Learning & Teaching
St Thomas the Apostle Greensborough North
At St. Thomas the Apostle School, we are committed to providing exceptional learning experiences that empower students to thrive. Our programs are thoughtfully designed to nurture knowledge, skills, and understanding across all areas of learning, with a focus on cognitive science. By incorporating research-based cognitive strategies, we ensure that students retain and apply knowledge effectively, enabling them to reach their full potential.
St. Thomas the Apostle Primary School believes in:
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Building authentic relationships that support, extend, and challenge our students’ learning.
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Actively engaging with the school community.
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Understanding our place within the Catholic Church and the global community.
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The full flourishing of every student.
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Supporting each learner to deeply understand ‘who they are’ in the world, in dialogue with the Catholic tradition.
We recognise the strong link between quality teaching and student performance. As such, we strive to create a learning environment that:
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Scaffolds learners based on how the brain processes and retains information.
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Inspires creativity.
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Offers a variety of learning experiences.
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Sets high expectations for every student.
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Is based on respectful, collaborative relationships between staff and students.
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Encourages risk-taking and resilience in learning.
Prep
Starting a Lifetime of Learning
Middle School
Exploring Ideas with Curiosity & Creativity
Junior School
Creating Strong Foundations for Growth
Senior School
Charting Paths to Future Success
English
At St. Thomas the Apostle, literacy is the cornerstone of all subject areas, encompassing not just reading and writing, but also the critical skills of interpretation, analysis, and effective communication through language. Our approach to literacy is grounded in explicit, systematic instruction informed by the latest research in cognitive science, ensuring that all students receive the most effective strategies for learning.
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Through our English Curriculum, we provide structured and rigorous instruction, incorporating current evidence-based practices. Our two-hour English block is knowledge-rich, fostering both cognitive engagement and a supportive, inclusive environment where every student can thrive.
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Phonics with PhOrMeS
PhOrMeS is a sequential, evidence-informed program that teaches word reading (decoding) alongside spelling, building from simple words to more complex ones.
High-Quality Mentor Texts and Background Knowledge
We integrate quality mentor texts and teach core concepts systematically from Prep to Year 6, ensuring students develop strong background knowledge and vocabulary, which are key for reading and writing success.
Reading Fluency
Small group reading sessions focus on phonics, fluency, and comprehension, with decodable readers supporting beginning readers.
Writing
Writing is explicitly taught from the early years, guiding students from sentence construction to full texts. Teacher modeling supports students in developing effective writing skills.
Handwriting
Daily handwriting practice builds muscle memory, supporting reading, spelling, and memory recall, becoming an efficient tool for study in later years.
This structured approach to literacy ensures that students become confident, skilled readers and writers, setting them up for success across all learning areas.
Mathematics
At St. Thomas the Apostle, we believe all learners can succeed in numeracy, guided by cognitive science and best practice. Our teachers are experts in mathematics education and provide students with a strong foundation in numeracy, aligned with the Victorian Curriculum 2.0. We focus on helping students apply their mathematical knowledge across the curriculum and in real-world contexts, fostering a growth mindset and resilience.
Our Approach to Mathematics:
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Develop Number Sense: We teach students to understand numbers and quantities using visual tools and hands-on materials.
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Build Fluency: Students master core operations—addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division—to solve problems efficiently.
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Teach Concepts: We teach both the 'why' and 'how' of mathematics, helping students grasp fundamental concepts and procedures.
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Problem-Solving Strategies: Students learn to analyze and solve problems systematically, with explicit instruction and practice.
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Explicit Instruction: New content is introduced with step-by-step modeling, followed by guided and independent practice with feedback.
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Mathematical Language: We encourage students to use precise mathematical language in their explanations.
This approach ensures that students gain mathematical fluency, critical thinking skills, and the confidence to apply their learning in diverse contexts.
Inquiry
Our Inquiry-based learning program at St. Thomas the Apostle is student-centred, fostering each child’s innate curiosity about the world around them while also connecting to the spiritual dimension of their education. We empower students to ask their own questions and explore topics in depth, igniting their passion for learning. By integrating the Humanities, Science Curriculum, and our Catholic faith, students gain core knowledge that helps them develop a comprehensive understanding of the world, make connections, and enhance their critical thinking skills.
Through engaging, cross-curricular explorations, students investigate complex ideas, challenge assumptions, and build a rich vocabulary. Students develop a deep sense of the world around them and their place within it. Students present their findings, engage in discussions, and collaborate with peers, enhancing their communication skills, teamwork abilities, and spiritual growth.
Our inquiry approach, combined with core knowledge and a strong religious foundation, sparks curiosity, strengthens critical thinking, and nurtures lifelong learning, helping students to discover their passions and grow as active, informed citizens grounded in faith and purpose.
Italian Language
Our Italian immersion program offers students daily opportunities to engage with the Italian language, fostering consistent practice and growth. Lessons are designed to immerse students in all aspects of the language—listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Each day, students spend 15 minutes learning Italian, focusing on vocabulary, pronunciation, and conversational skills. This daily exposure helps reinforce language learning and boosts confidence in using Italian.
