Introduction This booklet provides some general
further enhanced our facilities
Thus, whilst our Curriculum
information about aspects of the Primary School and its Curriculum,
include a new Years 6 and 7 teaching block, with a new Primary
includes the teaching of basic skills, we only believe these to be of
that is often of interest to parents.
Art/Science/Music area, and a new Gymnasium.
any use if students can use them in a variety of situations.
St Dominic’s Priory College is a Reception to Year 12 Catholic
In the past few decades a great deal
The comments here are intended as
College for Girls. It was founded in 1884 by a group of Dominican
of change has occurred in our understanding of how children learn
a general introduction and will give an overall picture of the school.
Sisters who came from Staffordshire in England. The Primary section
and develop, not only in the academic sense but also in moral
Specific questions can be addressed to the Primary School
currently consists of six classes from Reception to Year 7.
and faith areas. Our response to this is to incorporate these important
Coordinator and Class/Subject teachers.
The College is situated in a pleasant environment in North Adelaide,
new understandings with older tried and trusted methodologies.
providing a very comfortable atmosphere for school activities. Recent major upgrades which have
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Curriculum The Curriculum at St Dominic’s includes aspects and approaches that reflect our increasing knowledge about the learning process. For instance, while formal topics like Spelling and Grammar are still included in English, their content is as much determined by students’ needs as external frameworks, and such basics are taught as a tool for use in all areas. Over the past few years we have been plotting our Curriculum against the SACSA(*) Frameworks. This review process is ongoing and provides a focus for reflection and renewal. [(*) – South Australian Curriculum, Standards & Accountability]
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Subject Areas Subjects generally taken by Class Teachers: »
English
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Mathematics Information & Communication
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Technology Studies of Society and
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Environment Science
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Design & Technology Health
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The Arts Religious Education
Subjects undertaken by Specialist Teachers are: »
Foreign Languages (French and Italian)
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Physical Education Music (Class)
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Liturgical Music
In addition to the class programme, students may undertake tuition at school in a musical instrument by arrangement. A number of Upper Primary students are members of the String Ensemble.
Curriculum Literacy
Mathematics
Good literacy skills underpin
The content of the Mathematics
and includes teacher observation as well as written work. Provision is
learning in all curriculum areas and all subject teachers are involved in
Curriculum is organised into five strands:
made in the classroom for students needing extension work. Problem
developing these skills. The Key Literacy Teacher works with teachers
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Exploring, analysing and modelling data
solving and using skills to deal with everyday situations are encouraged
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Measurement Number
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Pattern & Algebraic Reasoning Spatial sense & Geometric
in identifying students at risk and in helping develop individual programmes, as well as overseeing the overall school curriculum. The Key Literacy Teacher liaises with other professional groups and is involved in Staff Professional Development.
Languages other than English (LOTE) Italian is taught in Years R-5. These students have an extended block of time every week. French and Italian are taught in Years 6 and 7 by specialist teachers who are based in the Secondary School and who take the students twice a week.
Reasoning Emphasis is placed on the knowledge of basic skills and facts. Initially this is achieved with the use of concrete materials and exploration, until students can operate in a more abstract way. In Junior and Middle Primary students are mastering and practising basic understandings, whereas in Upper Primary more complex and abstract content is usual (eg Algebra, Power Notation, Volume of complex solids).
Assessment is usually continuous
at all levels. Students learn much from each other as well as from other resources. Importance is therefore given to cooperative work, as well as individual progression.
Information & Communication Technology All students have regular access to computers in their classrooms and work through programmes overseen by Class Teachers. They also have regular access to computers in the Computing Centre where whole class instruction takes place. Students are learning to use technology, to retrieve, analyse and present information, appropriate to their age group. In this sense ICT is seen as a tool to be used across many subject areas.
