Curriculum News

At St Aidan's, we aim to foster stimulating and nurturing learning environments that help students develop crucial skills in English and Mathematics. This semester, our emphasis has been on essential elements of the NSW Curriculum that enhance problem-solving, creativity, and self-assurance in our students, while providing differentiation for them. 

English: Building Strong Communicators 

Our students have been investigating reading, writing, speaking, and listening—crucial elements of literacy growth. Reading sessions and storytelling activities are helping students broaden their vocabulary, enhance comprehension, and articulate their thoughts more clearly. Writing tasks foster creativity, ranging from developing narratives to creating persuasive pieces. Attention to spelling, grammar, and punctuation is also essential, guaranteeing that students can convey their ideas effectively in various subjects and real-life situations.

Mathematics: Developing Thinkers & Problem-Solvers 

In Mathematics, we have been exploring number concepts, measurement, geometry, and statistics and probability. Students are enhancing their understanding of operations—addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division—through practical problem-solving activities. Real-life applications, such as analysing data and measuring objects, help students recognise the importance of Mathematics in everyday situations. Games and interactive tasks make the learning process enjoyable!

Newman Gifted Education & Diverse Learning: Meeting the needs of all Learners

At St Aidan’s, we provide high-quality professional learning for staff and an authentically rigorous program for all learners within a nurturing Catholic environment, thus enhancing the whole person. 

Through Newman Gifted Education, we offer a wide range of opportunities that cater to a variety of gifted learners. We support students’ social and emotional well-being by extending current outcomes within our classrooms, and at times, through enrichment programs, including but not limited to Mathematics, STEM, and the Creative Arts. 

Our teachers have been working collaboratively this semester, analysing student assessment data to create differentiated activities in all Key Learning Areas. Our differentiated curriculum addresses the diverse learning styles among all students, ensuring that learning is tailored to each student’s strengths and needs.

ICAS Assessments - Term 3

Students in Years 2-6 have the opportunity to showcase and celebrate their talents in the world-renowned ICAS competition this year.

What is ICAS?  

ICAS is an online academic competition that allows students to challenge their higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Mathematics, Science, Writing, Spelling Bee, and Digital Technologies.

 To learn more about this year’s exciting ICAS competition, visit:

icasassessments.com/products-icas/ 

How to participate in ICAS  

If you wish for your child to participate in ICAS this year, please follow the instructions below to order and pay for your child’s ICAS tests online.

1. To enter your child, visit https://shop.icasassessments.com/pages/pps
2. Enter the school’s unique access code: EXN492
3. Add your child’s details.
4. Select the assessments you would like your child to participate in and make a direct payment. 
5. You will receive a confirmation email.
6. All assessments will be conducted online at school. You will be notified of the dates that the ICAS assessments will be completed and when the results are ready.

With you in Faith and Education,

Mrs Kim O'Kane

Instructional Specialist