Our school plays an important part in the children’s lifelong journey of faith. Daily lessons immerse the children in the rich history and traditions of the Catholic Church and the Scriptures. The curriculum also supports the parents in the preparation of the children for the sacraments. 

As a Catholic school we value the sacramental life of our faith and take great pride in the celebration of the Eucharist and other religious occasions. In particular we value our prayer life and ensure that the children develop a sense of the sacredness of our Catholic faith.

English
English is the key learning area where students develop knowledge, skills and understanding about English language and literature. The NSW K-6 English syllabus emphasises language as key for ‘making meaning’ in real-life situations. 

The outcomes and content of the English syllabus are organised into three strands: 

• Talking and Listening
• Reading
• Writing

When students engage in English learning experiences they will develop the ability to talk, listen, read, view and write with purpose and confidence. They will develop knowledge of the ways in which language varies according to context, i.e. purpose, audience, channel of communication and content. 

Mathematics
Mathematics is the study of numbers and space. It is a search for patterns and relationships that will lead to the development of concepts and generalisations that can be applied in finding solutions to problems, improving our understanding of the world around us and meeting the needs of specific people. It is a way of thinking characterised by exploring, manipulating, classifying, generalising, abstracting, estimating, calculating, predicting, describing, deducing, drawing and measuring.  

Mathematics is a powerful means of communication used to represent, to interpret, to explain and to predict. It is an essential and relevant part of everyday life. 

The outcomes of the Mathematics syllabus are divided into six strands:           

• Number
• Patterns and Algebra
• Data
• Measurement
• Space and Geometry
• Working Mathematically 

Human Society and Its Environment
Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE) is the key learning area where students gain an enhanced sense of personal, community, national and global identity. Through the study of HSIE children learn to participate in maintaining and improving the quality of their society and environment. 

The four strands of the HSIE syllabus are: 

• Change and Continuity
• Cultures
• Environments
• Social Systems and Structures

Through these strands students explore the content of history, geography, Aboriginal education, citizenship, environment and multicultural education. HSIE is often integrated with relevant Religious Education, Science or English topics. 

In HSIE, students develop skills of identifying and gathering information, historical inquiry, critical thinking, mapping, presenting information and participating with others. 

Science and Technology
In Science and Technology students learn about the natural and built environments by investigating, by designing and making and by using technology. Learning in science and technology draws on and contributes to learning in the other key learning areas. Science is concerned with finding out about the world in a systematic way. Findings are accepted if they can be verified. Our students come to view science not just as a body of knowledge, but also as a process of investigation. Because knowledge in our modern world is being generated at a phenomenal rate, part of a quality science education is ensuring our students acquire the processes and skills needed to access this knowledge.

The science syllabus is divided into six strands:

• Built Environments
• Information and Communication
• Living Things
• Physical Phenomena
• Earth and Its Surroundings
• Products and Services 

PDHPE
This key learning area is directly concerned with the development of the student as a whole person. Its implementation has the potential to contribute to improved and ongoing quality of life for all students. It is based on a broad notion of health that encompasses all aspects of an individual’s wellbeing, inclusive of social, mental, physical and spiritual health. 

The syllabus covers the development of skills and knowledge and understandings.

Skills:

• Communicating
• Decision Making
• Interacting
• Moving
• Problem Solving

Knowledge and Understandings:           

• Active Lifestyle
• Dance
• Games and Sports
• Growth and Development
• Gymnastics    
• Interpersonal Relationships
• Personal Health Choices
• Safe Living

At St Gerard’s we employ a specialist Physical Education teacher who works with each class for one lesson per week. In addition, years 3-6 participate in a school sports program and K-2 in a gross motor program. 

Creative Arts
The syllabus is designed to enable students to gain increasing understanding and accomplishment in the four strands. It aims to develop a commitment to participate in, and develop a life-long appreciation of the arts.

At St Gerard’s we have a specialist music teacher who teaches each class for one lesson per week. We have a strong band program for students in Years 3-6 including a junior and senior band. The school also has a choir.

The Creative Arts syllabus is divided into four strands:

• Visual Arts
• Music
• Dance
• Drama