LIBERATING EDUCATION 087 ST PATRICK’S COLLEGE STRATHFIELD LUMEN 2024 This year has been filled with growth, learning, and countless memorable moments, where school and home partnerships are valued and fostered, and learning is embedded in every facet of college life. 2024 saw the implementation of the new English and Mathematics syllabuses. English demanded a strong focus on understanding and creating texts. Mathematics focused on explicit teaching, the recall of mathematical concepts, and strengthening the link between concrete, pictorial, and abstract representations. Supported by the Parents and Friends Association, we were able to resource classrooms with Mathematics equipment to enhance teaching and learning. Stage 3 staff dedicated time to analysing data to make informed decisions for the students in our care. We offered a range of intervention and enrichment opportunities to ensure that the needs of each student were met. In English, the Macquarie Literacy Program (MacqLit) for small group instruction supported several students in further developing their reading skills. Furthermore, the introduction of the Soundwaves Literacy Program in all classrooms ensured close alignment with the new English syllabus, as students followed a systematic synthetic phonics approach to literacy. Enrichment took the form of Extension Writing, Think Tank, and the Gleeson Group, where students’ critical thinking skills were enhanced. For the second year running, Stage 3 Mathematics classes were grouped according to ability. With 10 Mathematics classes in both Year 5 and Year 6, students enjoyed smaller class sizes and carefully planned lessons that addressed the needs of their cohort. Data obtained from the Progressive Achievement Testing (PAT-Maths) showed excellent growth across both Year 5 and Year 6. Learning experiences beyond the classroom were a highlight for many of our students in 2024. The Year 5 camp to Katoomba provided opportunities for students to settle into the year, form bonds, and push and challenge themselves in activities such as archery, rock climbing, and working together as a team in orienteering. Learning experiences such as these create incredible memories and serve as an opportunity for students to build strong foundations. In Term 1, Year 6 travelled to Canberra and visited the War Memorial, Old and New Parliament House, Questacon, and the Canberra Space Centre. This opportunity enriched the learning that had taken place in History and Science and Technology, where students had been answering the inquiry questions: ‘Does Democracy Mean Power?’ and ‘Why do we need forces in our world?’ In 2024, we held several community events, including Book Week, Open Classrooms, Grandparents’ Day, the Year 6 STEM Gala Day, and the Stage 3 Public Speaking Competition. It has truly been another incredible year of learning, and we look forward to the boys consolidating and building on their progress in 2025. HEAD OF CURRICULUM (STAGE 3) Mrs S Tatola Head of Teaching and Learning (Stage 3) Mr D Fields Head of Curriculum (Stage 3) Book Week Year 5 Camp (Katoomba) Open Classrooms
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