Teaching and Learning at Rochester Primary School

Our school is continuing to strengthen teaching and learning by using the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0, developed by the Victorian Department of Education.

This model is based on research about how students learn best and helps teachers plan lessons that are clear, supportive and responsive to student needs.

What this looks like in the classroom

📚 Clear explanations - Teachers clearly explain and demonstrate new learning so students know exactly what to do.

✋ Lots of practice - Students get many opportunities to practise new skills and build confidence.

Opportunities to respond - Teachers use techniques such as choral response (all students respond), cold calling and mini white boards to ensure students are always actively engaged.

❓ Checking understanding - Teachers regularly ask questions and use quick checks to make sure students understand.

📊 Using student data - Assessment information helps teachers adjust lessons and support each student’s learning.

🔁 Revisiting key skills - Important knowledge and skills are revisited so learning becomes strong and lasting.

Why this matters

Research shows that students learn best when teaching is clear, structured and responsive to their progress. VTLM 2.0 helps ensure every child receives high-quality teaching and support.

At our school, this builds on the strong teaching practices we already have in place and helps us continue improving outcomes for all students.

Art

In the art room we have been using the letters of our name to create pictures and 3D sculptures.

Bubbles have been very popular to explore and try to copy the shapes, colours and add in highlights.

We have been learning about the primary colours (red, yellow and blue) and how we can mix them to make secondary colours. Then we had lots of fun painting using the new colours.

Delwyn McPhee

Visual Arts Teacher

Science

During Term 1, students in Years 3–6 have been learning about Chemical Science, with a focus on the fascinating world of matter. Students in grades 3 and 4 students explored the three main states of matter — solids, liquids and gases — and discovered how materials can be classified using their observable properties. Through a number of demonstrations and hands-on experiments, students investigated how adding and removing heat can change matter. They observed ice melting, water evaporating, condensation forming and liquids freezing, carefully recording their observations like real scientists.

In grades 5 and 6 students have been investigating matter and the particle model in Chemical Science. Students learned that all matter is made of tiny particles and explored how the movement and arrangement of these particles explain the properties of solids, liquids and gases. Through hands-on experiments, students investigated how heating and cooling change states of matter, how substances dissolve and how mixtures can be separated.

Auslan

Auslan

This year, all students across the school have begun learning Auslan as part of our LOTE program. It has been wonderful to see the enthusiasm and engagement students have shown during these lessons.

In P–2, students have been learning to sign greetings, classroom instructions, numbers, and the alphabet. They have enjoyed a range of fun games that help them practise and reinforce the Auslan signs they are learning.

In 3–6, students have been focusing on signing greetings and how to structure sentences when signing a question. They have also been learning to sign and recognise a variety of classroom instructions. Students have been practising fingerspelling and are beginning to sign their own names.

We are making the sign for please and goodbye. We are signing the word for toilet.

Physical Education

This term in Physical Education, students have been learning about how their bodies respond to physical activity and why being active is important for a healthy lifestyle.

Our older students have explored the benefits of regular physical activity, discussing how exercise helps keep our bodies strong, improves fitness, and supports overall wellbeing.

Prep – 2 have been focusing on developing their Fundamental Movement Skills, such as running, jumping, throwing and catching. These skills are the building blocks that help children confidently participate in a wide range of sports and physical activities.

Grade 3–6 began the term by working on their fitness, learning how different activities can improve strength, endurance and coordination. They are now focusing on net and wall sports, practising skills such as striking, positioning and teamwork.

Our Year 5/6 students are currently preparing for an upcoming teams tennis tournament, where they will have the opportunity to apply the skills they have been learning in a fun and competitive environment. All students are also working towards improving their running for the Cross Country which will be hosted by the High School on Thursday 2nd April.

It has been wonderful to see students developing their skills, building confidence and enjoying being active during PE lessons. 🏃‍♀️🎾

Mrs Mangan and Ms Elborough

Performing Arts - Drama P-2

Our Prep–Year 2 students have been busy bringing stories to life in Drama this term! We have been learning and practising the actions and words for the story Zalda Claw and the Rain Cat, using our voices, facial expressions and body movements to help tell the story.

Students have also explored familiar fairytales and practised retelling them by acting out the beginning, middle and end. Through drama activities, they are learning how to express characters’ feelings and actions, while building confidence, creativity and teamwork.

It has been wonderful to see our young performers use their imagination and enthusiasm as they step into different characters and bring stories to life. 🎭

Rochester Primary School Newsletter

Respect, Resilience, Responsibility

Term 1 Week 8 · 19 Mar 2026

In this issue