Learning Areas

At St George Preca Primary School, we believe that literacy is the foundation for lifelong learning. Aligned with our school values of Faith, Learning, Love and Hope, we nurture students to become confident and capable communicators who engage with the world around them.

Our literacy program is structured, evidence-based and responsive to student needs. Guided by the Science of Reading, we provide explicit instruction in phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension and oral language development. These essential components equip students with the skills they need to decode, understand and enjoy a wide range of texts.

Writing is equally important in our curriculum. We explicitly teach spelling, grammar, punctuation and text structures, ensuring that students develop the ability to express their thoughts clearly and creatively. Through modelled, shared, guided and independent writing experiences, we empower our students to craft meaningful texts across different genres and purposes.

We recognise that learning is a journey and every student progresses at their own pace. Through ongoing assessment and feedback, our teachers carefully track student growth, adapting instruction to meet individual learning needs. For those requiring additional support, we implement targeted interventions within our Multi-Tiered Systems of Support framework, ensuring that all students receive the guidance necessary to thrive.

By fostering a love of reading and writing, we prepare our students to think critically, communicate effectively and engage with the world as lifelong learners. At St George Preca, we believe that learning brings hope and through literacy, we empower our students to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.

Mathematics at St George Preca Primary School

At St George Preca, we are committed to delivering a comprehensive and engaging mathematics program that supports all students in developing essential mathematical skills and understanding. Our curriculum follows the Victorian Curriculum 2.0, covering key strands including Number, Algebra, Measurement, Geometry and Statistics from Foundation to Year 6, with Probability introduced from Year 3 onwards. Embedded within these strands are the core mathematical proficiencies of Understanding, Fluency, Reasoning and Problem-Solving, which help students build confidence in applying their knowledge to various situations.

Our approach to mathematics instruction is based on evidence-based practices that foster deep conceptual understanding and fluency. Aligned with the MACS Vision for Instruction, we use explicit teaching methods to introduce new content, followed by guided and independent practice to reinforce learning. Hands-on materials and problem-solving strategies are integrated into lessons to ensure students can apply mathematical concepts in meaningful ways. Maths lessons begin with daily reviews, which involve spaced and interleaved retrieval practice of previously taught skills and concepts. Students also spend time focusing on basic facts by using strategies and practicing for fluency. Daily review, frequent checks for understanding and formative assessment help track student progress, allowing teachers to provide targeted support where needed.

To cater to the diverse needs of our students, we have structured intervention and extension programs. An intervention teacher provides additional support for students requiring reinforcement, while enrichment groups challenge those working above standard. These students have opportunities to extend their learning through competitions such as the Maths Olympiad and the Australian Mathematics Competition. For students in Years 5 and 6, we conduct targeted teaching sessions based on assessment data related to multiplicative thinking to ensure they receive instruction at their appropriate level. These sessions are designed as short sprints, providing focused support within a limited timeframe.

Inquiry Learning at St George Preca Primary School

Our Inquiry Program provides a knowledge-rich, vocabulary-driven approach to learning, equipping students with a deep understanding of the world and essential skills for critical thinking, problem-solving and communication. Inquiry learning integrates multiple learning areas, including Science, History, Geography, Civics & Citizenship, Economics and Design & Technologies, ensuring a broad and interconnected foundation of knowledge.

Inquiry is structured to progressively develop understanding from Foundation to Year 6, with students engaging in rich content, explicit teaching of key concepts and hands-on, real-world experiences. It fosters curiosity, deep thinking and confident communication, ensuring students are well-prepared to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways.

Big Ideas That Build Across Learning… Inquiry learning across the whole school is enriched by three key themes that weave through different subjects and year levels, growing in depth and complexity as students progress.

These themes help students make connections across their learning and apply their knowledge in broader contexts:

• Sustainability – Understanding the impact of human actions on the environment and exploring responsible ways to care for our world.
• Multiculturalism – Appreciating cultural diversity, migration and global connections, fostering respect and empathy.
• Indigenous Perspectives – Embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and knowledge in meaningful and authentic ways.

Applying English & Mathematics Through Inquiry

Inquiry learning provides authentic opportunities for students to develop and apply essential English and Mathematics skills in real-world contexts, ensuring they can use their knowledge effectively across subjects:

• English Integration – Inquiry provides meaningful contexts for developing reading comprehension, research skills, persuasive and informative writing, storytelling and oral communication. Students analyse texts, write reports, debate ideas and present findings, strengthening their literacy skills in authentic ways.
• Mathematics Integration – Inquiry enhances numeracy skills through data collection, measurement, mapping, problem-solving and financial literacy. Students interpret statistics, work with time, explore spatial concepts and apply mathematical reasoning to real-world scenarios, such as budgeting in Economics or analysing patterns in Science.

A Rich, Immersive Learning Experience

Inquiry learning is active, engaging and designed to foster deep understanding while building students’ ability to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. Students explore big ideas through diverse and meaningful experiences that develop their knowledge, skills and confidence, including:

• Explicit Teaching of Key Concepts & Vocabulary – Ensuring students develop deep content knowledge and strong academic language.
• Speaking & Presenting – Encouraging students to articulate ideas confidently through debates, persuasive speeches, storytelling and formal presentations.
• Role-Play & Drama – Bringing learning to life through historical re-enactments, simulations and dramatic storytelling, deepening understanding and perspective-taking.
• Excursions & Incursions – Providing real-world learning opportunities that enhance engagement and critical thinking.
• Hands-On & Collaborative Projects – Opportunities for students to design, experiment, create and solve real-world problems.

Camps, Excursions & Experiential Learning

Inquiry learning extends beyond the classroom through camps, excursions and incursions, providing real-world, hands-on experiences that deepen understanding and engagement. These opportunities allow students to apply their learning in authentic settings, interact with experts and explore concepts firsthand.

• Camps foster independence, resilience and teamwork, reinforcing key Inquiry themes in immersive, outdoor environments.
• Excursions connect students with museums, historical sites, science centres, businesses and community organisations, bringing learning to life through exploration and investigation.
• Incursions invite specialists and guest speakers into the school, offering hands-on workshops, interactive demonstrations and expert insights.

These experiences bridge theory and practice, helping students to question, explore and apply their learning in meaningful ways while making real-world connections.

Religious Education

At St George Preca Primary School, the Religious Education (RE) curriculum is at the heart of our mission to nurture the spiritual growth of each student. We strive to create an environment where faith, knowledge, and values shape compassionate and thoughtful individuals.

As part of our RE program, students focus on developing a deep understanding of the Catholic faith, learning about our rich Catholic culture and traditions. The curriculum fosters respect for other beliefs while encouraging a spirit of service, charity, and community engagement.

A unique aspect of our Religious Education program is the focus on the charism of St George Preca, the Patron Saint of our school. Students explore his life, teachings, and dedication to spreading the message of Jesus Christ, drawing inspiration from his commitment to faith and education.

Throughout the year, students learn about the different aspects of Catholic teachings, including the life of Jesus Christ, the sacraments, prayer, and morality and justice. They engage with the Bible and its many stories, discovering how these teachings can guide their daily lives. The curriculum also covers the rich history of the Catholic Church, the lives of the Saints, and the call to live out the Gospel in the world today.

In addition to classroom instruction, students actively participate in liturgies, prayer services, and Masses. These experiences encourage students to reflect on their personal relationship with God, live in accordance with Christian values, and become responsible, loving members of their communities.