents and areas of challenge and develops at their own rate. The staff at St. Carlo's uses 21st century teaching methodology, philosophy and resources to cater for the individual needs of the children in their care. Student learning is matched to their needs and development enabling them to experience success and develop into confident, lifelong learners.

At St Carlo's we aim to cater for each child’s educational needs through the following 4 steps:

1. Assessment: Assessment is an important and continual part of the teaching and learning cycle. We formally test each student in the areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening at the beginning, middle and end of each year. Teachers also continually monitor student skills throughout each term by using a variety of assessment techniques. The information which is gained is then used to plan for student learning. Assessment forms the basis of reports for parents.

2. Analysis: All the data gained from the formal and ongoing assessment is analysed by the teacher to identify specific areas of need for each child.

3. Data Driven Teaching: The identification of the areas of need from the data analysis is used to tailor the curriculum so that your child’s needs are met.

4. Celebrating success: Each child is encouraged in a safe environment and given opportunities to experience success throughout each learning area. Celebrations of learning form a pivotal part of nurturing success where teachers, parents and students share the achievements of the students. St Carlo's share children's learning through the app SeeSaw.