College Pedagogical Framework

It has been an exciting start to the year at St Andrews Christian College with the launch of our new College Pedagogical Framework.

The St Andrews Christian College Pedagogical Framework has been developed to articulate for teachers, parents and students how the mission of the College will be realised. The Pedagogical Framework is designed to support teachers in the delivery of high-quality learning and teaching, based on best practice research, and relate it to the most effective way that students learn. A common, consistent and evidence-based approach to teaching and learning is vital to ensure that the learning outcomes for all students are maximised. Each family within the College will receive a copy of the College Pedagogical Framework prior to the end of Term 1.

Our framework, built on our established foundation of Christian education, encompasses:

• Our College Pillars of Purpose, providing clear direction and mission.

• A Graduate Student Profile, focused on developing young people who demonstrate strong Christian values and attributes.

• A curriculum developed through the God's Big Story model, integrating biblical perspectives with academic excellence.

• Sixteen key Learner Attributes, preparing students for their future beyond school.

• A student wellbeing focus, incorporating Visible Wellbeing to ensure that each student is known, respected, and valued.

• Practical teaching strategies, grounded in research for effective classroom implementation.

Our Learner Attributes identify the skills which students need to transition effectively into the world beyond school. The sixteen Learner Attributes have been grouped into four key areas: Engaging, Relating, Developing and Managing. Each of these areas will feature in the Term Newsletter throughout the year.

E³ – Engage, Enrich and Empower

Brickulum Incursion

On Feb 20th, we welcomed Ryan Evans from Brickulum back to St Andrews Christian College to run a day of Lego building and enrichment activities. Ryan is a past Lego Masters contestant and brings a wealth of enthusiasm and experience (not to mention Lego bricks) when he comes.

Students from Year 1 to Year 6 were challenged in a variety of ways—from inventing wearable Lego, creating Lego food, building structures that could hang, cantilever or bridge as well as designing cars to compete for speed and distance. Collaboration, creativity and reasoning were the order of the day with a lot of fun and laughter mixed in.

The day ended with an after-school build session for any interested families. It was a great time, and we look forward to inviting Ryan back again next year.

Learning Support Updates

This term, we held our first ASD Parent Support Group meeting, where we discussed executive functioning and helpful strategies.

Our primary aim is to provide an opportunity for parents to connect with other parents who are faced with the challenges of a child who has autism. This is a wonderful time for parents and staff to build community and a shared understanding. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Our next ASD Parent Support Group Meeting is Wednesday 30th April.

We have also completed all the Student Support Group (SSG) meetings, and it has been delightful to celebrate student growth and achievements.