Learning & Teaching News

 Collaborative Practice → Student Growth

At St Peter's College, our Learning & Teaching Coaches have been actively engaged in a range of initiatives designed to enhance the professional development of our staff, with the ultimate goal of fostering academic growth within our student cohort. Below are some of the initiatives that the Cranbourne Coaches have recently been championing:

Tishan Lokuge - Science Coach - Enhancing Digital Collaboration with Microsoft Whiteboard

Tishan has introduced Microsoft Whiteboard into classrooms to facilitate pairwise comparisons, allowing students to collaborate digitally in dynamic and engaging ways. This tool has been a fantastic addition, making it easier for students to share ideas and work together, even beyond the classroom.

Denise Tan - Religious Education Coach - Creating Effective Collaborative Spaces

Denise has been working on creating welcoming and effective spaces for students and staff to collaborate. The physical spaces have been a big hit, fostering teamwork and creativity. While we're still encouraging the use of Microsoft Teams for digital collaboration, we're confident that with time, it will become another valuable tool for enhancing communication and learning.

Sarah Lang - Technology Coach - Streamlining Professional Learning for Teachers

Sarah has introduced a new roster system for our teachers' Professional Learning (PL) sessions, ensuring that these important training opportunities are organised and productive. This approach is helping our teachers continue their professional growth, ultimately benefiting the students they teach.

Kathleen Pope - Mathematics Coach - New Homework Support Procedure

Kathleen has assisted in the development of a new after-school homework support program, which has been met with enthusiasm by both students and staff. Students who have fallen behind are required to attend a session held on Thursday afternoons. Students wanting extra help have also been electing to come along. The strong student attendance, support from Maths staff, and positive feedback from parents have been encouraging. We’re also rolling out an Operoo form to keep you informed about your child’s attendance at these sessions.

David Stretch - English Coach - Inspiring High Achievement with ‘The 30+ Club’

David has launched ‘The 30+ Club’ to inspire students to aim for a study score of 30 or higher. By connecting coursework with strategies to reach this goal, students are more motivated and engaged. This initiative is helping students set and achieve ambitious targets, giving them a clearer pathway to success.

Jennifer Bleakley - Library - Fostering a Love of Reading

Jennifer is pleased to report that our Year 7 students are thriving with the Reading Detective program, showing great enthusiasm for reading. While engaging Year 8 students has been a bit more challenging, the overall response has been positive, with our library becoming an increasingly popular spot for students. We are committed to nurturing a love of reading in all our students and will continue to find new ways to inspire them.

Michelle Simpson - Digital Learning Leader - EduTech 2024

Michelle recently attended EduTech 2024, the largest education festival in the Southern Hemisphere. At the event, she explored the latest innovations in education, attended insightful seminars, and heard from keynote speaker Sal Khan, a leader in AI in Education. Michelle, along with her cross-campus counterpart Cameron Ross, is enthusiastic about bringing these new ideas to St Peter’s College. Their goal is to integrate these advancements into our digital learning programs, ensuring our students benefit from the most current educational practices. 

Year 12 Practice Exams

As the Year 12 students approach the final stretch of their course content, it's time to shift gears and ramp up revision efforts. The upcoming practice exams will be a valuable opportunity for students to consolidate their knowledge and prepare for the final assessments.

Running from September 10th - September 13th, these practice exams are designed to mimic the real exam environment, providing a chance to apply what they've learned and identify areas for improvement. We encourage all students to approach these exams with focus and determination, using them as a tool to fine-tune their study strategies. The University of Melbourne has collated a set of strategies to help students revise for the differing exam modes. Click here to check it out. 

We wish all Year 12 students the best of luck as they navigate this crucial period. Your hard work and dedication are truly commendable, and we’re confident that your preparation will pay off. Keep up the great effort, and remember that these practice exams are a stepping stone to success in your final exams. 

Remember that Monday, 9 September is a Year 12 Home Study Day. Use it wisely. Year 12 students may come in to seek teacher support. Year 11 students are required at school on that day.

Active vs. Passive Learning: How Parents Can Support Their Child's Learning Journey

At St Peter's College, we prioritise learning strategies that help students truly understand and engage with their studies, rather than just memorising facts. This is where the distinction between active and passive learning becomes crucial.

What is Active Learning?

Active learning requires students to engage deeply with the material. Instead of just receiving information passively—such as by re-reading a text or listening to a lecture—active learning encourages students to think critically, discuss, and apply what they learn. This approach has been shown to strengthen neural connections, making it easier for students to retain and understand the information.

Why is Active Learning Better?

Research from Melbourne University shows that active learning not only helps students make meaningful connections with the material but also increases their motivation to learn. When students actively engage with their studies, whether by taking notes, participating in discussions, or relating theories to real-life situations, they are more likely to succeed academically.

How Can Parents Encourage Active Learning?

As parents, you play a vital role in your child's education. Here are some simple strategies you can encourage at home:

1. Ask Questions: Encourage your child to ask questions about what they are learning. This helps them think more deeply about the material.
2. Discuss and Debate: Engage in discussions with your child about their subjects. This not only helps them articulate their thoughts but also allows them to see the relevance of their studies in real life.
3. Promote Note-Taking: Suggest that your child take notes while studying or during lessons. Writing down information can enhance comprehension and retention.
4. Real-Life Connections: Help your child relate their studies to everyday situations. For example, if they're learning about budgeting in mathematics, discuss how you manage the family budget.

Active learning is not just about academic success; it's about equipping students with the skills they need to navigate the complexities of life. By supporting active learning at home, you are helping your child develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills they will need to thrive in the future.

Reference: University of Melbourne. (n.d.). What's the difference between active and passive learning?. Retrieved from https://students.unimelb.edu.au/academic-skills/resources/study-skills/learning-strategies/active-learning

Jade Smith

Learning & Teaching Pedagogical Coach

Cranbourne Campus