Curriculum

An acclaimed, world class curriculum.

At Good Shepherd, we deliver a high standard of education to all students through the world-class Primary Years Programme (PYP) of the International Baccalaureate (IB), in conjunction with the Australian Curriculum.

Our students are taught English, mathematics, science, health, and HASS (humanities and social sciences incorporating history, geography, civics and citizenship, and economics and business) by classroom teachers. Specialist teachers are employed to teach physical education, German and the arts.

International Baccalaureate
The IB PYP focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer and lifelong learner, both in the classroom and in the wider world.

The programme develops ‘internationally minded, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.’ (IBO Mission Statement)

Students across all year levels at Good Shepherd are engaged in a rigorous and challenging curriculum, that is concept-driven and inquiry-based. They make strong connections between all subjects and the real world.

Good Shepherd students become critical, creative and reflective thinkers, with the PYP providing students with a balanced combination of:

  • Acquisition of essential knowledge and skills
  • Development of conceptual understandings
  • Demonstration of positive attitudes and taking responsible action.

The IB PYP is continually engaging and reviewing educational research, enabling Good Shepherd’s students to be exposed to innovative and creative learning for the 21st century.

International
Baccalaureate (IB).

Students at International Baccalaureate® (IB) World Schools are given a unique education.

They will:

  • Be encouraged to think independently and drive their own learning
  • Take part in programmes of education that can lead them to some of the highest ranking universities around the world
  • Become more culturally aware, through the development of a second language
  • Be able to engage with people in an increasingly globalised and rapidly changing world.

IB students often perform better
IB World School students develop strong academic, social and emotional characteristics. They are also likely to perform well academically – often better than students on other programs.

In the PYP, students learn how to think for themselves and take responsibility for their own learning through an inquiry-led approach. By developing the attributes of the IB learner profile, students also learn how to demonstrate respect for themselves and others – building international-mindedness by working with others for a shared purpose and taking positive action for change.