At St Mary's, we believe in making a difference in every child's life. Our dedicated staff and comprehensive teaching and learning programs are designed to offer rich, real, and relevant learning experiences, grounded in evidence-backed research. We strive to create a safe and fun learning environment where students can explore their interests, develop their skills, and grow in confidence. St Mary’s Cohuna is committed to providing outstanding learner growth and achievement through providing expert teaching and learning for every child.
Innovative Learning with Magnify Sandhurst
We are proud to be part of the Magnify Sandhurst initiative, a groundbreaking, evidence-informed, science of learning initiative developed by Catholic Education Sandhurst. This initiative is transforming the way we teach and learn, focusing on how teachers teach and how students learn. Here’s what makes Magnify Sandhurst special:
- Personalised Learning: The program emphasises tailored support for each student, ensuring that individual needs, strengths, and goals are met.
- Evidence-Based Practices: By integrating research-backed teaching methods, we enhance students' understanding and retention of essential skills and knowledge.
- Teacher Empowerment: Magnify Sandhurst provides our teachers with professional learning opportunities and instructional coaching, enabling them to deliver the best possible education.
- Faith Integration: Inspired by our Catholic traditions, Magnify Sandhurst encourages students to reflect on their faith and apply it in their daily lives.
We are mandated to implement the Victorian Curriculum 2.0, which incorporates key learning areas and general capabilities:
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- Health & Physical Education
- Technologies
- The Arts
- The Humanities
- Languages
- Critical & Creative Thinking
- Ethical
- Intercultural
- Personal & Social
Data-driven decisions
All teaching and learning experiences are designed with the focus on what each child is capable of completing independently and what they are ready to learn next. This is done by using a variety of methods, including analysing student data like test scores, work samples and student feedback. This data helps students and teaching staff understand what areas need improvement and which strategies are working. By using student learner data, decisions are based on facts and evidence, which increases the chances of success. Teachers continuously assess students' progress and adjust their teaching accordingly. This helps ensure that all students are making progress and getting the support they need.
Differentiated Teaching and Learning
Differentiated teaching and learning is all about recognising that every student is unique and learns in different ways. This means that teachers tailor their instruction to meet the diverse needs of their students. Instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach, they adjust their teaching methods and materials to help each student succeed. Staff at St Mary's get to know their students' strengths, weaknesses, interests, and learning styles. They explicitly plan for every student based on their current successes and areas for growth. Teachers at St Mary's implement varied instructional practices to reach all learners, including hands-on activities, visual aids, interactive lessons, and technology. Some students might need extra help, while others might need more challenging tasks. Teachers here provide the right level of support for each student, whether it's through one-on-one instruction, small group work, or independent projects By differentiating instruction, we are able to create a more inclusive and effective learning environment where every student has the opportunity to flourish.
Pastoral and Wellbeing programs:
Our pastroral wellbeing program is designed to support the overall wellbeing of students, ensuring they feel safe, supported, and valued. This program focuses on the personal, social, emotional, and academic development of each student.
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Emotional Support: Through chaplaincy services, peer support groups, and mental health resources to help students manage stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges.
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Social Development: Implementing initiatives that encourage positive relationships among students.
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Physical Wellbeing: Promoting healthy lifestyles through physical education, sports programs, and health education.
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Community Building: Creating a sense of belonging is crucial. St Mary's plan events, clubs, and activities that foster a strong, supportive community.
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Safety and Security: Ensuring a safe environment is a priority. This includes anti-bullying policies, clear behavior expectations, and a secure physical environment.
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Parental Involvement: Engaging parents in their child's education and wellbeing through regular communication, workshops, and involvement in school activities.
Our pastoral wellbeing program helps studentsand families thrive in all aspects of their school life. It's about creating a nurturing environment where every student can grow and succeed.
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