Curriculum K-6

“When teaching and learning are visible there is a greater likelihood of students reaching higher levels of achievement.” John Hattie, Laureate Professor and chair of the AITSL Board. 

St Matthew’s Catholic School, Mudgee honours its commitment to Catholic education and enables each child to reach their full potential by providing high-quality educational programs that cater for the needs of all students.

At St Matthews we provide a learning community that is innovative and has purpose, it maintains academic rigour, has high expectations for excellence within an environment that empowers, enables and engages students and staff.

The curriculum at St Matthews is based on the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) Curriculum. Students receive instruction in all key learning areas.

Key Learning Areas

  • Religious Education

  • English

  • Mathematics

  • Science and Technology

  • Human Society and its Environment (HSIE) History, Geography

  • Creative and Performing Arts

  • Personal Development/Health/Physical Education (PDHPE)  

Religious Education K-6

All students from Kindergarten to Year 12 participate in religious education classes, prayer, liturgies and retreat or reflection day experiences as an integral part of their learning.

In line with other key learning areas,  quality teaching and learning is the focus of religious education where knowledge about the Catholic faith is supported by current methods and quality resources.

Our religious education program links with faith formation programs and opportunities allowing students to engage in their local parish through exposure to the sacramental life of the Church. 

English K-6

The aim of English in Years K–10 is to enable students to understand and use language effectively, appreciate, reflect on and enjoy the English language and to make meaning in ways that are imaginative, creative, interpretive, critical and powerful.

Through responding to and composing a wide range of texts and through the close study of texts, students develop knowledge, understanding and skills in order to:

  • communicate through speaking, listening, reading, writing, viewing and representing

  • use language to shape and make meaning according to purpose, audience and context

  • think in ways that are imaginative, creative, interpretive and critical

  • express themselves and their relationships with others and their world

  • learn and reflect on their learning through their study of English. 

Mathematics

The aim of Mathematics in K–10 is for students to:

  • be confident, creative users and communicators of mathematics, able to investigate, represent and interpret situations in their personal and work lives and as active citizens

  • develop an increasingly sophisticated understanding of mathematical concepts and fluency with mathematical processes, and be able to pose and solve problems and reason in Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, and Statistics and Probability

  • recognise connections between the areas of mathematics and other disciplines and appreciate mathematics as an accessible, enjoyable discipline to study, and an important aspect of lifelong learning.

Science and Technology 

The study of Science and Technology in K–6 enables students to explore scientific and technological concepts and develop knowledge and understanding of the world; enabling them to inquire, plan, investigate and develop solutions to problems. Through the application of Working Scientifically, and Design and Production skills, students develop an interest in and an enthusiasm for understanding nature, phenomena and the built environment.

History 

The aim of the History syllabus is to stimulate students’ interest in and enjoyment of exploring the past, to develop a critical understanding of the past and its impact on the present, to develop the critical skills of historical inquiry and to enable students to participate as active, informed and responsible citizens.

Geography

The aim of Geography in Years K–10 is to stimulate students’ interest in and engagement with the world. Through geographical inquiry they develop an understanding of the interactions between people, places and environments across a range of scales in order to become informed, responsible and active citizens.

Creative and Practical Arts

The study of the creative arts enables young people to engage with and enjoy exploring expressive forms, ideas, and values. The creative arts provides opportunities to enchant, explore, investigate and respond to the world through making and performing.

Personal Development/Health/Physical Education (PDHPE)

The study of PDHPE in K–10 aims to enable students to develop the knowledge, understanding, skills, values and attitudes required to lead and promote healthy, safe and active lives.