Curriculum

Curriculum

We are committed in the spirit of the great Catholic tradition to more than a ere deonstration of the tasks of living. We are dedicated to the mission of living. Tolive is to explore wonder and to give life is to restore the capacity for wonder. As men and women committed to the mission of the church, we always remember our dignity. We are not technicians of survival. We are the guardians of life at the gates of wonder. Our curriculum must be the gateway to wonder.
(From 'Build Bethlehem Everywhere)

Central to curriculum in Catholic schools in the Diocese of Townsville are the following principles:
·         Each child is given the opportunity to become an effective learner.
·         Each child engages in curriculum supported by a framework of meaning based on the
religious traditions of the Catholic Church.
·         The school will interpret and implement the curriculum as defined by the Queensland Studies Authority (QSA).
·         The principal is the curriculum leader in the school.

Priority Areas 2008

Literacy

Literacy is essential in becoming an effective learner and a functioning member of society. It is fundamental in helping every student to reach their potential. To support all schools and all teachers in the teaching of literacy, TCEO has delivered professional development based on the First Steps program in the modules of Reading (2006), Writing (2007) and Speaking and Listening (2008). One facilitator from each school (primary and secondary) has been trained in each module so that they can deliver the training to their staff. This training involves 12 hours of professional development and includes the provision of resource books and strategies for the classroom.

QCAR

The Queensland Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting framework is emerging in 2008 beginning with the release of the Essential Learnings (ELs) and Standards in January, 2008, as well as an invitation to trial a Queensland Comparable Assessment Task (QCAT). These Essential Learnings and Standards will be embedded in Queensland syllabus documents. It is therefore imperative that we familiarize ourselves with the Essential Learnings and Standards in 2008 by examining the connections between ELs and the current syllabus outcomes, as well as understanding the Standards and their application for assessment and reporting. Professional learning opportunities through training and moderation will be made available for all schools throughout the year.

Pedagogy

Today’s education system faces irrelevance unless we bridge the gap between how students live and how they learn. (Partnership for 21st Century Skills)
We cannot continue to teach using pedagogy from a different context. Our pedagogy must ‘fit’ the reality of our students.

Numeracy
Numeracy is essential in becoming an effective learner and a functioning member of society. It is fundamental in helping every student to reach their potential.
Townsville Catholic Education Office has developed a Numeracy Plan 2008 – 2012 to assist
schools in planning for the explicit teaching of numeracy skills across the curriculum. This is
supplemented by the implementation of a P – 9 Mathematics program and extensive professional development of staff.

KLA Panels
Education is a highly complex and demanding endeavour. In the current economic and political climate, the demands placed on teachers in the classroom have increased greatly and have intensified the work and stress of the classroom practitioner. Added to this is the uncertainty of the educational landscape and the direction that schools will need to take to provide quality teaching and learning outcomes for our students. The establishment of the KLA panels is an initiative of the TCEO to: assist schools to discern best practice in the current educational climate; support and empower teachers in their current role; and provide quality learning experiences for our students. It is a strategy which seeks to recognise the expertise and professionalism of our teachers, and to cultivate an environment where this expertise is valued, shared and grown.

Relevant Links:
Queensland Studies Authority www.qsa.qld.edu.auQueensland Catholic Education Commission www.qcec.qld.catholic.edu.au

Introducing our Curriculum Team
Refer to the document attached for a listing of our Curriculum staff and their responsibilities.

Available Documents

Literacy Plan

Curriculum literacy plan

Learning Framework

Curriculum Learning Framework

Numeracy Policy

Numeracy plan brochure

Introducing our Curriculum team