Our Learning
St Pius X Primary School Heidelberg West
Learning at St Pius X
St Pius X staff embrace a student-centered approach to teaching, grounded in the belief that all students have the potential to learn and succeed. We value the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive classroom environment that meets the diverse needs of students—emotionally, socially, culturally, and educationally.
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At a system level, MACS launched its Vision for Instruction a year ago – a system-wide approach to achieving teaching and learning excellence that’s grounded in evidence-based practices and principles. By combining these elements St Pius X has become an environment where students are empowered, motivated, and capable of achieving their full potential.
Religion
At St Pius X, we are committed to providing numerous opportunities for our community - students, staff, and families alike - to explore and deepen their faith. These experiences are designed to support spiritual growth, strengthen our Catholic identity, and encourage active participation in the life of the Church.
The Religious Education curriculum draws from the content areas of Jesus and Scripture, Church and Community, God, Religion and Life, Prayer, Liturgy and Sacrament and Morality and Justice. Our learners are supported to develop their:
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Knowledge and understanding – seeking truth
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Reasoning and responding – making meaning
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Personal and communal engagement – living story
For more information about the Religious Education Curriculum Framework, please see the MACS RE Framework page.
Sacramental Program
An essential element of education in the faith is the growth of people in the Christian community and the Sacramental life of the Church.
Many of the students in our school have been baptised as infants and are prepared for and celebrate the Sacraments of Reconciliation (Year Three), Eucharist (Year Four) and Confirmation (Year Six).
The R.C.I.C. Process (Rite of Christian Initiation of Children) is available through the Parish for those families wishing their children to be baptised once they have entered the primary years of schooling.
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Social Justice Opportunities: Our commitment to living out the Gospel is reflected in the many social justice opportunities we provide. Students actively engage in service projects, fundraising initiatives, and advocacy for those in need. These experiences foster a spirit of compassion and a desire to make a positive difference in the world, in alignment with our Catholic values.
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Catholic Social Teaching (CST) provides a framework for living out the Gospel in society, guiding us to act with justice, compassion, and love in all aspects of life. At our school, we integrate CST principles into our daily lives and learning, encouraging students to reflect on how their faith calls them to serve others and work for a more just and equitable world.
English
At St Pius X, we recognize that English is more than just a subject; it is a powerful tool that enables students to communicate, connect with others, and successfully navigate the world. Our approach to teaching English is designed to help students become confident, skilled communicators who can express themselves clearly and engage with the world around them. At St Pius X, in line with the MACS Vision for Instruction, we use an evidence based approach and explicit teaching to meet the needs of our students.
Our goal is to make English a subject that students enjoy and feel passionate about. By developing strong English skills, we empower our students to navigate the world with confidence, participate fully in their communities, and communicate effectively as they pursue their dreams. Through English, they gain the tools they need to understand, influence, and contribute meaningfully to the world around them.
Maths
Our Mathematics curriculum is designed to cultivate a deep understanding and passion for math, empowering students with the skills and confidence to solve problems, think critically, and apply mathematical concepts to real-world scenarios. Central to our approach is the belief that every student can excel in mathematics, and we are committed to making learning both engaging and meaningful.
At St Pius X, in alignment with the MACS Vision for Instruction, we utilise an evidence-based approach and explicit teaching strategies to effectively meet the diverse needs of our students. We aim to provide our students with the tools they need to navigate the world, solve problems, and make informed decisions—both in and out of the classroom.
STEM
At our school, our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) program is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset they need to navigate and thrive in an increasingly complex and digital world. We have intentionally crafted a curriculum that integrates inquiry-based learning, aligns with Catholic Social Teaching (CST), and leverages the power of digital technology to inspire students to explore, create, and make a positive difference in the world around them.
The students in our Year 4/5/6 class engage in questioning, design, prototype development, and work towards creating an end product. Over the past few years, they have been recognized at the STEM Mad competition for their innovative projects, including the design and construction of a pizza oven for our garden.
Digital Technologies
At St Pius X, we are committed to fostering digital literacy and equipping students with essential technology skills, including cyber safety awareness. Our Prep to Year 3 students have access to iPads, while students in Years 4 to 6 use individual laptops to support their learning.
Technology is integrated across the curriculum, allowing students to explore, research, and create solutions using a variety of digital tools, including Google Apps and coding programs with robotics such as Ozobots and Micro:bits. Through engaging STEM projects, students apply their learning in science, mathematics, and inquiry, including hands-on experiences in our Gardening program, where they explore sustainable solutions to support the environment.
By embedding technology into our teaching, we empower students to become confident, responsible, and innovative digital learners, preparing them for the future.
Health & PE/Humanities
St Pius X school is strategically aligned with the MACS Vision for Instruction, Flourishing Learners position Statement. We also embrace a curriculum based on the Victorian Curriculum F–10. The Victorian Curriculum sets out what every student should learn during their first eleven years of schooling. The curriculum is the common set of knowledge and skills required by students for lifelong learning, social development and active and informed citizenship. The Victorian Curriculum F–10 incorporates the Australian Curriculum and reflects Victorian priorities and standards.
To find out more about the Victorian Curriculum access the website:
Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority
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Physical Education involves mastering movement skills, concepts, and strategies that empower students to engage confidently, competently, and creatively in various physical activities. It serves as a cornerstone for lifelong participation in physical activities and improved performance. Students cultivate proficiency in movement skills and activities, grasp fundamental movement concepts, and gain insights into the scientific principles governing human motion. Through this process, they develop an appreciation for the importance of physical activity, outdoor recreation and sports.
Auslan
We are proud to offer AUSLAN (Australian Sign Language) as our whole-school language program, in collaboration with AUSLAN Education Services. We believe that learning AUSLAN is an essential and inclusive part of our students’ education, enriching their understanding of communication and fostering a deeper appreciation for the Deaf community and culture.
Bush School
At St Pius X, we are proud to offer a Bush School program that reconnects students with nature, encouraging them to explore, play, and learn in the outdoors. Through this hands-on experience, we aim to foster a deeper relationship between children and the natural world, allowing them to develop the skills, values, and resilience needed to thrive both physically and mentally.
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Our Bush School program is based on the belief that nature play is one of the most powerful ways to support children's growth and development. By providing students with the freedom to explore the natural environment, we help them learn to care for the world around them and one another. Nature becomes a living classroom where children are empowered to discover, problem-solve, and build connections with their environment and peers.
Through the Bush School program, we aim to cultivate an ongoing sense of responsibility for the environment. As students spend time in nature, they begin to understand the importance of preserving and protecting the world around them. Whether it’s through activities like planting trees, cleaning up natural spaces, or learning about local ecosystems, students develop a sense of environmental stewardship.
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We believe that by giving children the freedom to explore and play in nature, we help them build a lifelong connection to the natural world. This connection fosters a sense of responsibility and care for the planet, encouraging them to grow into informed, compassionate, and active stewards of the earth.
Gardening
The Foodweb Framework is an innovative, garden-based teaching approach that combines hands-on outdoor learning with scientific exploration, curiosity-driven inquiry, and storytelling. Rooted in the principles of sustainability and environmental stewardship, this framework encourages students to explore the natural world through the lens of a garden ecosystem. It fosters a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of life, helping children not only learn about the environment but also become active participants in caring for it.
