St.Sava College will become a comprehensive school for boys and girls from K-12. The school day will begin and end with prayer allowing students to ponder the metaphysical realm of earthly existence.
The academic program, at St Sava’s will be developed to provide an excellent educational experience in every classroom every day, while catering for the diverse needs of all children.
The academic program will be structured around two key elements: rigorous implementation of the Australian Curriculum, with an appropriate balance of knowledge and skill-based content, and high quality, evidence-based teaching and assessment. It will combine the best of traditional and modern educational practices.
The early years of school will have a strong focus on the foundational skills of literacy and numeracy without compromising other important curriculum areas such as learning about our Saviour Jesus Christ, the wonders of the created world and its people and cultures. Literacy and numeracy teaching will be based on the most up-to-date scientific evidence to ensure that all children are achieving at an appropriate standard.
Literacy teaching in the early years (Foundation to Year 2) will comprise the essential components of reading and spelling, including explicit and systematic teaching of phonics, as well encouraging enjoyment of reading and writing through children’s literature and structured teaching. Numeracy teaching will instil in students a strong understanding of the fundamental numerical concepts, facts and processes that provide the basis for mathematical proficiency.
The progress of students will be regularly monitored so that any children requiring extra support can be identified early and provided with appropriate intervention. With high quality classroom teaching and effectively targeted support, almost all children will have the literacy and numeracy skills required to successfully engage with the curriculum in upper primary.
The primary school years from Year 3 to Year 6 will continue to use evidence-based methods for teaching more complex abilities in literacy and numeracy, as the demands on these skills increase. In Years 3 to 6, students’ knowledge of the Biblical narrative and the experience of prayer, history, geography, science, music, and art will be expanded and deepened, establishing a strong knowledge base for their transition into high school. Pedagogy will be an evidence-based combination of explicit teacher-directed instruction and student-driven inquiry.
Teachers at St Sava’s will be carefully selected and appointed on their ability to meet the school’s high expectations of academic achievement in a thoroughly Christian context. All teachers will be provided with professional learning opportunities to continually develop their expertise and to foster spiritual connection in relationships with students, parents, and peers. Teachers at St Sava will be familiar with current educational research evidence and practices. St Sava’s will cater for students with a wide range of educational needs and gifts, using the services of allied professionals where required.
A child’s school life is a formative experience, both academically, spiritually, and socially. St Sava’s will provide the excellent education that will help children to discover meaning and purpose and to become productive and contributing Orthodox Christians in the context of vocation, family, community, and Church.