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Curriculum Studies of Society and Environment
more intensive studies in
Spelling, Grammar and Formalities
understanding story and novel construction are undertaken, and
These are important aspects of the programme. They are taught formally
The scope of this topic is extremely
students are required to read from a range of genres. Follow up activities
in regular lessons and, most importantly, in conjunction with
wide and in Primary School work is often integrated with other areas. It
related to books read are a normal part of the curriculum.
students’ writing, through editing sessions, written feedback and
is organised around the SACSA guidelines. This is centred around
Writing
strands which are:
Students are encouraged to write daily and to write in a variety of
Handwriting This is a continual process of
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Time, Continuity & Change
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Place, Space & Environment Societies & Cultures
different ways (eg journals, reports, stories, poems, plays, etc). Whilst
development, starting with correct pencil grip and single letter
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Social Systems
teachers work closely with students and help them edit their work, they
formulation in Junior classes, to using the South Australian Link
also aim to have the writers take responsibility for their own writing.
Script. The overall aim is to develop a neat and legible hand through
Various strategies are taught from Junior Primary onwards and
Middle and Upper Primary.
students are taught to make choices about publishing their work. Through this they also learn the
Science and Technology
Some examples are: Law and Government (Year 7), Whale Investigation/Environment (Year 1/2)
English Language For the sake of description and organisation this fundamental area is mentioned under separate topics. Teaching methodology acknowledges that the learning of language is not compartmentalised; there is constant interaction between these areas and other subject areas. Reading and Viewing Whilst reading for enjoyment is a first aim in all classes, students are also introduced to the idea of reading for wider purposes, especially for information. A variety of approaches is used (eg phonics, whole word approach, predicting, etc). Classrooms have an increasing
essential structures of different genres and their appropriate use. Listening and Speaking There are many occasions where children are required to listen and to absorb instructions. This may be from teachers, other adults, peers, and media sources. Students are encouraged to speak formally and informally to small and large groups. Examples would range from discussing a book report in front of the class, to presenting a piece of work at a School Assembly.
discussion.
The Curriculum is based on the Australian Academy of Science programme ‘Primary Investigations’, adapted to the SACSA guidelines. This programme integrates biological science, physical science, technology and the environment, and is organised around a major concept and skill for each year. These are: »
Awareness & Observation
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Order & Organisation Change & Measurement
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Patterns & Predictions Systems & Analysis
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Energy & Investigation Balance & Decisions
number of books available, as well as frequent access to the school
Examples: R/1 design and construct chairs for their Teddy Bears; Year 5
library. Individual progress is closely monitored by teachers, in
unit on bridges – students investigate different styles of
consultation with the Key Literacy Teacher. In Upper Primary classes,
famous bridges and build and test out their own, built from various materials.
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Curriculum The Arts Music
Drama Drama is frequently incorporated in
Whole class lessons are taken twice
other curriculum areas, as well as being taught as a separate subject.
a week by a Specialist Teacher, and the programme is based on the
It is seen by teachers as another method of learning for students.
Kodály method.
This may be a role play in Religious Education, for instance, or a class
The Year 7 Choir takes part in the annual Catholic Schools Music Festival as their major focus, and
play following a unit of work.
Physical Education and Health Learning in the areas of Physical Education and Health helps students to develop knowledge and skills to make informed decisions. These decisions: »
promote personal growth and development
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Individual instrumental tuition is
Art and craft lessons in the Primary School are designed to give
encourage physical activity and fitness
available with a wide range of instruments, and lessons are
students the opportunity to explore and experiment with different
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assist students make sensible dietary and lifestyle choices
usually arranged around the school day.
media, including painting, design, collage, tone, colour, texture, etc.
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help them understand themselves and others’ worth
A number of Senior Primary
As well as teaching skills, activities are often linked to themes in the
PE lessons are taken regularly by Specialist teachers. Emphasis is
classrooms. The Art Club is a popular after-school group.
placed on cooperation, participation and personal achievement. Health
they also perform at other events.
students are members of the String Ensemble.
Art, Craft and Design
and fitness activities are undertaken by Class Teachers.
