STUDENT LEARNING: Learning that engages students as lifelong learners and creative and critical thinkers
The schools of the Catholic Edcuation Diocese of Bathurst base their teaching and learning programs on the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) syllabuses for Key Learning Areas, with Religious Education at the core of their curriculum.
Primary Education and Key Learning Areas (KLA)
Primary Education, from Kindergarten to Year 6 has four stages of learning:
- Early Stage 1 - Kindergarten
- Stage 1 - Year 1 and Year 2
- Stage 2 - Year 3 and Year 4
- Stage 3 - Year 5 and Year 6
The Key Learning Areas for primary schools include:
- Religious Education
- Creative Arts (Dance, Drama, Music, Visual Arts)
- English
- Human Society and its Environment (HSIE) *History *Geography
- Languages
- Mathematics
- Personal Development and Physical Education (PDHPE)
- Science and Technology
Wiradjuri Language Program
Each year, students at a number of our K-6 schools have the opportunity to learn an Aboriginal Language. Our students are immersed in the Language and are an important part of the revitalisation process, ensuring the continuation and transmission of Aboriginal culture, customs and history. The Aboriginal Language program is taught by a qualified Language tutor.
Secondary Education and Key Learning Areas
Secondary Education, from 7 to Year 12 has three stages of learning:
- Stage 4 - Year 7 and Year 8
- Stage 5 - Year 9 and Year 10
- Stage 6 - Year 11 and Year 12
The Key Learning Areas for secondary schools include:
- Religious Education
- Creative Arts (Dance, Drama, Music, Visual Arts)
- English
- Human Society and its Environment (HSIE) *History *Geography
- Languages
- Mathematics
- Personal Development and Physical Education (PDHPE)
- Science
- Vocational Education and Training (VET) (Years 9-12)
Stage 6 Learning
The highest level of student attainment at school is the Higher School Certificate. Generally students will work towards achieving this in Years 11 and 12.
The availability of HSC courses, eligibility requirements and achievement pathways are overseen and determined by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). Click here to find out more.
Life Skills
Life Skills course provide course options for students with special education needs in Years 7-12 who cannot access the regular course outcomes. Students can, at any time, access one or more Years 7–10 courses based on Life Skills outcomes and content or Years 11–12 Life Skills courses. The appropriate timing of the decision to access Life Skills outcomes and content is guided by the needs of the student and the collaborative curriculum planning process. Each Years 7–10 syllabus includes Life Skills outcomes and content. In Stage 6 learning, there is at least one Life Skills course for each Key Learning Area.
DLH - Connecting Students to New Learning Opportunities through Technology
The Diocesan Learning Hub is a contemporary learning approach that uses technology to increase the availability of highly academic courses in Stage 6. The Hub aims to challenge and extend students while promoting high expectations and empowering them to respond creatively to the world's challenges. The Hub provides student’s access to highly trained expert teachers with a track record of student achievement in the HSC ensuring equity for all. Students complete mandatory coursework through a variety of learning experiences, including video conferencing sessions, in-school mentoring, enrichment days, workshops, and online platforms.
The Diocesan Learning Hub offers students an innovative program through strengthened partnerships with industry academics and universities, developing students’ skills beyond their knowledge of the subject area. The Learning Hub is supported by academic partners through a range of strategies such as facilitating student workshops, mentoring and teacher training.
VET
Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses are available at all CEDB secondary schools, providing hands-on learning and contributing to students' broad education. These courses engage and challenge students, helping them maximise their talents and prepare for further education and training. VET courses are delivered by trained teachers or external providers and can be undertaken in Years 9-12, leading to nationally accredited Certificates I, II, or III. All VET courses count towards the HSC and ATAR, and may allow students to start an apprenticeship or traineeship, giving them a head start in their future career.
STEM
Our STEM education programs offer a wealth of exciting opportunities for students of all ages. From Primary and Secondary Science and Engineering Challenges, to computer-based competitions and an annual Year 10 STEM camp, students can explore their passion for science, technology, engineering, and math in fun and engaging ways. Our programs not only provide students with valuable skills and knowledge, but also open up a world of possible career options.
Extracurricular
In Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst we educate the whole child, and therefore provide opportunities for growth and development beyond the academic curriculum. Our schools offer a wide range of extracurricular activities to cater to all interests and talents, from Coding Clubs to Cattle Teams, Tournament of the Minds to Maths Olympiads, Chess Club to Garden Clubs and Mini Vinnies, there's something for everyone. Our programs are designed to help students develop new skills, explore their passions, and build friendships that last a lifetime. Contact your local school to see what extracurricular activities they offer.
Creative and Performing Arts
Our schools offer a diverse range of creative and performing arts activities to cater to all interests and talents. From Drama Club to Choir, Bands to Musical productions, Eisteddfods to Public Speaking competitions, Debating competitions to Moorambilla Voices, we have something for everyone. Contact your local school to discuss the many and varied creative and performing arts opportunities that they offer.
Sport
Our schools in the Catholic Educaiton Diocese of Bathurst offer a range of sporting activities to cater to all interests and skill levels. We believe that participating in sports is not only great for physical fitness, but also for building character, teamwork skills and leadership abilities. That's why we offer a variety of sports pathways in sports such as swimming, athletics, triathlon, basketball, netball, cricket, rugby, volleyball and cross country, to help students discover and develop their sporting passions. Representative pathways are available for students at advanced levels of achievement.
Social Justice
Looking for opportunities to make a difference in the world? Our schools offer a wide range of social justice activities that aim to make a positive impact on local and global communities. From supporting the Red Shield Appeal and Mini Vinnies to participating in fundraising for Caritas, students have the chance to develop empathy, compassion and a deep understanding of social justice issues. By joining these initiatives, students can connect with like-minded peers and make a difference in the world, while also gaining valuable life skills and experience.
Ready for Learning: A Six Week Program of Focus to Support Kindergarten Students Starting School
The CEDB Ready for Learning Kindergarten Program is a unique comprehensive initiative implemented in classrooms to ensure that children are ready for their future education.
The six-week program aims to engender confidence and agency in students through learning opportunities, which foster identity and belonging within our communities. During this time, there is a particular emphasis on oral language, pre reading/writing/numeracy, social and emotional, fine and gross motor skills, as important precursors for learning. These skills are valued within the K-2 curriculum reform and provide a continuum of learning across the early years aligning with curriculum outcomes. Ready for Learning streamlines the transition between home, preschool and Kindergarten. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to be active participants in their child's education by supporting their learning at home.
