Learning Areas

The Mathematics Curriculum emphasises the importance of mathematical reasoning. Students learn to apply their mathematical understanding creatively and efficiently.

The Mathematics Curriculum encourages students to become self-motivated, confident learners through inquiry and active participation in challenging and engaging learning experiences.

The Integrated Studies Curriculum is designed to specifically incorporate the essential skills and understandings in the areas of History, Geography, Science, Civics and Citizenship. The interdisciplinary nature of the curriculum creates natural links with other key learning areas. The Integrated Studies Curriculum is interdisciplinary and demonstrates the interdependent nature of the subject disciplines.

An inquiry learning approach is adopted for teaching Integrated Studies, where student understanding and skills are developed through teacher-guided and student–centred learning activities. The inquiry approach fosters 21st century learning skills through a range of learning experiences. 

The aim of Christian Education is that students come to know and have faith in God the Father, Son and Holy
Spirit. This saving faith is entirely a gift of God through the Holy Spirit.

The Christian Studies curriculum gives students the opportunity to hear, explore and reflect upon the Word of God and develop an appreciation for the Christian perspective on life and the world in which they live. The curriculum is four strands of Christian Beliefs, Christian Church, Christian Living and Christianity in the World. Christian Studies is the study of the Christian faith and its relevance for life today.  As part of the learning program, it is taught with educational rigour and is inclusive of students from a wide range of backgrounds. 

Digital Technologies provides students with practical opportunities to develop digital solutions and consider design elements for effective communication. Students become adaptable users of digital systems and critical consumers of digital information.  During these Digital Technology lessons, students acquire a deep knowledge and understanding of digital systems, data and information, eSafety and the processes associated with creating digital solutions. Students experience creative ways to communicate and express their ideas while learning to critically evaluate the vast amount of information available online. Students learn to keep themselves safe by recognising risks and making informed decisions to protect themselves whilst using technology. The Digital Technologies curriculum at Good Shepherd develops Coding and Robotics skills, where students develop their understanding of various coding commands to control a range of robots such as Dash, BeeBot and Sphero. Other Digital Technologies learning activities include 3D design and printing, movie making, website development, interactive games, photography and many more.  

All students are provided with personal technology devices, Chromebooks and iPads, that connect to the School network. These devices are for school use and remain on-campus. Students learn to use ICT in a safe and respectful manner as part of eLearning both in Digital Technologies and using devices in classrooms. 

Music

Music offers an important contribution to each child’s skill development and enjoyment of learning.

The Music Program at Good Shepherd develops skills sequentially and comprehensively from Prep to Year 6. All students receive Classroom Music Tuition and a Choral session each week.

To further enhance Classroom Music, students are able to pursue a specialist study of an individual instrument. Lessons are held on a rotating basis to avoid students missing the same class each week.

Good Shepherd provides many performance opportunities through participation in one or more of our school bands, choirs and ensembles. Concerts are held throughout the year.

Visual Arts

The Visual Arts Program at Good Shepherd promotes development of imagination, creativity and skills by exploring ideas and experimenting with a range of art forms. All students learn about and engage in a variety of art forms; painting, drawing, printmaking, ceramics, threads and textiles, construction, collage and digital art.

Students’ artwork is displayed and celebrated in the gallery space, corridors, classrooms and in an annual student exhibition held in Term 4.

Drama

In Drama, students practise skills of creative improvisation and role-play through dramatic games, skits and plays. Students make and develop characters individually and collaboratively through the use of costume, voice, facial expressions, sound effects and movement.

As students participate in and respond to drama presentations, they practise being cooperative actors and respectful audience members. They use critical and creative thinking when responding to drama presentations and when giving and receiving constructive feedback.

The Physical Education Curriculum at Good Shepherd is dedicated to nurturing students' appreciation for physical activity, fostering the acquisition of fundamental motor skills, and promoting a lifelong commitment to health and wellbeing.

Students participate in a 45 minute Physical Education session per week provided by a PE Specialist Teacher, where explicit development of physical movement skills with competence and confidence is of focus.

Students in Prep & Year 1 participate in the Perceptual Motor Program (PMP). The program aims to improve the children's fitness, balance, hand-eye coordination, gross motor skills, and self-confidence.

Students in Year 2 to 6 students participate in a weekly Sport session, where fundamental movement skills are developed and applied through games and activities of particular sports.