We encourage students to use Italian beyond the classroom, providing opportunities to apply their language skills in real-world contexts.
Performing Arts
At St. Thomas, Performing Arts classes support the social, emotional, creative, physical, linguistic, and cognitive growth of each child. Students engage in dynamic classes and take part in our biannual School Production.
Our Performing Arts space is a supportive environment where students build self-confidence, creativity, and self-expression, while also enhancing their skills in empathy, communication, and imagination.
Through music, dance, and drama, students are provided with enriching learning experiences that strengthen their ability to express and communicate. They discover how these art forms serve as powerful tools to understand and engage with the world around them.
Visual Arts
Our Visual Arts program encourages students to explore various artistic mediums, including painting, drawing, sculpture, and digital art, to express their ideas and emotions. By studying famous artists, students gain an understanding of the cultural and historical significance of visual arts.
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Through reflection and feedback, students develop critical thinking skills and learn to appreciate diverse artistic perspectives. The program helps students connect with global cultures and consider the impact of their creativity as responsible citizens.
Physical Education
Our Physical Education program focuses on developing key motor skills like running, jumping, throwing, and catching, enhancing coordination, balance, and agility. Students explore various sports, including basketball, soccer, athletics, and softball, learning the rules, techniques, and teamwork required for effective participation.
We provide opportunities for interschool sports competition, promoting healthy competition, teamwork, and school pride.
The curriculum covers health and fitness, teaching students about the importance of exercise, balanced nutrition, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle for lifelong well-being.
Additional Sporting programs offered at St Thomas are:
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Perceptual Motor Program (PMP – Foundation),
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Swimming program (Foundation to Year 2),
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Interschool Sport (Year 5 and 6)
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Sports Carnival
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Athletics, Cross Country and Swimming through the School Sport Victoria pathway progression.
Bush School
Each week, our Prep-2 students venture into the Koorbilli Nature Trail, located in our school’s corner bush space, to learn and play in the great outdoors. The Bush School program integrates key elements of the Australian Curriculum, including science, sustainability, mathematics, Indigenous perspectives, and religious education.
In this immersive outdoor experience, students explore the environment, discover local plants and animals, and reflect on the history and future of the space. Through engaging activities and games, we foster a deeper connection to nature, inspiring children to appreciate the wonders of the natural world and develop a lasting commitment to caring for our planet.
Science
Garden/Science - Year 3 & 4
Our garden program aims to introduce students to the joys of food education, fostering healthy food habits for life. Through regular garden classes, students learn how to grow produce while gaining a practical understanding of seasons, weather, and the environment.
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As they care for the garden, students discover how to maintain an organic garden, understand the importance of healthy soil, and learn how to create and use compost. The program encourages students to connect with local knowledge, explore our growing region, and choose suitable vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers to plant, all while practicing organic and sustainable gardening methods.
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Science - Year 5 & 6
Our Science program inspires students to explore and ask questions about the world around them. Through hands-on investigations and problem-based learning, we foster scientific curiosity in a collaborative environment. The program emphasises the development of essential scientific skills, including posing questions, gathering data, drawing conclusions, and communicating findings.
With a primary focus on Biological Science, students study living organisms—such as animals, plants, and microorganisms—and explore their interdependence and interactions within ecosystems. This approach encourages critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the natural world.
Food Technology - Year 3 & 4
With our thriving kitchen garden, students participate in a hands-on cooking program where they harvest fresh produce and use it to create delicious dishes. Working in teams, students prepare items from both cultural and sweets menus, which are then enjoyed as a shared meal.
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This program not only reinforces students' comprehension skills as they follow recipes, but also teaches valuable life skills, including proper table etiquette, chopping and dicing techniques, and how to maintain a clean and sanitised workstation. Through this experience, students develop both culinary skills and a deeper appreciation for healthy, fresh food.
E-Learning
At St. Thomas, we are committed to fostering digital wellbeing and equipping our school community with the skills to navigate the online world safely and responsibly. Through our partnership with eSmart, we provide comprehensive cybersafety education, including interactive student workshops, in-class support, and informative parent webinars, ensuring everyone is empowered to make informed digital choices.
Our students develop the ability to create meaningful digital content that reflects their understanding of key concepts, issues, and relationships. More importantly, we instill a strong awareness of the ethical and social responsibilities that come with using technology. By embedding these principles into everyday learning, we prepare students to be thoughtful, responsible, and engaged digital citizens.
Extra Curricular &
Learning Opportunities
We take great pride in offering a diverse range of extra-curricular activities that enrich our students’ learning experience.
During lunchtime, students can participate in Mini Vinnies, Art Club, Dance Club, and STEM Club, fostering creativity, teamwork, and a sense of community. Additionally, we collaborate with independent organisations to provide specialised programs, including instrumental music lessons in guitar, drums, and keyboard. Tennis lessons are also available every Thursday during recess.
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We are proud to be affiliated with the St. Thomas Hawks Basketball Club, which trains and competes in our very own indoor basketball gymnasium. These opportunities allow students to explore their passions, build new skills, and develop confidence beyond the classroom.