Coordination Programme (‘Funastics’) A programme is offered in the Junior Primary School for students who will benefit from help in developing their physical coordination skills (fine and gross motor abilities). Current understandings of the developmental areas in children indicate there is a noticeable connection between physical coordination and academic performance.
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Curriculum Religious Education
Assessment and Reporting
The values in our school should be
Assessment is regular and may be:
catering for the learning needs of all of our students from Reception to
those of Jesus, which were given to us in the Gospels. The building of a
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Year 12.
caring community is blended with the formal teaching of our religion,
Informal: By teacher observation with anecdotal recording; and
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Formal: In assessments and tests, written or verbal.
appreciation of reading and literature, each Primary class has a
and our faith life is evident in a number of ways, but particularly in the way we treat each other. St Dominic’s is a Dominican College and students are encouraged to blend the Dominican value of Truth
Students also take part in the Early Years Assessment, and in Years 3, 5 and 7 the State Testing, all of which contribute to the overall picture of
Conway Library Our library is a shared facility
As part of our role in promoting the
regular borrowing session once a week with the opportunity to exchange resources every day. We also participate in reading
students’ progress.
promotions such as the Premier’s Reading Challenge and the Kanga
into their everyday lives. The South Australian Doctrinal Scope and
The Student Portfolio is an individual collection of work that
Awards.
Sequence and the SACSA RE framework guide the programme.
reflects various aspects of progress. It is an integral part of the Reporting
Prayer is a daily activity in all classrooms and is usually organised
process and is sent home regularly.
Our other main focus is in working cooperatively with the class teachers through the Primary curriculum
Reports are written in the first part
areas to develop our students’ information literacy skills.
by students. There is a weekly Mass in the Chapel on Fridays at 8.15am
of Term 2 and towards the end of Term 4. Parent-teacher interviews
Information literacy is the ability to locate, evaluate and use
undertaken by different classes.
are held for all classes at the beginning of Term 2, and are by
information effectively. Because of the range of resources (in print and
request in Term 4. Teachers meet with parents at other times,
electronic forms) available to students today, this is a critical life
whenever there is a need.
skill which we begin to develop in Reception and continue into the
Liturgies during the year are often shared with the Secondary School (eg St Dominic’s Day Mass). Notable other events are the End of Year Mass in the Quadrangle and the beginning of year Parents’ & Friends’ Mass. Sacramental Programme Students in Years 3 and 4 are prepared at school for the Sacraments of Initiation (Confirmation & Eucharist), as well as Reconciliation. In line with the Archdiocese Guidelines, students receive these sacraments in their Parishes. The School’s role is preparation, and liaison with Parents and Parishes.
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Learning Assistance Programme The Learning Assistance Programme has been operating for several years and parents work with a number of Reception to Year 7 students, usually on an individual basis. This is a well-proven programme which relies on parent involvement.
secondary years. The library also provides a welcoming environment for our students. A focal point of the College, the Conway Library is an attractive environment in which displays of student work are showcased and events significant to the College and the wider community are reflected. Students and parents are always made welcome.
Co-Curricular Activities & Other Events Parent Involvement We place high importance on the role of parents in education and encourage participation. We believe that children’s development will be optimal when home and school are
Catholic Schools Music Festival Year 7 students participate in the Catholic Schools Music Festival annually. The class prepares for the
Extended Curriculum St Dominic’s is an active member of the Central Cluster Group of schools that combine to offer a number of activities during the year.
working together
Festival with the help of the school music teacher, who teaches the girls
Each term, various enrichment activities are offered to students
We rely on parents in a great many practical ways. Many sporting
the various skills needed to sing effectively as a group. St Dominic’s
from the participating schools. Some of these are at other schools
events could not take place without parents. Our Physical Coordination
students then join with approximately 400 other primary
and some are at different venues.
programme, which helps students in need, to develop their fine and gross
school children at the Festival Theatre in Term 3, for a spectacular
motor skills, relies on parents. The Learning Assistance Programme is
concert, which is always thoroughly enjoyed by all who attend.
based entirely on parent involvement.
