Extension & Enrichment
There are many opportunities for the individual needs of children to be met at St. Philomena’s in the wider curriculum. Some of these opportunities occur both within the classroom on a daily basis and outside of school hours.
St. Philomena’s is committed to providing opportunities for all children to excel.
Gifted and Talented Camps
The school acts a referral point between Gifted and Talented camps and families for the purpose of informing and liaising to ensure that students are given access to any special weekends of workshops in the enrichment area.
Languages
A Japanese program exists in the school as part of our commitment to Languages Other Than English (LOTE) requirements. A Japanese intern is supported within the school community.
Technology/Computers
The school’s two computer laboratories consist of twenty-eight terminals all linked to a school system allowing for whole group studies on technology. Classes access the lab as a whole where specialist teachers (secondary elective) along with classroom teachers develop skills with children in a technology environment.
School Performance
Each year, one of the school departments produces a school performance. The responsibility is rotated around the school to give all students at least two experiences in major productions during their education at St. Philomena’s. Local Eisteddfods receive abundant entries from our school where pupils of all ages can express themselves dramatically and musically. Secondary students participate in the Croc Eisteddfod.
Primary Maths Streaming (3-6)
Classes are streamed across the grades in the areas of Mathematics to allow for children to develop skills at their own level. This system provides both extension and support opportunities.
School Band and School Choir
Opportunities exist for students to audition for the school band and choir. Practice for the band will take place before school. The school choir will continue as a Primary and Secondary section which will come together on special occasions.
There are many occasions during the school year where St. Philomena’s participates in representative and competitive activities related to music and choral activities.
Excursions
Excursions take place in each grade. These visits support the grade curriculum and are designed to introduce the students initially to aspects of the local community, broadening their perspectives as they grow older. Significant excursions include: (these are subject to change)
Year 2: Pioneer Village, Inverell
Year 3: Gwydir Valley
Year 4: Mt Kaputar
Year 5: Warrumbungles Camp, Term 4
Year 6: Hervey Bay / Brisbane Camp, Term 3
Year 8: Nymboida Recreational and Outdoor Centre
Year 9: Outward Bound TBA
Year 10: TBA