KINDERGARTEN

In Kindergarten, we learn about God’s world around us and our place in it. In partnership with families, we provide students with opportunities to explore their gifts and talents by developing their academic, personal and social skills and abilities. We provide a holistic and Christ-centred Early Years program, and our Kindergarten curriculum is based on the principles described in the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). There is a strong emphasis on play-based learning which builds onto children’s skills and interests. Throughout the year, we engage in a wide range of learning experiences including cooking, gardening, woodwork, excursions, gymnastics, swimming and regular bush sessions. We also work to build a strong connection between school and home through regular class updates, open classrooms and parent help.

Prep - Year 6

Australian Curriculum

While the Australian Curriculum sets the expectations for what students in Prep to Year 6 are taught, our teachers choose contexts for, and plan learning, in ways that best fit our beliefs and worldview that align with our vision for Christian education. Through the Australian Curriculum framework, we aim to grow students into independent thinkers who can use creativity, invention, and logic to present and interpret their views and the views of others.

Formational learning

Teaching and learning programs are delivered through an authentic, biblically informed lens to facilitate formational learning which seeks to instruct the mind, shape the heart, and equip the hand by encouraging curious and courageous learners to explore God’s world and live out the hope of Christ. Our Community Thread video gives you a glimpse of this and how we intentionally weave the ‘Building Community’ thread at Northern.

High Impact Teaching and Learning

We achieve strong academic outcomes for all students by employing high-impact teaching and learning strategies that foster student enjoyment, engagement, and progression. Informed by data and the latest research, teachers focus on explicit direct instruction using the Gradual Release Model, employing collaborative learning, promotes questioning, and allows for strong differentiation. This model entails teachers clearly demonstrating to students what to do and how to do it, helping them to move towards independence.

Guided Inquiry

Through guided inquiry, students experience Deeper Learning, a learning model that emphasises the myriad ways learning can be taken into deeper levels of understanding. We utilise guided inquiry to support the culture of students exploring God’s world around them with curiosity and discernment. Our teachers find the appropriate balance between explicit direct instruction and guided inquiry to ensure the best possible learning outcomes.

Evidence Based Practice

Our Literacy and Numeracy Programs employ teaching practices that research has shown will have the greatest impact on student learning. These programs provide exceptional explicit instruction in English and Mathematics. Compellingly strong data has proven the effectiveness for evidence-based methodology where regular assessments are undertaken to gather evidence and draw conclusions about where students are in their learning. Our new Structured Literacy Program is informed by the science of reading, an approach to reading that was compiled from over 50 years of data to explain how children learn to read, write and spell.

Visible Learning

Visible Learning strategies are embedded strategically throughout our whole school. Based on the principles developed from Professor John Hattie’s analysis of research studies on student achievement, Visible Learning strategies involve a teacher observing and analysing student data in order to understand individual learning needs, set goals and objectives for the students, effectively implement differentiated instruction, and engage students in their own learning. These practices allow teachers to craft more personalised learning experiences which can keep students motivated while ultimately improving student performance.

YEAR 7 - YEAR 10
AT Emmanuel CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Our sister school offers ease of transition and a continuity of experience, where subjects are taught from a Christian worldview

Classes from Year 7 to Year 10 follow the Australian Curriculum framework. While the Australian Curriculum sets the expectations for what Emmanuel students are taught, our teachers choose contexts for learning, and plan learning in ways that best fit Christian beliefs and worldview as well as our vision for Christian Education. Through the Australian Curriculum framework, we desire to develop independent thinkers who use creativity, invention and logic to clarify and articulate their own views and the views of others.