Introduction
Generic Skills
Worksamples
References

Introduction

St Catherine's is an Anglican K-12 school, in Waverley, NSW. It is the oldest independent girls' school in Australia. It was founded as the Clergy Daughters' School and has continued on its present site for 145 years. Despite its age, St Catherine's is not hidebound by its traditions. It has always made a point of adapting to changes in the character of its student population and in the society which encompasses them. It is non-selective and learning takes place in a fully inclusive environment. As a K-12 school sharing the same campus, we are able to work together and have developed a continuous curriculum from K-8.
Classrooms are rich, dynamic, student-centred environments that promote independence and a willingness to take risks through the provision of a differentiated curriculum. The emphasis is on flexibility and staff are encouraged to search for creative responses to meet the range and diversity of student needs. We aim to provide experiences that will give our younger students a feeling of security and will challenge older students to have the perception and courage to be their own person.

A Philosophical View

Together we aspire to create a positive learning environment where the individuality of children and staff is respected. With a loving Christian community, the Junior School sets out to support students in their journey to become life long learners. We believe this will be achieved by:

	sharing a loving Christian environment
	creating a familial school culture
	expecting and encouraging considerate behaviour towards others
	accepting and celebrating our individuality
	valuing honesty and justice
	developing responsibility
	ensuring that the children's well-being is central to all our decisions
	engaging children in the world of learning for understanding and joy
	identifying and meeting children's emotional, social and academic needs

Each staff member's contribution is sought, respected and valued as an offering from a vital member of a professional team. The understanding of pedagogy and how children construct meaning underlie our community to nurture each child in order to realise their full potential.

Parents play a vital role in the School community

Classroom practices establish the expectation and culture of learning, acceptance, respect and rapport are fundamental. There is no streaming of classes at St Catherine's. Individual needs are met by the adoption of carefully constructed learning programmes and the assistance of specialist staff within the classrooms. It is the School's vision that children should be motivated by their curiosity, learn to question and be empowered by their thinking. This ideal can be realised in classrooms that are vibrant, dynamic and challenging; where the processes and experiences are as important as the products and content. Children thrive within engaging learning environments that are accepting and secure, free from threat and fear, a place where they can fulfil their true potential and allow their love of life and learning to grow.

Programming Principles diagram