By connecting to the real world of students’ lives, authentic learning enables students to become lifelong learners who contribute to society and the wider world as active and discerning citizens. Authentic learning is central to our work as Catholic educators because it promotes the continual growth and wellbeing of the whole person — spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, socially and physically.
Our school places a high priority on High Impact Teaching Strategies (Hattie) and dedicated English and Mathematics blocks across the school, followed by other Key Learning Areas including Religious Education. Students are carefully grouped across grades for English, Mathematics and Science and Technology to better cater to their needs.
Currently in its third year of the Mathematical Excellence and Expertise (MEE) program, the school aims to improve the love of Mathematics and mathematical thinking through real life problem solving activities. The Mathematics ‘Fluency Program’ is tailored to individual student’s needs and builds on numeracy skills.
OLSH has developed a consistent approach to teaching English using Guided Reading and Writing tasks based on the ‘Gradual Release of Responsibility’ (GRR) (Timperley) method which is reflected in the Quality Literacy Teaching model adopted throughout the school.
Teachers analyse key student data across a number of subject areas which results in carefully planned learning and teaching programs that meet the diverse learning needs of students across the school.
OLSH is a member of the Sydney Catholic Schools Newman Selective Gifted Education Program which builds on the foundations of quality gifted education provision established over 2012–2021. All students from Years 2-6 engage in a weekly Enrichment Program across a range of areas, including Visual and Performing Arts, Writing, Robotics, Coding, Drone flying, Sport, Choir, Woodwork, Gardening Club and Dance.