Specialist
Curriculum at St Thomas
Specialist Learning at St Thomas’
At St Thomas’, learning is carefully planned using evidence-informed teaching practices. We know from research that students learn best when knowledge and skills are taught clearly and then applied in a range of meaningful contexts. Our specialist programs provide important opportunities for students to apply what they have learned, explore interests, and develop new skills.
Alongside classroom learning, all students participate each week in specialist learning in three key areas:
- Visual Arts or Media Arts
- Physical Education (Sport)
STSS – Science, Technology, Stewardship and Sustainability
These programs support the whole child by building creativity, physical wellbeing, curiosity, and responsibility for the world around them.
Visual Arts and Media Arts
Students in Foundation to Year 4 attend a weekly Visual Arts lesson in a dedicated art space. Lessons are practical and hands-on, allowing students to experiment with materials, techniques, and ideas. These experiences support fine motor development, creativity, and confidence, while also reinforcing skills learned in the classroom.
Students in Years 5 and 6 participate in Media Arts, where they learn to communicate ideas using digital and visual tools.
Students use a wide range of materials and processes to create artworks. Completed work is collected across the year and sent home as an art portfolio, celebrating each child’s learning and creativity.
Physical Education
Each class participates in one hour of Physical Education each week, taught by a specialist teacher. Lessons focus on developing movement skills, coordination, and physical confidence.
Students learn how to use their bodies safely, practise fundamental movement and ball skills, and understand the importance of regular physical activity for health and wellbeing. Lessons encourage teamwork, resilience, and enjoyment of movement, helping students develop positive lifelong habits.
STSS – Science, Technology, Stewardship and Sustainability
All students engage in a two-hour STSS block each week, taught by specialist teachers in their own classrooms. Learning is planned in line with the Victorian Curriculum and is designed to be practical, engaging, and connected to real-world contexts.
Across the year, students explore learning in Science, History, and Geography, while also developing understanding of Catholic stewardship. Students learn about caring for God’s creation and how their actions can support a more sustainable world.
Technology learning begins with basic skills such as logging on and using devices safely. Over time, students learn to research, take photos, create short videos, and use digital tools to share their learning in creative and purposeful ways.
Supporting Specialist Learning at Home
Families play an important role in supporting learning across all curriculum areas. Talking with your child about their specialist lessons helps them reflect, remember new learning, and build language.
You can support this by checking the newsletter to see when your child has Visual Arts, Physical Education, or STSS, and asking simple questions such as:
- What did you do or learn today?
- Did you make or create something?
- What new skill did you practise?
- What did you enjoy most?
Short, regular conversations help children make connections between learning areas and understand that all learning is important. Showing interest and curiosity supports confidence and encourages a love of learning.