Our Teaching Approach

Our learning and teaching approach is informed by the wellbeing principles and trauma-informed framework of Reframing Learning and Teaching Environments (RELATE), whilst being mindful of our distinctive educational mission as a Catholic school.

We are committed to working in partnership with families and carers to promote a holistic and integrated approach to academic learning and wellbeing. Staff work collaboratively, as an inter-disciplinary team, to enhance the educational outcomes and wellbeing for young people in our care by providing targeted and personalised learning experiences.

To support children and young people's diverse needs, we provide a flexible learning environment, designed to develop the knowledge and skills of our students so they experience success in their learning journey. Student pathways will vary; some will pursue the opportunity to re-engage in mainstream education, others will complete their primary or secondary education at MacKillop and others will undertake further training or employment.

We aim to empower our students:

• To be successful learners
• To be confident and creative individuals
• To be active and informed citizens
• To recognise, receive and model the values of Respect, Justice, Hope, Compassion and Collaboration

The following provides an overview of the curriculum offered, across all school sites. The specific program, at each school, is determined by whether it is a primary school or a primary to secondary school.

Curriculum development and implementation is informed by the Victorian Curriculum from Foundation to Year 10, and is defined by learning areas and capabilities. The Victorian Curriculum provides a comprehensive set of prescribed content and common achievement standards. Teachers plan student learning programs, assess progress and report to families/carers in alignment with this curriculum framework.

English
Mathematics
Health and Physical Education
The Arts
The Technologies

Mackillop Education offers the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) to senior students. Subjects offered include:

Literacy
Numeracy
Personal Development Skills
Work Related Skills

Students can also access Vocational Education and Training (VET) and Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) whilst completing their VPC Certificate.

New South Wales

MacKillop Education Waranara School is an Independent Special Assistance school in Annandale NSW for students in year 9 to 12. The school is a NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) registered and accredited Special Assistance School where students can achieve their Record of School Achievement (RoSA) and High School Certificate (HSC). We exist for students who have disengaged from school, in particular students who are experiencing mental health challenges, complex trauma and some disabilities.

Since educational outcomes are intrinsically linked to wellbeing, MacKillop Education Waranara School offers support to students across different aspects of their life, including individualised teaching and learning support and specialised wellbeing support.

We offer small class sizes and a strengths-based, trauma informed approach which is underpinned by the Reframing Learning and Teaching Model (ReLATE). Our teachers work closely with students to identify their unique characteristics and skills and develop learning strategies based on their strengths. Our staff work alongside parents/carers, caseworkers, psychologists and other allied health professionals to support students in addressing issues that may affect their education or wellbeing.