Primary School

BDC Primary is a vibrant learning environment that is shaped by a holistic Investigations learning approach. At a young age this play-based learning is perfect for fostering children’s investigative and enquiry-based learning abilities and allows our students to progress through their developmental stages in a safe, fun and exciting environment. 

BDC Investigations

Investigations is a holistic teaching and learning approach that is developmentally and culturally appropriate for children in early childhood and primary years of education. Investigations is a pedagogy, not a program or tool.

In the primary years of education, Investigations is designed to provide a balance of explicit teaching of literacy, numeracy, STEAM, and other curriculum areas, with time for children to actively investigate a range of skills and experiences for life. This is achieved either through planned play or projects, depending upon their age and stage of maturity.

Investigations values, respects and honours the individual child, views the child holistically and considers emotional and social development of equal importance as academic success. The starting point and emphasis is relationships with a child (and family) and personalising their experiences to set each child up for success.

Brain research states that children require a mix of explicit instruction and active exploration of their environment in learning experiences that reflect their own culture, environment and community, so that learning is truly relevant and meaningful.

Project-Based Learning

Stage 2 students engage in project-based learning throughout the year. Project-based learning (PBL) is a teaching and learning approach in which students learn by actively engaging in real-world and personally meaningful projects. This model of learning has emerged in education all around the world. 

This approach includes student-centered learning. Our teachers embrace a range of teaching strategies to help support all learners. In project-based learning, the focus is on doing an authentic self-directed project and learning from it.

Project-Based Learning at BDC:

• Engages students in their personal learning journey.
• Offers students an opportunity to build confidence, solve problems, work in teams, communicate ideas, and manage themselves more effectively.
• Encourages students to use technology in authentic ways.
• Connects students and schools with communities locally and globally.
• Pedagogy provides real-world practice and application of the general capabilities, within curriculum requirements of content and skill development.

Helping every student grow, learn, and reach their full potential

We understand that throughout their educational journey, students may encounter challenges that require additional support. Our dedicated Learning Support team works closely with students, families, teachers, and external specialists to provide personalised support tailored to individual needs.

By fostering collaboration and implementing targeted strategies and programs, we ensure that each student is equipped to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.

Pastoral Care in the Primary School

Pastoral care aims to provide a supportive and caring environment where students can reach their intellectual, spiritual, physical, emotional and social potential. Students are supported to become independent and interdependent members of the community, able to contribute to a wide range of activities.

We aim to develop students who have high self-esteem, are responsible, are capable of making sensible, informed choices, and who can recognise their fundamental rights and responsibilities. Our key rights and responsibilities aim to assist each student in the primary school to come to a better understanding of what it means to show respect for all. 

We understand that every child has the right to:

• Be treated fairly and with respect
• Be themselves
• Be safe and be heard
• Learn
• Have fun and enjoy school
• Be proud of Bishop Druitt College

Co-curricular, Music and Sport

We believe that learning extends beyond the classroom. Our vibrant co-curricular, music, and sport programs play a key role in nurturing well-rounded, confident, and engaged learners.

From music ensembles and creative arts to team sports and specialised clubs, students are encouraged to explore their interests, develop new skills, and embrace every opportunity. Participation is not only enjoyable, it fosters teamwork, resilience, and a strong sense of school spirit.

Physical activity is an essential part of our primary program. All students take part in college-wide events including the Swimming, Athletics, and Cross Country Carnivals. Those with exceptional sporting talent have pathways to represent the college at regional, state, and national levels.

Our diverse range of co-curricular offerings includes clubs such as Chess, Gardening, Drama, Running, and more ensuring there’s something for every child to discover and enjoy.