Our curriculum
The teaching and learning at Good Shepherd aligns to the Australian Curriculum, with emphasis placed on teaching core literacy and numeracy skills to give students the ability to succeed across the curriculum.
Teachers are actively involved in curriculum development, providing student-centred learning opportunities that encourage students to think critically, work collaboratively, use initiative and grow in self-confidence. Technology is taught both explicitly and integrated into other areas of learning.
Our learning program
From Prep to Year 6, Good Shepherd offers a comprehensive learning program encompassing both core and specialist subjects, ensuring a well-rounded education for all students. The core subjects build a strong foundation in literacy, numeracy, science and social sciences, while the specialist program offers opportunities to explore the arts, sport, languages and technology.
English
English language skills are fundamental to student success at school, further education, employment and life. Through English studies, students develop into ethical, thoughtful, informed and active members of society – confident communicators, imaginative thinkers, and informed citizens who can effectively analyse, understand, communicate and build relationships.
Maths
The Mathematics Program emphasises mathematical reasoning, empowering students to apply their understanding creatively and efficiently. Through inquiry and active participation in challenging and engaging experiences, students develop into self-motivated and confident mathematical learners.
Integrated Studies
Integrated Studies weaves together key skills and understandings from History, Geography, Science, Civics, and Citizenship. Using an inquiry-based approach, Integrated Studies fosters deep student understanding and skill development through both teacher-guided and student-centred activities. This approach cultivates essential 21st-century learning skills through a diverse range of engaging experiences.
Christian Studies
Through the Christian Studies curriculum, students explore and reflect upon the Word of God, developing an appreciation for the Christian perspective on life and the world. Christian Studies provides a rigorous yet inclusive exploration of the Christian faith and its relevance in today's world, welcoming students from diverse backgrounds.
Digital Technologies
In Digital Technologies, students explore a wide range of creative and practical applications, from coding and robotics (including Dash, BeeBot, and Sphero) to 3D design and printing, movie making, and website development. They develop a strong understanding of digital systems, data, eSafety and the process of creating digital solutions, while also becoming critical consumers of online information. Using school-provided Chromebooks and iPads (which remain on campus), students learn responsible and safe ICT practices across all subjects.
Music
Music plays a vital role in developing students' skills and enriching their learning experience. At Good Shepherd, the Music Program offers a comprehensive and sequential learning journey from Prep to Year 6, with students participating in weekly classroom music and choral sessions (from Year 2 to Year 6). Students can further enhance their musical development through specialist instrumental music lessons. Numerous performance opportunities are also provided through participation in school bands, choirs and ensembles, with concerts held throughout the year.
Visual Art
At Good Shepherd, the Visual Arts Program fosters imagination, creativity, and skill development through exploration and experimentation with diverse art forms. Students engage with painting, drawing, printmaking, ceramics, threads and textiles, construction, collage and digital art. Student artwork is celebrated through campus displays and an annual exhibition.
Drama
In Drama, students develop creative improvisation and role-play skills through engaging in dramatic games, skits and plays. They collaboratively and individually create and develop characters using costume, voice, facial expressions, sound effects and movement. As students participate in and respond to drama presentations, they practise being cooperative actors and respectful audience members, using critical and creative thinking to provide and receive constructive feedback.
Physical Education and Sport
Good Shepherd's Physical Education (PE) Program cultivates a lifelong commitment to health and wellbeing by developing fundamental motor skills and nurturing student appreciation for physical activity. Students participate in one Physical Education lesson each week, focusing on developing competent and confident movement skills. Prep and Year 1 students participate in the Perceptual Motor Program (PMP) to enhance fitness, balance, hand-eye coordination, gross motor skills, and self-confidence. From Year 2 to 6, students apply these skills in weekly PE lessons through games and sport-specific activities. The school also offers a wide range of individual and team activities as part of the Sport Program, including a swimming program, athletics and cross-country carnivals for all year levels, and inter-school sports competitions.
Languages other than English (LOTE)
Good Shepherd Lutheran Primary School offers students the opportunity to learn both German and Chinese (Mandarin), with each language studied for one semester per year. Starting with basic vocabulary and engaging activities in the early years, the curriculum gradually increases in complexity. The LOTE program not only provides a strong foundation for future language learning but also fosters cultural understanding. Our Sister-School partnership with Lasa Road Primary School in Nanjing, China, further enhances these opportunities for language development and cultural exchange.
Library and Resource Centre
The Library Program supports student learning and teaching programs through a sequenced development of research and information literacy skills. These skills are built upon and refined as students progress through the each year level. Students are encouraged to visit the Resource Centre for borrowing and research during the school day to take full advantage of this valuable resource.