Teaching & Learning

Curriculum

 

Through our Broken Bay Learning Principles, we seek to sustain and deepen a culture that treasures the joy of learning and continues to nurture this joy in the young people in our Schools.

At Holy Cross Catholic School we teach the NSW Syllabus with the added Curriculum Areas of Religious Education and Japanese.

Religious Education offers students the opportunity to participate more fully in the tradition and life of the Church. It does this by exposing them to the richness of its history and traditions, by assisting their understanding of beliefs, practices and values, and developing in them an appreciation of the life of the Church and how Catholic Disciples continue the mission of the Church in contemporary society.

In English, students learn to read, write, talk and listen. They learn about English language and literature, how language varies according to context and how to communicate to a range of audiences for different purposes. They learn to read for information and for pleasure from a wide variety of texts. They gain a sound grasp of language structures, punctuation, spelling and grammar.

Mathematics develops student thinking, understanding, competence and confidence with numbers, shapes and measurement. Students learn to add, subtract, divide and multiply whole numbers, fractions and decimals. They learn to measure time and calculate with money. They learn geometry, algebra and how to work with data and graphs.

Science and Technology develops student skills in thinking, investigating and problem-solving. It gives them knowledge and skills in scientific investigation, design and applied technology. This subject builds on the curiosity children have about their natural and built environments.

In History and Geography students learn about history, geography, civics and citizenship. They investigate their personal and community identity, and gain an understanding of their nation and its place in the world. They learn to participate effectively in maintaining and improving the quality of their society and environment.

Creative Arts gives students experiences in the visual arts, music, drama and dance. They have opportunities to explore their creativity in each of these areas. They learn to appreciate the meanings and values that each art form offers. They perform and express themselves through the visual arts, music, drama and dance.  All students participate in Music lessons with our specialist Music teacher each week.

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) develops the knowledge, skills and attitudes students need to lead healthy, active and fulfilling lives. Students learn about the importance of good food and regular exercise. They learn how bodies grow and change over time. They learn skills to play individual and team sports, and the values of sportsmanship and teamwork. All students have a lesson with our specialist PE teacher each week as well as participating in sport with their class teacher.

Japanese was introduced to Holy Cross in 2011, as part of our curriculum. All students participate in Japanese lessons from a qualified teacher where they learn not only some of the basic language (written and spoken) but also are exposed to the Japanese culture.