Teaching and Learning
Known. Valued. Flourishing.
As a MACS school, St Catherine's are committed to developing learners who are curious, creative, critical thinkers able to confidently communicate, collaborate and respond within local and global communities.
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The MACS Vision for Instruction and Vision for Engagement and Flourishing Learners position statements , align with the MACS 2030 strategic plan. They communicate MACS’ system-wide, evidence-based approach to supporting students to be actively engaged in their learning, equipping them to flourish and make meaningful contributions to the world.
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These position statements support St Catherine’s to focus on the two system goals articulated in Vision for Instruction (MACS 2024):
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Goal 1 – Excellence: All MACS schools deliver a knowledge-rich, evidence based teaching and learning program.
Goal 2 – Equity: Every student, regardless of background, achieves literacy and numeracy proficiency.
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We believe in supporting students to become successful learners, confident and creative individuals, and active, informed citizens.​
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Teaching and Learning at St Catherine’s is characterised by:​
Vision for Instruction promotes a knowledge-rich, evidence-based approach to instruction that requires deliberate planning, content sequencing and alignment with how students learn. Effective teaching builds on prior knowledge, manages cognitive load and uses explicit instruction methods – such as modelling, guided practice and formative assessment – to ensure deep understanding and retention.
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a shared understanding of students - how they learn and grow academically, socially and emotionally
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collaboration between staff members, parents and the wider community
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engaging students in meaningful and relevant differentiated learning experiences
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providing feedback for improvement and learning​
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Teaching and Learning at St Catherine’s Moorabbin is informed by:​​
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Gospel values and teachings of the Catholic Church
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The Victorian Curriculum 2.0
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Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools MACS 2030: Forming Lives to Enrich the World
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Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools- Vision for Instruction Flourishing Learners Position Statement
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Ongoing student assessments
Literacy
Literacy is at the heart of learning at our school. Through explicit, evidence-based teaching aligned with the Science of Reading, students develop strong skills in reading, writing, and communication.
In the early years, a structured synthetic phonics program using Little Learners Love Literacy and Heggerty builds phonemic awareness, decoding, spelling, and fluency.
As they grow, students learn to express their ideas clearly through meaningful writing, exploring storytelling, explanations, and creative projects.
They develop confidence in shaping their thoughts, sharing their voice, and communicating effectively in ways that connect with others.
Numeracy
At St Catherine's, maths is about more than memorising facts. It’s about understanding, reasoning, and building confidence.
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We teach in a clear, step-by-step way, starting with hands-on activities, then using visual tools, and finally exploring abstract ideas. Each lesson includes a daily review, helping students consolidate what they’ve learned before moving on.
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Lessons are tailored to each child, with guided practice, problem-solving, and extra support when needed. Students are encouraged to think flexibly, explain their strategies, and see how maths connects to real life.
This approach helps students build fluency, confidence, and a love of learning, giving them the skills to succeed at school and beyond.
Humanities
At St Catherine's, humanities helps students explore the world and their place in it. Through history, geography, civics, and economics, students discover how people, communities, and environments change over time. They ask questions, investigate real-world issues, and learn to think critically about different perspectives. By exploring diverse cultures, events, and ideas, students develop curiosity, empathy, and the confidence to be active, thoughtful members of their communities.
Science
At St Catherine's, science is all about curiosity, exploration, and discovery. Teachers introduce ideas and model how scientists think, and students bring these ideas to life through hands-on experiments and investigations. In our Discovery Room, a dedicated STEM space, they design, build, test, and explore, working together to solve problems and spark creativity. These experiences help students grow confidence, critical thinking, and curiosity, developing into learners who ask questions, investigate, and understand how the world works.
SPECIALIST PROGRAMS
Auslan
At St Catherine's, students learn Auslan (Australian Sign Language) as part of our Languages program. Through hands-on, interactive lessons, they communicate using signs, facial expressions, and body language while building vocabulary and simple conversational skills.
Students also explore Deaf culture and the Deaf community, gaining a deeper understanding of how people connect. This fun and meaningful experience helps them grow in confidence and appreciate the many ways we communicate every day.
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Physical Education
At St Catherine’s, Physical Education is all about moving, playing, and having fun while building strength, coordination, and confidence. Lessons help students develop teamwork, skills, and resilience, with plenty of opportunities for everyone to get involved and try new activities. Throughout the year, students participate in swimming lessons, beach safety programs, HOLT tournaments, interschool sports and specialised sports clinics.
Whole-school events like Ride to School Day, Footy Day, and the Athletics Carnival celebrate participation, teamwork, and achievement. Running Club is also available as an optional extra-curricular activity.
Performing Arts
At St Catherine’s, our Performing Arts program sparks creativity, confidence, and self-expression! Through music, drama, and movement, students develop skills in singing, instruments, storytelling, and performance, while building teamwork and collaboration. Across the year, there are many opportunities for each child to perform! Our program nurtures rhythm, improvisation and ensemble work. Students gain practical skills in performing and collaborating that support learning across the school.
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Visual Arts
At St Catherine's, the Visual Arts program gives students the chance to explore, create, and express themselves through a variety of art forms. Children experiment with a wide range of mediums, including; painting, drawing, sculpture and printmaking, while developing confidence and their own style. They discover the building blocks of art, including colour, shape, texture, and how to bring them together in their work. Students get to showcase their amazing creations to their families and community in the biennial St Catherine's Art Exhibition!
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Visual Arts is a chance for students to get messy, experiment and let their creativity run wild!
Library and
Learning Hub
Our school library is a lively Learning Hub where students discover, read, and create. With a wide range of books, digital resources, and reference materials, children explore stories, research topics, and develop literacy and critical thinking skills.
Regular library lessons, Book Week activities, reading challenges, and the Book Fair make learning fun and inspire a love of reading. The library is also a welcoming space for collaboration and creativity, helping students become confident, curious, and lifelong learners.
Digital Techonology
At St Catherine's, Digital Technology helps students explore, create, and problem-solve using technology safely and confidently. From coding and digital storytelling to multimedia projects, children use iPads, Chromebooks, and robots to bring ideas to life. They learn to think critically, collaborate, and apply technology in fun, hands-on ways, building skills that prepare them for a digital world.
Support and Extension
At our school, we support every student to reach their full potential. Students who need extra help receive targeted
support in literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional skills, while those ready for more challenge enjoy enrichment through creative projects, problem-solving tasks, advanced math, and competitions. By combining support and extension, we help every child build confidence, develop their skills, and grow as independent, curious learners.