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Religion The RE policy at CBC is about education in the Catholic faith traditions. It encompasses the formal and informal RE curriculum, Catholic practices and personal experiences. It aims to educate the whole person. It is based on the Doctrinal Scope and Sequence as published by the Catholic Education Office. At each level Core Topics address: Human Person, God, Jesus, Justice and the Holy Spirit, and throughout the years cover the remaining 17 areas. Sacramental celebration takes place through programs of preparation in school. Sacraments offered are Reconciliation (Year 3), First Eucharist (Year 4) and Confirmation (Year 7). Family Life The Family Life Curriculum aims to develop knowledge and skills, and fosters the Catholic values which encourage students to make responsible, healthy choices in their lives. The curriculum is based on five major headings in each year level, which gives a comprehensive and balanced curriculum on human sexuality. The information, activities and learning processes are age appropriate. As parents are the primary sexuality educators of their children, the program allows teachers to have a complementary role, therefore close co-operation must exist between parents and teacher. English The English curriculum involves the study and use of the English language and literature. Students are introduced to a wide variety of texts. Speaking, listening, reading, writing, listening and viewing activities form the basis of classwork and assessment. Literacy A major focus at our school is the early identification of students with Special Needs in Literacy and the implementation of intervention programs for these children. At Year 1 level students participate in the Early Years Assessment Tests and further Benchmarking Tests are done at Year 3 and 5 levels. The Early Years Literacy Program was introduced in the Early Learning Centre in 1999 and Intervention via the ESL Specialist and Key Literacy Teacher through Years 3-7 has encouraged the growth of our Literacy focus through the Junior School. The Rainbow Reading Program was also introduced in 1999 and is yet another way we can cater for individual students who may need an intervention program for literacy growth. Mathematics
Through the study of Mathematics, students develop an appreciation of the consistency and generality of Mathematics and learn to continually refine their thought processes in order to adopt and apply their knowledge to solve unfamiliar problems. A major emphasis is to experience success with Mathematics, and to gain confidence in ability to use Mathematics for practical, everyday purposes as well as for its inherent value. At each year level students explore the six core areas of Mathematical study. These are: Working Mathematically; Number; Space; Measurement; Chance and Data; and Algebra. Activities are designed to develop the students' interest and enjoyment. Maths Manual Each students (Years 3-7) is issued with a Mathematics Manual and it is expected that teachers assist students to work through the contents of the book. Parent assistance in this area is also beneficial. Society
& Environment Studies of Society and Environment involve the exploration of people's relationships with others and with their environment. Students gather and record information concerning the interactions between local ecosystems, natural and man made surroundings and social conditions. Through investigation, communication and participation, students will expand their knowledge and understanding of their own and others societies, local and global environments and cultural, legal and political issues. CBC fosters the development of responsible and knowledgeable students who are able to participate as valuable members of a society through seven key competencies. As members of a Catholic community students come to appreciate our country's past, the culture of Indigenous Australians and actively work to promote reconciliation between white and indigenous Australians. Through Studies of Society and Environment students will have the opportunity to deal with issues of global and local significance and will be involved in independent learning and responsible decision making. Science "The creation of a sense of joyful celebration of the wonder of life and creation. An appreciation of the wonder of God as creator and a reverence for the environment as sacred." (Christian Brothers Vision Statement 4.2) The study of science enables students to gain an understanding of the world around them. It allows students to develop their problem solving and practical skills. The areas of study include:
Students will be able to develop process skills in observation, classification, communication, prediction and problem solving via scientific investigation. A program is available through the interactive television links via satellite to Melbourne called STEPS. Technology Technology programs inspire students to use technology in an inventive way and become adventurous people. It helps students to develop ideas and put them into practice; ideas that assist in meeting and satisfying human needs. "Students develop their knowledge and understanding of past and present technology." (Technology Statement pg 4). The following are the four strands of Technology which students will be learning about and using: Designing (Making and Appraising); Information; Materials; and Systems. Information Technology The Computing Studies programme reflects an awareness of the culture and unique nature of Christian Brothers College Junior School. A high percentage of students commence studies at CBC Junior School in every grade each year. These students come to CBC Junior School with a great range of knowledge, skills and interest in the use of computers. The Computing Studies programme is therefore flexible across the R-7 curriculum. It allows for individual needs and the varying levels of knowledge, skills and interest. Focus:
From this position we believe that an appropriate sequence of teaching and learning is this: Students in each year level learn computer skills, while engaging in specific curriculum tasks. These tasks have the secondary aspect of developing students' skills in the software applications being used. Activities include: word processing; spreadsheets; database construction; desktop publication using paint, draw and slide show applications: research and information retrieval from multimedia resources; logic and problem solving. The Arts The Arts contain five strands in which the students participate as creators and theorists and by so doing, develop their conceptual, perceptual, physical and social understandings. Visual Arts The students are offered a wide variety of experiences to enhance their artistic expression. Music Students derive enjoyment and fulfilment from involvement in music. The Junior School has two bands and offers an instrumental tuition programme. Participation is also available in Choral Music. Each class also has one period each week where rhythm, melody and musical appreciation are taught. Drama Drama lessons are used to develop awareness of space, use difficult movement levels, mime, work as individuals or groups, role play. All classes use drama lessons to develop children's confidence to create and present their productions. Media Students are encouraged to share and discuss media experiences. They are encouraged to analyse the various types of media including radio, video, computer technology and print. The Arts Dance is used as an expression of the students' inner thoughts and experiences. Various types of dance are used on different occasions. Languages Other
Than English - Italian The Italian room program has been running at the school for approximately 4 years. It is important to ensure that assessment and reporting is covered appropriately and that the assessment and reporting procedures employed best reflect the needs of the students. There is a range of different assessment and reporting techniques collect data including checklists, work samples, observations, tests, verbal assessment, and written assessment. Learning Assistance
Program (LAP) Another vigorous aspect of support for students at the college is the Learning Assistance Programme or LAP. Concentrating on literacy and numeracy skills in the Junior School, a loyal and enthusiastic band of eight to ten volunteers including parents and grandparents regularly visit the school to tutor students individually under the supervision, encouragement and guidance of the co-ordinator. This has grown in recent years and reflects the close co-operation between staff and parents and friends for the college to help students develop vital foundation skills for their schooling. Volunteers and staff are helped to attend inservice programmes organised regularly by the Catholic Education Office, LAP Association and other professional bodies like SPELD. The special education school assistant has largely filled this role, through volunteers (often trained teachers and/or nurses) continue to assist students with learning or language difficulties. Working under the guidance of the Special Needs Co-ordinator the latter perform invaluable service. Two volunteers of ten years service each have in recent months retired for health reasons. Further volunteers will be sought in the new semester. Health The purpose of the Health programme in all year levels is to encourage personal responsibility and the development of positive health attitudes and practices. The programme aims to give the students an increased awareness about their own bodies and how to look after them. The body systems and functions are part of the study. As well as the physical aspects of being healthy, the programme looks at the emotional side - feelings and sensitivities. The students come to realise that each individual has a unique character and must look after their physical and emotional health. Physical Education
& Sport All boys are given tuition in Physical Education to develop their talents. Effort is made to provide participation on the playing field. It is important to pastorally care for all students in Physical Education classes. Special effort is made for those boys who are under-achievers and lack of confidence with regards to physical activity and sport. The Physical Education program incorporated with sports is offered by the School on Saturday mornings. Golf is introduced as a game you can play for many years. Christian Brothers' schools encourage students to do their best in all segments of their school life. Opportunities may be provided for SAPSASA representation in the various sports. The physical education program promotes positive relationships between staff and students and encompasses friendship, co-operation and personal care.
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