The School offers a wide variety of both individual and team activities which are aimed at the total development of each student.
• Swimming Program.
• School Athletics Carnival and Cross Country Carnival. All Year Levels.
• Inter-school sports competitions and regular sports sessions are in addition to the general classroom physical education lessons.

German

In the early years German is taught using a wide variety of rhymes, songs, stories and games. These are generally based around a theme. Some examples include seasons, weather, food, animals, family and special celebrations.

A variety of audio-visual and eLearning resources are utilised: Chrometabs, Chrome books and online resources are used to enable students to see, experience and interact with authentic language in action. Students are encouraged to use the language they have acquired wherever possible. This may be in informal situations both at school and at home.

By Year 6, reading, writing and comprehension skills are developing and provide a sound base upon which students can build when they commence secondary school language learning.

Chinese

Our Chinese program endeavours to provide students with useful communication skills and cultural awareness so as to prepare them to become enthusiastic and caring global citizens in the future.

A wide variety of activities involving listening, speaking, reading and writing are carefully designed and differentiated to cater for both second language learners and background language learners.

Good Shepherd has established a Sister School relationship with a school in Nanjing, China. Visits from our Sister School provide opportunities for language learning in a broader real life context.

The Library/Research Program is designed to support student learning and teaching programs. Skills are taught in sequence, are built upon and developed as students move through the School.

All students are encouraged to utilise the Library/Resource Centre before school, at lunchtime and after school. Borrowing from the Library/Resource Centre is permitted at these times.

The Library / Resource Centre is a valuable resource. All students are encouraged to make the most of the opportunities they have to utilise this excellent facility.

Good Shepherd provides differentiated learning opportunities that are designed to cater for the wide range of academic abilities. This is both in the classroom by the classroom teacher and within the Learning Enhancement program. Classroom teachers are supported by Learning Enhancement teachers to help cater for the learning needs of students in their classes.

The Learning Enhancement program reflects the abilities and needs of the students in the cohort. The program may be used to either support or extend students in a small group setting.

The Enviro-Learning Garden has been designed and established to support the curriculum of the School and provide students with hands-on environmental learning experiences. Students have the opportunity to learn about sustainability and to plant, grow and harvest various fruits and vegetables. The Enviro-Learning Garden is utilised by teachers as a natural connection to particular units of study and by the ‘Green Shoots Garden Club’.

Our school camps are designed for students from Year 2 to 6. These experiences teach important skills like working together, sharing ideas and thinking creatively in an outdoor environment. Our camps are designed to enhance skills taught at school for example, our Canberra camp ties into history, civics and citizenship.

Year 2 - School Sleepover
Year 3 - ADANAC Camp (Yarra Junction)
Year 4 - Camp Rumbug (Campaspe Downs)
Year 5 - Sovereign Hill Camp
Year 6 - Canberra Camp

Green Shoots Garden Club

The Green Shoots Garden Club is available to all students from Prep to Year 6 and is designed to provide opportunities for students to be involved in hands-on activities as they explore and participate in the planting, nurturing and harvesting process. The Green Shoots Garden Club is held during lunchtimes.

Chess Club

The Chess Club allows students of all ages and experience levels to come together and share their interest and passion for chess. Students also have the opportunity to participate in the annual Good Shepherd Chess Tournament. Additionally, a number of students are also selected to represent the School at various regional chess tournaments. Specialist Chess Coaching is also offered after school on Mondays.

Good Shepherd Lightning Netball Club

The Good Shepherd Lightning Netball Club provides opportunities for all students, from beginners to advanced, who enjoy the game of netball. The Club aims to develop the skills of players, coaches and umpires, and to foster leadership, teamwork and good sporting behaviour.

Teams train on a weekly basis and compete within the Lilydale Yarra Valley Netball Association (LYVNA).

Good Shepherd After School Basketball Club

After School Basketball is a competition run for primary schools within the Kilsyth and Mountain District area. It provides an opportunity for Good Shepherd students to represent the School in an after school sporting activity where they are able to improve their skills, fitness, teamwork and above all have fun with their friends.

After School Basketball is conducted in a fun and safe environment, with students of all abilities invited to participate. Competitions are available for Year 1 to Year 6 students, with different levels of competition to accommodate all skill levels. Training is conducted at Good Shepherd and games are played after school at either Kilsyth or Lilydale Basketball stadiums.