“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” Aristotle

At St Michael’s our pedagogical approach to learning is Christ-centred and focuses on supporting the wellbeing and learning of each individual child in an authentic and holistic manner. By interweaving the head, heart and hands approach into the students learning we support and encourage them to be people of integrity who reflect the love of Christ in the world today and contribute positively to society at a local and a global level.

We recognise that there are many learning opportunities both planned and incidental in every aspect of school life to engage the head, heart and hands.

Head: Through knowledge and critical and creative thinking, students develop a deep understanding in all curriculum areas, including topics and content that have a values, ethical or moral perspective, such as stewardship, sustainability and social justice issues.

Heart: Relating knowledge and understandings to Catholic principles and values and connecting with how students feel and their values, helps students’ moral development. It also assists them to develop positive character traits such as empathy, integrity, respect and compassion. Touching the heart helps students to grow in relationship with God, themselves, others and the whole of creation and to respond in love. 

Hands: Research shows that students’ learning is improved when they see a purpose for what they are learning. Research also indicates that students’ wellbeing benefits greatly when they are encouraged and given the opportunity to respond to issues and topics in particular around social justice issues, so that they can make a positive difference for the common good, through being engaged in service and doing good.