Learning
at
Catherine McAuley
Course
Outlines
Information
Handbooks
Assessment
Calendars
Autonomous
Learning
Charter
It’s not just what girls learn at school that’s important – it’s also how they learn. At Catherine McAuley, staff are committed to helping students establish patterns of learning that will enable them to keep developing through their lives and careers.
The school aims to support students to become independent, life-long, autonomous learners. It does this by encouraging students to have some control over the learning process, through active participation and problem-solving, and to take some responsibility for planning and organizing their learning. The school has developed a charter setting out how staff and students can foster this innovative approach.
The school’s Transforming Learning Project supports staff to consider and develop their teaching strategies, including their use of information communication technology. All rooms have access to the school’s network, CMNet (intranet) and the internet. Students can also book wireless laptops for use in lessons and for individual study. Students can also access CMNet from home. Staff are also supported to provide a stimulating learning environment, through the use of group work, information and communication technology, and strategies to foster student motivation.
One of the school’s innovative projects is a ‘Switched on Learning’ program which helps Year 7 students understand their own learning styles, to help them become more effective in their studies.
There are many different learning styles; some people learn best when they are moving, whether doodling or writing. Others learn most effectively by applying what they are learning or from visual input. Others are ‘auditory learners’ who find it easier to absorb new information from speech than books. The program helps guide teachers to better meet students’ needs and can provide useful feedback for parents.
Students may elect to study the ‘Integrated Studies’ course in Year 8. This is a project based course where students take the initiative for their own learning under the guidance of their teacher. Students negotiate their projects based on their interests.
The school places a high value on its religious education program, which has a strong academic content and also promotes faith development.
All students have five hours of religious education in Years 7 to 10 each fortnight. Years 11 and 12 are offered Studies of Religion (1 Unit), Studies of Religion (2 Unit and Religion Studies (1 Unit).
