Teaching & Learning
Evidence-based Pedagogy
Our approach to teaching and learning is based on cutting-edge research in the field of cognitive education with our growing understanding of how the brain likes to learn. Staff are trained in design thinking techniques with a focus on student development and engagement which means they can inspire our students to think and apply their knowledge using critical and creative thinking.
Best-practice approach
From the ELC to VCE , we are dedicated to ensuring teaching and learning remains at the cutting edge. We regularly review our programs to make sure we continue to teach in line with best practice. We provide ongoing professional development and opportunites for research.
SOWATT
Our ELC uses the SOWATT framework created by Russell Kaplan and Rosalyn Muir to intentionally develop critical executive function skills in students, supporting them to be successful in school and beyond. The six executive functions that make up the SOWATT framework are: Self-regulation, Organisation, Working memory, Attention, Thinking flexibly and Thinking about thinking. We recognise the importance of strengthening these skills particularly in the 3-5 year old age group to prepare them for school and for life.
Science of Language & Reading
Our Science of Language and Reading (SOLAR) program is an evidence-based structured literacy program that uses phonics to teach students how to read. This teaches students phonological awareness so they are able to identify the 44 combinations of sounds in the English language. This enables students to decode words without relying on existing vocabulary.
The Writing Revolution
This Writing Revolution is a framework that explicitly teaches students how to take notes, summarise information, create sentences, single paragraphs and linked paragraphs to create a story or an argument. Students build their comprehension skills at the same time as they learn how to create cohesive texts. This are skills students take with them to Middle and Senior School, and beyond.
WalkThrus
WalkThrus are a systemic classroom development framework. Developed by renowned UK based educators Tom Sherrington and Oliver Caviglioli, WalkThrus are designed to enhance the quality of Teaching and Learning by providing structured, evidence-based strategies that teachers can implement in their classrooms. Key aspects of WalkThrus include breaking down complex teaching techniques into a manageable, five-step process including, but not limited to: explanation, modeling, practice, feedback, and consolidation.
Creativity & Entrepreneurship
The importance of teaching skills for the future such as collaboration, creativity and entrepreneurship is embodied in a range of peak experiences including a range of Project Based Learning opportunities and electives and co-curricular programs designed to spark creativity in students of all ages. From Robotics and Coding to Creative Design and the MERIT (Making, Engineering, Robotics and Innovative Technologies), program, students are encouraged to learn new skills and build their creativity.
Thinking to Learn
In the Junior School, we focus on explicitly teaching thinking skills including exercises developed by Professor Reuven Feuerstein (an internationally renowned Israeli professor of psychology) called 'Instrumental Enrichment'. A central belief of the program is that all people are open to change and takes advantage of the brain’s plasticity which is its ability to change and be modified. The program provides students with the concepts, skills, strategies, operations, and techniques necessary to function as independent learners, to diagnose and, and to help students learn how to learn.
Play Video
I love learning how to code my own video game and test it on my friends.
We take complicated ideas and learn how to break them down into small parts to make it easier to understand.
My favourite lessons are when we get to use our imagination and come up with something brand new and see if we can turn it into a proper business.
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