Vision for Instruction

At our school, teaching and learning are guided by the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) Vision for Instruction and the Science of Learning, ensuring every student is supported to grow academically, socially and spiritually. Grounded in evidence-based practice, our classrooms focus on explicit instruction, practice and timely feedback so students clearly understand what they are learning and why. Teachers carefully sequence learning, activate prior knowledge and provide opportunities for students to think deeply, apply skills and reflect on their progress. Through consistent, high-quality teaching and a strong culture of high expectations and care, we create learning environments where all students feel safe, challenged and empowered to flourish as confident, capable learners in a Catholic community. No matter their ability, all children can achieve success and understand that by using a growth mindset they can learn from their mistakes. 

English

At St Brendan’s, students engage in explicit English instruction each week, informed by the Science of Reading and cognitive science research into how students learn best.

Explicit phonics (Little Learners Love Literacy) are taught in Prep- 2 and spelling instruction (Smart Spelling Program) 3-6

  • Students participate in a variety of activities to build reading fluency

  • Explicit instruction in grammar, sentence structure and composition

  • Regular exposure to a variety of text types, including novel studies, rich picture books and Core Knowledge texts

  • Multiple opportunities to develop and practice vocabulary and comprehension skills

  • Explicit teaching of genre-specific features and the components of skilled writing

  • Regular handwriting practise

This consistent, evidence-based approach ensures all students build strong foundational literacy skills and develop the confidence to succeed as learners.

 

Mathematics

At St Brendan’s, we use an explicit teaching model to ensure all students develop strong mathematical understanding, confidence and problem-solving skills. Our approach is carefully structured and informed by current research into how students learn most effectively.

Each mathematics lesson follows a consistent structure designed to support all learners:

  • Daily Review – Previously taught concepts are revisited and consolidated to strengthen recall, fluency and connections between ideas.

  • Explicit Modelling – Teachers introduce new concepts through clear, step-by-step explanations and worked examples.

  • Concrete–Representational–Abstract (CRA) Approach – Students engage with hands-on materials, then visual representations, before progressing to abstract symbols, ensuring deep conceptual understanding.

  • Independent Practice – Students apply their learning independently to reinforce skills and build mastery.

  • Support and Extension – Instruction is responsive, providing targeted support for students who need it and meaningful extension for those ready to be challenged.

 

Inquiry Learning

Inquiry Learning is driven by curiosity and critical thinking, while also deliberately building students’ core knowledge and transferable skills. Teachers explicitly teach key concepts, vocabulary and understandings so students have a strong foundation to inquire, problem-solve and apply their learning with confidence. This balance between explicit teaching and student exploration supports both engagement and academic growth.

Our inquiry units place a strong emphasis on Humanities, Health and Science, while integrating Religious Education, English, Mathematics, Social and Emotional Learning and Specialist subjects. This connected approach enables students to make meaningful links across learning areas and apply their skills in authentic contexts.

At St Brendan’s, students celebrate and share their learning through our learning expos, where they showcase their inquiry journeys, growth and achievements with pride to families and the wider community. 


 


Specialist Learning Areas

At St Brendan's School, we provide specialist teachers for:

  • Physical Education

  • Music

  • S.T.E.A.M

  • Performing Arts

  • Italian