ST ROBERTS PRIMARY SCHOOL : NEWTOWN, GEELONG.
Learning
Our Approach to Instruction
At St Robert’s, our teachers are committed to explicit, responsive and evidence-informed instruction. Across the school, our approach is guided by three key principles:
We create the conditions for learning.
Every child has the right to learn in a calm, safe and orderly environment. Clear, school-wide routines and expectations help our students feel secure, reduce disruption and maximise learning time.
We build knowledge and confidence.
We teach a well structured, intentional knowledge-rich curriculum and support every student to build strong foundational knowledge and skills in literacy, numeracy and faith-filled learning.
We grow independent learners.
We help students understand themselves as learners, take pride in their progress, and use a gradual release of responsibility to build the skills to reflect and take ownership of their learning.
Multi Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
At St Robert’s, we use a multi-tiered system of support to ensure every child is known, supported and able to thrive. This approach helps us respond to student needs across academic achievement, wellbeing and behaviour.
We provide opportunities for enrichment.
For students who exceed expectations, opportunities to extend learning exist. This can look like responsive teaching in the classroom setting, smaller focus groups or targeted projects such as ‘Maths Olympiad.’
Religious Education and Faith Development
At St Robert’s, faith is at the heart of everything we do. Through Religious Education, prayer, liturgy and everyday interactions, we help our students grow in their relationship with God and live the teachings of Jesus with kindness, compassion and hope. Working in partnership with families and St Mary of the Angels Parish, we support students on their faith journey, including preparing for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation. Together, we nurture students to know God while making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Prayer & Liturgies
Prayer is part of everyday life at St Robert’s. Each day begins and ends with prayer, giving students time to thank God, reflect and grow in faith. Throughout the year, we gather as a school community to celebrate Masses and liturgies, including Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, our Feast Day and Beginning and End of Year celebrations. Families are warmly invited to join us for these special occasions.
Social Justice
At St Robert’s, we believe that we are fortunate and can make a difference in the lives of others. Throughout the year, we support our local and global community through fundraising, service and acts of kindness. We proudly support our Partner Parish, Mary Immaculate in Viqueque, Timor-Leste, as well as Project Compassion, our Parish Pantry and other organisations that are close to the hearts of our students and families. Together, these opportunities help our students live out the values of Jesus and St Robert by showing compassion, generosity and care for others.
English
Mathematics
Languages TCL
Science & STEM
The Arts
PE
Digital Tech
Extra Curricular
English
At St Robert’s, English is taught in a knowledge-rich, language-rich and text-rich environment. Through our English curriculum, students develop the speaking, listening, reading, writing and thinking skills they need to learn confidently across all areas of the curriculum.
Because literacy is the foundation for future learning, we place a strong emphasis on explicit and systematic instruction, particularly in the early years. Students are carefully taught the essential skills of reading, spelling, handwriting, oral reading fluency, sentence construction and academic vocabulary.
As students move through the year levels, they continue to build on these foundations in increasingly sophisticated ways. They read and respond to a range of quality texts, develop their vocabulary and background knowledge, and learn to express their ideas clearly, accurately and creatively.
At St Robert’s, students engage in approximately 10 hours of English instruction each week. This time is used purposefully to develop strong literacy skills, deepen knowledge of language and literature, and foster a love of reading, writing and communication.
Mathematics
At St Robert’s, we support all students to develop confidence, fluency and success in Mathematics. Our curriculum is carefully sequenced across the key strands of Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, and Statistics and Probability.
Mathematics lessons are explicitly taught and carefully planned so that students are supported to build new knowledge and skills step by step. Teachers explain and model mathematical concepts, guide students through practice, and check for understanding throughout the lesson so that all students can experience success.
As students progress through the year levels, they build increasingly sophisticated mathematical thinking. They learn to reason, solve problems, communicate their ideas and apply their knowledge in meaningful ways.
At St Robert’s, students engage in approximately 5 hours of Mathematics instruction each week. This time is used purposefully to develop strong foundations, deepen understanding and help students see themselves as capable mathematicians.
Languages TCL
At St Robert’s, we believe learning another language helps students become confident communicators, curious learners and respectful global citizens. We teach Italian using the Teachers as Co-Learners (TCL) approach, where classroom teachers and students learn together through short, engaging language lessons. This shared learning journey encourages students to take risks, celebrate success and develop a positive attitude towards learning a new language.
