Principles for Learning

ST BENEDICT’S CORE CURRICULUM

                             Part 1: Principles for Learning

Purpose

This document outlines the basic beliefs about teaching and learning on which the curriculum at St Benedict’s is based. It has been developed collaboratively by the teaching staff to help guide and focus decisions made about teaching and learning across all year levels and in all curriculum areas.

Beliefs about Learning

At Saint Benedict’s teachers believe that students learn most effectively when:

In greater detail…

Feedback

 Students at St Benedict’s are given timely feedback that is positive and constructive to assist them reach their individual goals.

Engagement with Understandings

 Students at St Benedict’s are provided with the opportunity to work with new knowledge and skills in a way that enables them to mould and reshape their current understanding. They are actively involved in this process of learning, often requiring them to meaningfully practise and apply their new understandings and skills.

Reflecting and Goal Setting

 Students at St Benedict’s have the opportunity to be responsible for learning by setting goals; practising skills and reflecting on learning, at a pace where individual needs are met.

 Valued and Respected

 Students at St Benedict’s feel valued and cared for by teachers, peers and others in the classroom and school. They have the opportunity to work collaboratively with others, be inquisitive, productive and heard. They can make decisions about their learning and the learning environment.

 Risk taking in a Safe and Supportive Environment

 At St Benedict’s our learning environment enables students to independently face challenges with confidence. They develop the successful strategies to approach their learning.

 High Expectations, Purposeful and Challenging Learning

 At St Benedict’s learners are challenged and have high, yet achievable expectations of/from themselves. We strive to ensure individual needs are met and to assist students to see a purpose for their learning. Subject matter becomes of interest to them and is presented at an appropriate developmental level.