The Integrated Curriculum:

Involves the teaching of relevant and purposeful content while actively involving the children in 'learning how to learn*(see below)

Provides opportunities for using different learning styles

Is about making connections about how the world works

Involves the process of inquiry:

Is driven by Content Key Learning Areas and enhanced by Process Key Learning Areas

* Learning how to Learn involves:
The use of research and related skills including:

Key Learning Area: Studies Of Society And The Environment

A Rationale

"Why do we teach Studies of Society & the Environment at St. Mary's School?"

The Studies of Society and Environment (SOSE) is a study of human progress and how people have organised themselves into societies over time, and how they have interacted with their physical environments. SOSE comprises the strands of History, Geography and society.
SOSE examines how humans organise themselves into communities and states to form institutions and systems. The study of these societies at a local, national and international level is critical for young people to develop an understanding of their world and its historical development.
SOSE provides a framework for developing student knowledge of Australian society past and present, and of its urban and natural environments. It treats the place of Australia within the Asia-Pacific region, and, as a part of the wider international community, extends this knowledge to a global perspective. The knowledge, skills and values students acquire in this study enable them to participate as confident, responsible and active citizens in a democratic society which functions in a global context. SOSE also encompasses the study of the natural and built surroundings that provide the physical context for social processes and cultural development. It examines the nature and interdependence of environments and people. Students learn to develop respect and care for the environment.

Key Learning Area: Science

A Rationale

"Why do we teach Science at St. Mary's School?"

Science education contributes to developing scientific and technological literacy which they will require in order to make informed decisions about their future lives and their participation in society.
Citizens of the future will need to be aware of the impact of science and technology society, the individual and the environment.
Learning science and its methods of investigation encourages students to develop curiosity and a spirit of inquiry and helps them to be open-minded and to value objectivity. Students are encouraged to adopt critical perspectives, to recognise the limitations of science and to respect and share responsibility for the local and global environment.

Key Learning Area : Technology

A Rationale

"Why do we teach Technology at St. Mary's School?"

Every day, people come into contact with a wide variety of both simple and complex technologies - in the home, school and workplace.
Technology contributes to cultural, social, environmental and economic changes. Technological developments can affect all aspects of people's lives: the developments can be responsible for changing areas as varied as the nature and place of work, the skills required for undertaking tasks, availability of information, and the way we learn.
Technology education provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary for producing quality products that effectively either solve a problem or meet a need. They do so within a context that enables them to acquire an understanding of technology's role in the world and of the effects that specific technologies or processes have on society and the environment. Technology education also develops student skills in creating and communicating ideas, and in solving complex and varied problems.