Curriculum & Assessment

At Mary MacKillop Catholic College we aim to know each of our students learning needs. Each girls academic progress is monitored and recorded on a data profile which her homeroom teacher refers to regularly to support and guide her. This then allows the student to form S.M.A.R.T goals with regards to her academic progress. Homeroom teachers then work closely with her parents, teachers, the Coordinators of Learning and Leaders of Learning to ensure that she is reaching her potential.

 

Authentic learning

In the Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of Sydney, we value authentic learning because it respects the dignity of learners and builds on their prior experience, personal interests and innate potential. It fosters critical thinking and the application of skills and knowledge in a variety of settings. It 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.

Authentic learning is learning which is relevant, purposeful and engaging. It is rigorous and learning that enables students to live lives of promise and meaning in a rapidly changing world. empowering. It is by connecting to the real world of students’ lives, authentic learning experiences enable them to become lifelong learners who contribute to society and the wider world as active and discerning citizens. Authentic learning is at the very heart of the work of the Catholic school, reflecting Jesus’ own driving imperative that humanity “would have life, and have it to the full.” (John, 10:10)

Extract from Statement on Authentic Learning. Sydney Catholic Schools 2014

 

Authentic assessment

The purpose of assessment is to establish and understand where learners are at a point in time. This informs ongoing learning opportunities and teaching decisions which ensures learning growth for students.

Students use assessment to monitor and evaluate their learning and set goals for future learning. Information gained through assessment enables students to:

• Demonstrate their learning
• Reflect on their learning growth
• Decide and act on future directions in their learning journey
• Articulate and describe to peers, teachers and parents what they have learned and what they need to learn.

Extract from Statement on Authentic Assessment. Sydney Catholic Schools 2016