Curriculum at St Carlo Acutis Catholic Primary School: 

At our school, we are committed to providing equity and excellence to every student through the delivery of a high-quality, evidence-based approach to instruction. Our curriculum is grounded in the Science of Learning, drawing on principles such as Cognitive Load Theory to optimise instructional design. By understanding the limitations of working memory, we craft learning experiences that are clear, purposeful, and effective—ensuring students can focus on mastering essential knowledge and skills.  

We deliver a knowledge-rich curriculum that empowers students to become critical thinkers and problem-solvers, equipping them with the tools to navigate an increasingly complex world. Our approach ensures that all learners have access to the foundational knowledge they need to thrive academically and personally.  

Our teaching and learning practices are grounded in the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) Vision for Instruction and Vision for Engagement. The Vision for Instruction provides a system-wide blueprint for excellence in teaching, emphasising explicit instruction and high-impact pedagogical strategies. The Vision for Engagement complements this by focusing on creating calm, respectful, and inclusive learning environments where students feel safe, valued, and motivated to succeed. Together, these visions reflect a holistic and uniquely Catholic response to the challenges facing young people today, and guide our commitment to nurturing flourishing learners.  

Through our implementation of a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS), we provide targeted support and resources tailored to meet the diverse needs of our students. We use high-quality assessment practices to inform instruction, monitor progress, and ensure that every student is supported to reach their full potential.  

Our curriculum is not only academically rigorous but also deeply responsive to the needs of our learners, fostering a community where every student is inspired and enabled to flourish.  

English at our school:  

At our school, the teaching of English is guided by evidence-based practices that ensure students build strong foundational skills and develop into confident communicators. We implement a systematic synthetic phonics program, explicitly teaching the relationship between letters (graphemes) and their corresponding sounds (phonemes). This focus on Grapheme-Phoneme Correspondence (GPCs) supports students in both decoding (reading) and encoding (spelling) words. Students are taught essential skills including decoding, spelling, handwriting, sentence structure, and grammar, all within knowledge-rich units of study that build on prior learning. Our approach includes explicit vocabulary instruction and opportunities to develop reading fluency, ensuring students can comprehend and engage deeply with texts. Writing is taught at both the sentence and text level, with a strong emphasis on spelling, grammar and punctuation, handwriting and typing, enabling students to express themselves clearly and effectively across a range of genres and purposes. 

Mathematics at our school:  

Our comprehensive Mathematics curriculum is structured around the six strands outlined in the Victorian Curriculum, ensuring a balanced and thorough approach to mathematical learning. Teachers use student data to inform their planning, carefully sequencing explicit lessons that scaffold and build on prior knowledge. New concepts and skills are clearly modelled by teachers before students are guided through structured practice, promoting deep understanding and confidence. Students are given regular opportunities to develop mathematical fluency, enabling them to apply their skills with accuracy and efficiency across a range of contexts. This approach supports all learners to grow as capable, confident mathematicians.  

Religious Education at our school:  

Religious Education is a vital part of our curriculum, guiding students in understanding Catholic teachings, values, and traditions, and encouraging reflection and compassion. Students are invited to explore and celebrate Catholic traditions, engaging in dialogue, reflection, prayer and action for the good of others and their world. Ground in Catholic teachings and inspired by the Saint Carlo Acutis, we explore our values of faith, service, generosity and courage.  

Beyond the Core Curriculum: 

In addition to English and Mathematics, our students engage in a rich and diverse curriculum that nurtures creativity, curiousity, and holistic development. Our specialist program includes Italian, Visual Art, Physical Education, and STEM, offering students opportunities to explore language, artistic expression, physical wellbeing, and innovation. Through Discovery, students delve into technologies, humanities, and the arts, fostering inquiry and interdisciplinary learning. We also embed the Victorian Curriculum Capabilities—Critical and Creative Thinking, Ethical Understanding, Intercultural Capability, and Personal and Social Capability—across all learning areas to support students in becoming thoughtful, responsible, and resilient individuals.