St Bernadette’s Instructional Model
Our Approach to Learning and Instruction
At St Bernadette’s, we are committed to providing a high-quality, evidence-based education that enables every child to flourish. Our teaching is grounded in the Science of Learning and underpinned by Explicit Teaching, ensuring that all students develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to succeed at school and in life.
Our approach is guided by Melbourne Archdiocesan Catholic Schools (MACS), including the Vision for Instruction (2024) and Vision for Engagement (2025), which highlight the importance of clear, effective teaching and meaningful student engagement.
Evidence-Based Teaching for Strong Learning
Our instructional model is based on Explicit Teaching, a highly effective approach informed by cognitive science and educational research. In every classroom, teachers clearly explain and model what students need to learn. Learning is carefully structured so that new knowledge and skills are introduced in small, manageable steps, with regular opportunities for guided practice, feedback and review.
We recognise that students learn best when teaching aligns with how the brain processes, stores and retrieves information. Drawing on the Cognitive Load Theory, our teachers design lessons that reduce unnecessary distractions and support students to focus on the most important concepts. By carefully sequencing learning and checking for understanding at every stage, we ensure knowledge is securely embedded in long-term memory.
At St Bernadette’s, we provide clear instruction, scaffolded support and structured practice so that every student can experience success, particularly when learning new or complex material.
A Knowledge-Rich and Purposeful Curriculum
Our curriculum is guided by the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) and the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA).
Religious Education is foundational to all learning at St Bernadette’s. Learning is centred on dialogue, understanding and action. Students are invited to explore the mysteries of life and faith, deepening their knowledge and responding with compassion, guided by the Holy Spirit.
St Bernadette’s instructional model is implemented in a manner tailored to each subject area to ensure its appropriateness and effectiveness. The learning is carefully planned and sequenced so that knowledge builds cumulatively over time, enabling students to develop deep understanding and achieve academic success. Nine learning areas have been identified where explicit teaching strategies will be applied, with a focus on subject-specific elements. These areas include Religious Education, the Arts, English, Mathematics, Health and Physical Education, Languages, Science, Humanities, and Technologies.
Supporting Every Learner
At St Bernadette’s, we believe that every child can learn and flourish. We use a wide range of assessment practices—including observations, pre- and post-testing, and ongoing feedback—to monitor progress and ensure all students experience growth.
Our teaching is responsive and aims to meet the needs of our students by recognising that each learner brings unique strengths and experiences. Students are supported through clear learning intentions, success criteria and targeted feedback, helping them become confident, capable and independent learners.
A Culture of Continuous Improvement
We are dedicated to ongoing professional learning, ensuring our teaching practices reflect the latest research and best practice. Our staff engage in rigorous, relevant professional development to continually enhance their impact on student outcomes.
Through the use of data, we refine our teaching programs to ensure they remain effective, purposeful and responsive to change. As the world evolves, so too do our approaches to learning and teaching.
A Safe, Inclusive and Faith-Filled Community
St Bernadette’s is a welcoming Catholic community where every child is known, valued and supported. We foster a safe and respectful learning environment where diversity is celebrated, and student wellbeing is prioritised. Our positive approach to behaviour and learning encourages children to be kind, safe, responsible and respectful.
Across all other learning areas, the Victorian Curriculum provides a strong foundation of knowledge and skills essential for lifelong learning, social development, and active citizenship. Our curriculum is both comprehensive and responsive, ensuring learning is meaningful, engaging and tailored to the needs of each student.
We are committed to nurturing the whole child—spiritually, socially, intellectually, emotionally and physically—so that each student feels confident to take risks, develop their voice, and actively engage in their learning.
Developing Lifelong Learners
Our ultimate goal is to empower students to become motivated, curious and self-regulated learners. While teachers provide clear guidance and strong foundations, students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning, set goals and reflect on their progress.
Through a knowledge-rich curriculum, explicit instruction, and a supportive learning environment, we equip our students with the tools they need to thrive—both now and into the future.