High quality learning and teaching is at the heart of St Francis Xavier’s School.
The Australian Curriculum sets the expectations for what all Australian students should be taught, regardless of where they live or their background. For Foundation to Year 10, it means that students have access to the same content, and their achievement can be judged against consistent national standards. Schools and teachers are responsible for the organisation of learning and they will choose contexts for learning and plan learning in ways that best meet their students’ needs and interests. For more information please visit www.australiancurriculum.edu.au.
Lifelong Learning
Education begins at birth and ends when our time on earth is complete – in other words, learning is a lifelong adventure. Schooling is but a small part of this process.
Within the context of the values we hold as a Catholic school in the Diocese of Cairns, we encourage each student to develop the attributes of a lifelong learner to become:
- a quality producer,
- a designer and creator,
- an active investigator,
- an effective communicator,
- a leader and collaborator, and
- a community contributor.
Catholic Education Learning Framework
Digital Citizenship and eLearning
We are continually exploring fresh ways of harnessing the power of new technologies to improve the delivery of teaching and learning in our classrooms. This multimedia approach is facilitated through the provision of a digital cabled and wireless network which allows students and teachers access to digital tools such as classroom computers, projectors, cameras, laptops and iPads for use in their learning. St Francis Xavier’s coordinates in conjunction with parents a one on one digital device program for Year 4, 5 and 6 students.
Physical Education
Physical Education is an important part of the curriculum at St Francis Xavier’s School. Our students participate in a weekly specialist teaching in the area of Physical Education. Modified rules of games are taught and modified equipment is used. To complement the skills we are aiming to develop we also make use of various free trained sporting development officers from local sporting associations.
Performing Arts
Performance Arts is an important element of education of St Francis Xavier’s School and is included in the curriculum of each year level. Our students receive weekly specialist lessons with the aim of giving each child a positive experience of music, drama and dance. There is also an Instrumental Program available for students from Years 3-6 who have the opportunity to learn a variety of instruments through private tutors and through Music teachers from St Mary’s Catholic College. Fees for tuition are paid directly to the music tutor or to St Mary’s Catholic College. Lessons are scheduled during normal class time. The school also has a School Band and a School Choir, each of which meets once a week for rehearsal.
Languages (Japanese)
Japanese is the language incorporated into the school’s program for students. All students from Prep to Year 6 attend a weekly specialist lesson in our dedicated LOTE classroom. In addition to providing an opportunity to develop skills in the use of a second language, this program fosters an appreciation of a different culture.