Our Approach to Learning at St Joseph's Primary, Asltonville
At St Joseph's Primary, Asltonville, we are committed to providing an outstanding education that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit of each child. Our approach to learning is dynamic and student-centred, reflecting the latest in educational research and pedagogical approaches. In line with our dedication to excellence and the holistic development of our students, we have recently embraced a significant shift in our teaching and learning model.
Transitioning to a New Model
Our school has now transitioned to an evidence-based teaching and learning framework. This change was primarily inspired by the introduction of the new New South Wales (NSW) curriculum for English and Mathematics, which is sequential in nature and integrates evidence-based pedagogies. Notably, these include explicit direct instruction, which research has shown to be highly effective in enhancing student learning when implemented in a more focused classroom setting.
Focused Learning with Year-Level Teachers
Under our new model, students spend the majority of their day with their year-level classroom teacher, concentrating on Mathematics and English, as well as developmentally appropriate aspects of the Personal Development, Health, and Physical Education (PDHPE) curriculum. This shift ensures that each student receives tailored instruction that is closely aligned with their academic and personal development needs. It also allows our teachers to foster a deeper understanding of each student's individual learning strengths and areas for growth, ensuring that every child feels known, cared for and loved.
Collaboration and Team Teaching
While we have adopted a more structured approach to core subjects, we continue to value the importance of community, collaboration, and interdisciplinary learning. After focusing on core subjects with their year-level teachers, we open the doors between classrooms in years 1-2, 3-4 and 5-6 to allow for team teaching in other areas of the curriculum, such as Religious Education, History and Creative Arts. This innovative approach enables students to engage with peers across grade levels, fostering a sense of unity and teamwork while benefiting from the diverse expertise of our teaching staff.
Why the Change?
The shift to this model was driven by our commitment to adopting teaching practices supported by solid evidence to enhance student learning outcomes. The new NSW curriculum's emphasis on sequential learning in English and Mathematics necessitated a move towards smaller, year-level specific classrooms for these subjects. This environment is conducive to explicit direct instruction, a pedagogy that ensures all students acquire the foundational knowledge and skills essential for their educational journey. Furthermore, having a dedicated year-level teacher enhances the ability to provide personalised care and attention, ensuring that each student's unique needs and potential are addressed.
At St Joseph's Primary, Asltonville, our approach to learning is always evolving to meet the needs of our students and the demands of a changing world. We believe that by combining focused, evidence-based instruction in core areas with opportunities for cross-grade collaboration and creative exploration, we can offer an education that is not only academically rigorous but also enriching and inclusive. Our ultimate goal is to empower our students to achieve their fullest potential, guided by a strong moral compass and a lifelong love for learning.