Students participate in four 15-minute Italian lessons each week. This evidence-informed, high-frequency approach provides regular opportunities to hear, practise and revisit new vocabulary, helping students build confidence, strengthen their language skills and retain what they learn. By embedding Italian into the daily rhythm of the classroom, students develop meaningful communication skills while gaining a deeper appreciation of Italian language, culture and the diverse world around them.
Science & STEM
Our Science program encourages students to explore, question and discover the world around them. Through hands-on investigations and a knowledge-rich curriculum, students build their understanding of biological, chemical, physical and Earth sciences. They develop curiosity, think critically and learn to observe, explain and make sense of the world using scientific thinking.
The STEM program inspires students to think creatively, solve problems and explore new ideas. Through hands-on learning experiences, students develop their skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics while building curiosity, confidence, collaboration and resilience. Using a range of engaging digital and engineering resources, students learn to design, create, code and innovate as they prepare for an ever-changing world.
The Arts
The Arts play an important role in nurturing creativity, confidence and self-expression at St Robert’s.
Music encourages students to explore, create and perform while developing confidence, collaboration and a love of music. Through weekly specialist lessons, students sing, play instruments, move, compose and respond to music in creative and engaging ways. Every student has the opportunity to shine in our much-loved whole school concert, where music, dance and drama come together in a memorable celebration of creativity, teamwork and community.
Visual Arts provides students with opportunities to explore their creativity while developing artistic skills and techniques. Through weekly specialist lessons, students experiment with a variety of materials, learn about famous and local artists, and create both individual and collaborative artworks. Throughout the year, students celebrate their learning by participating in school projects and local art exhibitions, fostering creativity, imagination and pride in their work.
Physical Education
Our Physical Education program encourages every student to move, play and thrive. Through fun, inclusive and purposeful learning experiences, students build fundamental movement skills, teamwork, resilience and an understanding of the importance of physical and mental wellbeing.
Students participate in a weekly specialist Physical Education lesson, with additional opportunities for movement and physical activity throughout the school week. We encourage every student to challenge themselves, show respect, include others and always strive to do their personal best.
Digital Technologies
At St Robert’s, technology is used intentionally and only when it meaningfully enhances learning. We believe digital tools should support, not replace high-quality teaching and the important role of handwriting in developing thinking, creativity and long-term memory. Students have access to school-leased iPads and Chromebooks when they align with clear learning goals and add value to the learning experience. To promote balance and support student wellbeing, these devices remain at school and do not travel home with students.
Learning Safely Online
Helping children become safe, respectful and responsible digital citizens is an important part of learning at St Robert’s. Through the Cyber Safety Project Curriculum, students from Foundation to Year 6 learn about cybersafety, online etiquette, cyberbullying, protecting personal information and making positive choices online.
Smart Devices
To support learning and student wellbeing, St Robert’s follows a Smart Device Policy. All mobile phones and smart watches are stored securely in the school office during the school day, helping students remain focused, connected and engaged in learning.
Extra Curricular – Beyond the Classroom
At St Robert’s, learning extends well beyond the classroom. Throughout the year, students enjoy a wide range of camps, excursions and sporting opportunities that strengthen classroom learning, build confidence and create lasting memories.
Camps
Our camps are carefully designed to support learning while encouraging independence, teamwork and resilience. Year 5 students attend an overnight camp at Sovereign Hill, where they immerse themselves in Australian history through hands-on experiences that complement their History unit and novel study, The Night They Stormed Eureka by Jackie French.
In Year 6, students enjoy an extended adventure camp at Kangaroobie, where they challenge themselves through exciting activities, problem-solving, survival skills and team-building experiences.
Excursions
Each year level participates in excursions that enrich classroom learning and bring the curriculum to life. Whether visiting Werribee Zoo, a local farm, Melbourne Museum, Polly Woodside or other engaging destinations, these experiences spark curiosity, deepen understanding and are always a highlight of the school year.
Water Safety
Developing confidence and safety around water is an important part of our curriculum. Foundation to Year 4 students participate in an intensive swimming program each year. As students move into the senior years, they build on these skills through kayaking and water safety experiences in Year 5 and surfing and surf lifesaving programs at Torquay or Anglesea in Year 6.
Sport
As students move into our senior year levels they can enjoy a variety of opportunities to represent St Robert’s in interschool sport and extracurricular competitions. Throughout the year, students participate in Cross Country, Athletics and a range of district and divisional sporting events. Senior students also have opportunities to compete in Lightning Premierships, Round Robin competitions and Divisional Swimming, developing teamwork, resilience, and persistence.