Learning
At Sacred Heart Primary School, learning is more than acquiring knowledge—it’s about growing as curious, capable and compassionate learners who are ready to make a difference in the world.
Our curriculum supports the development of each child—intellectually, spiritually, socially, emotionally, and physically. We value structured, evidence-informed teaching and foster a culture where every student is supported to succeed.
Our Curriculum
We follow the Victorian Curriculum F–10, which outlines what students should learn during their primary years. Learning areas include:
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English
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Mathematics
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Science
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Humanities
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The Arts
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Health and Physical Education
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Technologies
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Languages (Italian at Sacred Heart)
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Religious Education (Awakenings Curriculum)
For students requiring additional support in early foundational skills, we also draw on the Towards Foundation Levels A–D framework.
Our curriculum helps every student build strong academic skills, explore big ideas, and grow in confidence, creativity, and purpose.
A Catholic Approach to Learning
At Sacred Heart, our Catholic faith shapes both how and why we teach. Learning is not only about knowledge and skills but about wisdom, action, and transformation, inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus.
We believe that Gospel values, service, and compassion are at the heart of every learning area—not just Religious Education. Students are invited to see the world through a faith-informed lens, and to grow as thoughtful, responsible, and hope-filled people.
We encourage our students to:
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Reflect on the world through dialogue and a faith-informed perspective
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Engage ethically with others, creation, and the environment
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Use their gifts in service for the good of the community
Through inquiry, social justice, and spiritual reflection, learning becomes more than study—it becomes a way of living with purpose, building belonging, and pursuing the fullness of life for all.
Structured Literacy at Sacred Heart
Literacy is a cornerstone of lifelong learning, and at Sacred Heart we are proud to lead with a Structured Literacy approach across all year levels.
This evidence-based method aligns with the Science of Reading and is designed to support all learners—including students with dyslexia or language-based differences.
We use the FLARE methodology to guide our practice:
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Foundations First: Phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension and writing are taught explicitly and systematically
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Language-Rich Classrooms: Daily exposure to rich texts, oral language, and content knowledge
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Assessment for Action: Ongoing assessments help track progress and target support
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Responsive Teaching: Lessons are adjusted based on student needs
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Explicit Instruction: Skills are broken into small steps and taught clearly
Our literacy journey has led to strong NAPLAN growth and widespread recognition. Sacred Heart is proud to contribute to professional learning across the Diocese and universities through the FLARE Project.
The Science of Learning
We align our teaching with the Science of Learning—research from psychology and education about how the brain learns best.
This means:
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Learning is structured and sequenced
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Concepts are reviewed over time to support long-term memory
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Teachers check for understanding and guide practice
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Cognitive load is carefully managed
By teaching in this way, we help all students build deep understanding and lasting confidence.
Learnership (James Anderson)
We teach students not just what to learn, but how to learn.
Using James Anderson’s Learnership framework, students develop the skills and dispositions of effective learners. They come to understand that:
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Learning is about effort, reflection, and using strategies—not just talent
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Mistakes are opportunities for growth
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Setting goals and thinking about learning leads to improvement
Through Learnership, students build agency, resilience, and a love of learning that lasts well beyond primary school.
Specialist Program
At Sacred Heart, we offer a broad range of specialist programs that support students to explore their talents, think creatively, stay active, and grow as confident, capable learners.
Each week, students take part in high-quality specialist classes taught by dedicated teachers. These programs are designed to complement our core curriculum and develop essential life skills through hands-on, engaging experiences.
Physical Education
Students enjoy one hour of Physical Education each week, building fitness, coordination and teamwork through a variety of age-appropriate activities.
Our PE program focuses on:
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Skill development across a range of sports
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Resilience, leadership, and positive sporting behaviour
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A lifelong enjoyment of health and movement
Throughout the year, students participate in exciting events such as:
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House Cross Country and Athletics Carnivals
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Interschool sports competitions
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Division, Regional, and State sport pathways for selected students
All students belong to a House Team, named after local landmarks:
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Hattah (Yellow)
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Kulkyne (Green)
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Murray (Blue)
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Mallee (Red)
These house events are filled with colour, spirit, and community connection—parents are warmly encouraged to attend and cheer on the day.
