At St Mary’s we believe students learn best when they are explicitly taught the knowledge and skills they need, and then given meaningful opportunities to apply, practise and extend their learning. Guided by the Vision for Engagement from Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS), our teachers provide clear and purposeful instruction, model new learning and support students to develop strong foundations. Students are then encouraged to use what they know in authentic and engaging learning experiences that develop independence, curiosity, problem solving and deeper thinking. 

Our approach supports students to think critically, collaborate with others and apply their learning to new and challenging situations. From the early years onwards, students are given opportunities to explore ideas, ask questions, make connections and explain their thinking. In Prep – 2, our weekly Discovery sessions provide a dedicated opportunity for students to apply their developing knowledge and skills through purposeful, play-based experiences and extended projects. Through this balance of explicit teaching and active application, we aim to develop capable, confident and curious learners who understand not only what they are learning, but how and why they can use it.