Year 7 Camp
The Parents and Friends Association meets monthly, and is involved in
annual Camp at Douglas Scrub for three days in Term 2. The Camp provides opportunities for the girls
organising social and fund-raising events. Many school enhancement projects have been financed through the efforts of this organisation and we encourage all parents to support their children’s education in this way.
Primary Sport The College Sports Day is a special event during Term 1 where all
Year 7 students participate in an
to learn valuable social skills and provides an ideal setting for some reflection on their senior year in Primary School. Activities include
The short courses run for a few weeks during school time and a small group is chosen to attend. The courses enable students from St Dominic’s to meet students in nearby schools and improve their skills in various areas. Past programmes have included: The Human Brain (at Flinders Medical Centre), cooking, weaving, photography, extended English, Art and Design, Robotics and Computer Music (at the Investigator Centre).
orienteering, food preparation, talent night and various art and sport activities.
students take part in Athletic events and/or Team Games. It is held on a Sunday and includes a high level of parent involvement. Students in Years 4-7 have the opportunity to participate in various external sporting programmes and carnivals during the year. Students compete against other students from South Australian Catholic Schools. The Carnivals we compete in are: » »
Swimming Term 1 Netball Term 2 & 3
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Athletics Terms 1 & 4 Cross Country Term 2
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Volleyball Terms 1, 3 & 4 7
Co-Curricular Activities & Other Events Art Club
PE Week
Gala Day
This is a Years 1-3 group that meets
This is another major focus week
This is a Mini Fete Day for students,
after school, usually in Terms 2 and 3. Students enjoy exploring a
and we take advantage of the many activities offered in Metropolitan
organised by the SRC. Apart from having fun, the focus is also to raise
range of Art and Craft ideas under the leadership of an experienced
Adelaide. Activities include Surf Safety, Gymnastics and various
money for SRC nominated charities. It involves a good number of stalls,
teacher.
sports.
Book Week
Student Representative Council
featuring food, drink and games, as well as a Fashion Parade and a
This is one of the bigger ‘weeks’ in school life and includes activities done in class as well as lunchtime sessions in the Library. Activities have included Literature Trails, whole school quizzes, workshop sessions with authors and illustrators and Book Sales.
Trivia Quiz This annual event is a general knowledge quiz and the finals are held at Adelaide University. All students from Years 3 to 7 take part in the preliminary rounds and develop their range of general knowledge. Teams are then chosen later in the year to represent the school in the finals. Students enjoy the challenge and fun of these quizzes and, at the same time, broaden their own knowledge.
Class meetings are held in all primary classes on a regular basis and provide students in the class with the opportunity to discuss important issues. Suggestions relevant to the wider school community can then be discussed at the Year 5 to 12 Student
Talent Quest.
Asia Week Asia Week is an event that takes place for Reception to Year 12 students in Term 2 each year. Students learn about the culture and history of an Asian country by making traditional crafts, participating in a class general knowledge quiz and attending Asia
Representative Council (SRC) meeting if necessary.
Week activities at lunchtime. Lunchtime activities in the past have included Japanese Drums, Tai
The SRC meets weekly to discuss issues students feel are important
Chi demonstrations, and food sampling.
to the smooth and effective running of the College. Students in Years 5 to 7 vote for two class members to represent them at the SRC meetings. These six students then report to their own classes and the Junior Primary classes. The SRC is the school group responsible for the whole school Gala Day held in Term 2 each year.
Enrolments For more information regarding
Please note: Early enrolment is
Tours
enrolments please contact the Enrolment Registrar.
advised. Waiting lists for some classes are lengthy and may mean
Afternoon tours of the school are
Telephone (08) 8267 3818 Fax (08) 8267 4877 Email admin@stdominics.sa.edu.au
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several years’ wait.
held twice a term. You are welcome to join a group but need to book ahead.