Rationale
At St. Paul's School, we believe that our learners are at the centre of our work, they are all unique with different ways of thinking and learning and they bring with them different needs, backgrounds, strengths, perspectives and interests. As a result, the education program at St. Paul's ensures that the diverse needs of the students are met, the learning experiences are purposeful, engaging and innovative and a supportive team approach values and recognises effort, achievement and excellence. We recognise the importance of families and staff working together in partnership and multiple opportunities are provided for engagement with the wider community. Key to the education program at St. Paul's is the priority for creating a safe and supportive learning environment that gives students a strong sense of belonging, thus enabling them to thrive in such a unique and special learning environment. Student well-being is at the forefront of all teaching while maintaining high expectations for learning
Vision for Learning
St. Paul's School Woodridge Vision for Learning provides guidance and direction for all learning across the school community. It provides clarity and direction and clearly states the beliefs, values, principles and practices that guide all learning experiences. The statement uses the Mary Mackillop 'holding cross' and her image at the centre calls us to follow her mission to educate all, especially those who are more in need. Her centrality within the statement ensures that her words and actions are called to mind in decision making for the learning and teaching experiences for all in our community.
St. Paul's School Woodridge's Vision for Learning aligns with the Alice Springs (Mparntwe) Education Declaration and clearly aims to achieve the goals for Education as outlined in the declaration. This is evident in our Vision for Learning which explicitly states that the school values a learner centred approach, equity and excellence for all and a nurturing community. The statement is also reflective of the Alice Springs (Mparntwe) Education Declaration as both refer to the key underlying principles that cultural diversity must be valued and celebrated and all students no matter what their background are to be supported to achieve their full potential. Our vision for learning also supports the Alice Springs (Mparntwe) Education Declaration through implementing quality learning opportunities for our students to develop confidence and creativity, have success in learning and develop the ability to be active and informed members of the community.
At St. Paul's School Woodridge, the Vision for Learning Statement outlines the key educational and organisation practices that are valued at St. Paul's. The traditions of our Catholic faith provide the foundation for teaching and learning that is meaningful, relevant and contemporary and ensures that as a community we follow the example of Jesus and St. Mary of the Cross MacKillop. Reflective and collaborative practices ensure that the differentiation of the curriculum meets the needs of our diverse range of students and data-informed pedagogies and strategies for teaching and learning are planned for and implemented effectively. School staff work as a cohesive team and quality professional development is a priority for ensuring that excellence in learning is provided. Key to the development of a nurturing community is the supportive practices developed through the Community Hub which provides vital ongoing support for students and families to enable them to access and participate more fully in the educational programs offered at St. Paul's.
Curriculum Delivery
St. Paul's School Woodridge has a coherent, sequenced plan for curriculum delivery that ensures consistent teaching and learning expectations and a clear reference for monitoring learning across the year levels. The plan, within which evidence-based teaching practices are embedded, and to which assessment and reporting procedures are aligned, has been developed with reference to the Australian Curriculum and the BCE Religious Education Curriculum and refined collaboratively to provide a shared vision for curriculum practice. All subject areas of the Australian Curriculum are taught; English, Mathematics, The Arts, Science, Technologies, Health and Physical Education, Humanities and Social Sciences and Languages (Yugambeh in Years Prep -2 and 5).
© Brisbane Catholic Education, St Paul's School (2024)