Learning & Teaching

Reports- Changes to English Reporting 2025

The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) has recently released a revised English (Literacy) Curriculum, known as English Curriculum 2.0. All Victorian schools are required to implement this updated curriculum during 2024 or 2025. At St Patrick's Tongala, we have begun implementation of the revised curriculum in line with Magnify, and will begin reporting against the new achievement standards from Semester 1, 2025.

Student achievement in English will continue to be reported under the three familiar strands: Speaking & Listening, Reading & Viewing, and Writing. However, the content, expectations, and achievement standards within these strands have changed. As a result, families may notice some differences in how student progress is described and reported.

These updates are designed to give teachers greater flexibility in planning for teaching and learning, while also helping students make stronger connections within English and across other areas of the curriculum.

If you have any questions about the upcoming changes to English reporting, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Erin Emmett.

What is the Science of Learning?

In Week 1 of Term 2, all staff across our diocese took part in three days of rich professional learning with Dr Jared Cooney Horvath, focusing on the Science of Learning. Throughout 2025, we will be sharing regular insights and reflections for families to consider, with the hope that these shared understandings can strengthen the partnership between school and home in support of each child’s learning journey.

To begin, it’s important we clarify what we mean when we say the Science of Learning.

The Science of Learning is a growing field of research that helps us – as educators and parents – understand how human beings learn most effectively. Drawing on evidence from neuroscience, psychology, linguistics, education, artificial intelligence and philosophy, it offers us practical, research- informed strategies that support learning, build memory, and develop expertise. These “best bets” can be applied not only in classrooms, but in homes and everyday life – supporting children and adults alike to keep learning, growing and thriving.

In the meantime, if you would like to learn a little more about the science of learning, please see the following link - Science of learning basics in 3 minutes - Science Of Learning. 

ICAS

We wish to inform you that students in Grades 3-6 will have the opportunity to participate in the world-renowned ICAS competitions this year. This is an optional testing system that Parents are able to purchase online.

What is ICAS?

ICAS is an online academic competition that is designed to assess students’ higher-order thinking

and problem-solving skills in English, Mathematics, Science, Writing, Spelling Bee and Digital

Technologies.

Each assessment celebrates students’ accomplishments by providing opportunities for

recognition and development. Every student who participates will receive a printed certificate and

an online results report. Top performers will be eligible for medals.

The following tests are offered for the following year levels:

- English

- Mathematics

- Science

- Writing

- Spelling Bee

- Digital Technologies

The ICAS tests will be paid for by the school, it is no charge to families.

Further information about ICAS competitions can be found https://www.icasassessments.com/products-icas/

Keep an eye out for an email coming soon with more details and a link to register your child’s interest in the competition.