Performing Arts
In weekly Performing Arts classes, students explore music, drama and movement, building confidence, creativity and self-expression.
The program includes:
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Singing, rhythm, and instrument exploration
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Acting, storytelling, and improvisation
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Collaborative performances and movement
A highlight of the year is our Whole School Concert, where every student has a chance to shine on stage. Students also have opportunities to participate in the Mildura Eisteddfod, school band, or choir, performing for our community throughout the year.
Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM)
Our STEM program inspires curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving through hands-on exploration of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Students are encouraged to think critically, ask questions, and work collaboratively to design solutions for real-world challenges.
Each week, students take part in one hour of dedicated STEM learning that integrates the key skills of scientific inquiry, engineering design, and mathematical reasoning. Learning experiences are active, creative, and student-centred — helping students see how these disciplines connect and apply beyond the classroom.
Research shows that quality STEM education strengthens:
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Critical and creative thinking
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Collaboration and communication
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Resilience and persistence in problem solving
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Innovation and adaptability in a changing world
Digital tools are woven purposefully into this learning — not as the focus, but as resources that extend thinking and enable students to test ideas, collect data, create designs, and share their learning. This includes using technologies such as coding programs, robotics kits, and digital modelling to support design thinking and inquiry.
STEM at Sacred Heart helps students see themselves as curious investigators, innovative designers, and active contributors to a better future — all while developing confidence in using technology responsibly and creatively.
Languages (Italian)
All students participate in one hour of Italian each week, where they learn to communicate through speaking, listening, reading and writing.
Our Italian program is fun, engaging and culturally rich. Students learn through:
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Songs, stories and games
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Basic conversational skills
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Cultural celebrations and food experiences
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Links to geography, history, and global awareness
Learning a language encourages empathy, curiosity and a deeper appreciation of the world around us.
Intervention: Helping Every Learner Thrive
We take a proactive approach to intervention, ensuring that learning difficulties are addressed early and support is timely.
Our tiered model of support includes:
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In-class differentiation and adjustments
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Short-term, small-group programs (literacy, numeracy, regulation)
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Individual Learning Plans and additional supports for students with more complex needs
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Collaboration with families and allied health professionals when needed
Our commitment to inclusive education ensures that every child is seen, supported, and given the opportunity to reach their potential.
Enrichment, Inquiry, and Digital Learning
For students ready for additional challenge, we provide opportunities for extension and enrichment through inquiry-based learning and curriculum differentiation.
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Inquiry units encourage critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration
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Digital technologies are integrated meaningfully, with a strong focus on safety and digital citizenship
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Real-world problem-solving helps students connect their learning to what matters
Every student at Sacred Heart has access to a school-managed device:
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Foundation – Year 2: Individual iPads (used at school only)
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Years 3 – 6: Individual Chromebooks (used at school only)
This approach ensures safe, structured use of technology that enhances—not replaces—quality teaching and learning.
School Camps at Sacred Heart
Our school camp program is an important part of student learning, designed to build independence, resilience, and teamwork. Each year, students take part in age-appropriate camp experiences that grow in complexity and scope.
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Foundation – 100 Days of Foundation Celebration: A fun and engaging milestone event that builds community and confidence.
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Year 1 – Extended School Day: Evening activities at school or nearby to build independence and comfort with new routines.
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Year 2 – Adventure Day: A full-day local experience with shared meals to prepare students for future overnight camps.
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Year 3 – Swan Hill Overnight Camp: Focused on early Australian history through the Pioneer Settlement.
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Year 4 – Campaspe Downs (2 nights): Outdoor adventure and team-building to develop courage and cooperation.
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Year 5 – Sovereign Hill & Ballarat (2 nights): A hands-on historical experience that ties into learning about democracy and leadership.
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Year 6 – Melbourne Cultural & Leadership Camp (3 nights): A city-based camp that celebrates student leadership and prepares them for secondary school.