Learning & Teaching

 EXTENSION AND INTERVENTION! 

How do we cater for individual needs at St Patrick’s? 

At St Patrick’s we pride ourselves on looking at the ‘Whole Learner’ in all areas of their development. Physical, Mental, Emotional and Academic development are all of the areas we strive to support your child[ren] in and they become fully-fledged members of our community. To ensure we are meeting these needs we teach to our ‘Graduate Outcomes’ with the expectation that by the time your child finished their time with us at St Patrick’s they will consistently demonstrate the following:  

To support our graduate outcomes we ensure that all students at St Pat’s have the opportunity to participate in learning activities that are appropriate to their academic level. We want to support students to take on learning challenges, make mistakes and ask questions. If your child is falling behind in learning areas we strive to bridge the gap and if your child is making exceeding amounts of progress then we aim to continue to extend their learning. In our classrooms we use Gradual Release of Responsibility and Tiered Instruction to support your child’s learning regardless of whether they attend an intervention or extension program- all students matter at St Patrick’s!! 

To help broaden our knowledge around Intervention and Extension programs at St Patrick’s here are some commonly asked questions and answers about our programs: 

What are the benefits of catering for Individual Learning Needs? 

1. Foundation Building: Primary school is where the foundational skills in reading, writing, mathematics, and social interaction are developed. Tailoring education to individual needs ensures that these essential skills are built on a solid foundation, which is critical for future academic success.
2. Early Identification of Learning Styles: Primary school is a time when teachers can identify different learning styles and potential challenges early on. By catering to individual needs, educators can provide targeted support and interventions, helping students overcome obstacles before they become entrenched.
3. Fostering Confidence and Self-Esteem: Young children are particularly sensitive to success and failure. When their individual needs are met, they are more likely to experience success, which builds confidence and a positive attitude toward learning.
4. Encouraging Positive Attitudes Towards Learning: Primary school is often a child’s first formal educational experience. Ensuring that this experience is positive by meeting individual needs can foster a lifelong love of learning and curiosity.
5. Supporting Diverse Developmental Stages: Children in primary school develop at different rates. Catering to individual needs allows educators to support students who may be advanced in some areas while providing additional help to those who may need it in others.
6. Promoting Social and Emotional Growth: By recognising and addressing individual learning needs, teachers can also help students develop important social and emotional skills, such as empathy, cooperation, and resilience, which are crucial during the formative years of primary school.
7. Preventing Learning Gaps: Addressing individual needs early on can prevent learning gaps from widening as students progress through school. This proactive approach ensures that all students have the opportunity to succeed academically and socially.

What intervention and extension programs do we have at St Patrick’s?

At St Patrick’s we pride ourselves on having lots of intervention and extension programs available for our students. Here is some of what we offer at St Patrick’s: 

What if my child is not in an intervention or extension program and I think they should be? 

If you believe your child would benefit from an intervention or extension program but they are not currently in one, the best first step is to speak with their teacher. Teachers regularly assess students' progress and needs, but your insights as a parent are invaluable. Together, you can discuss your child's strengths and areas for growth, and determine if additional support or challenge is needed. Our school may then conduct further assessments or observations to ensure your child receives the appropriate resources to thrive.

What does it mean if my child doesn’t attend any Intervention or Extension programs at St Patrick’s? 

If your child doesn’t attend an intervention or extension program at St Patrick’s, it simply means that their current learning needs are being met through the regular classroom curriculum. Our teachers are skilled at differentiating instruction to cater to a wide range of abilities within the classroom. If your child is not part of a specific program, they are still receiving a well-rounded and supportive education tailored to their needs!! 

Why is my child in Intervention? 

Your child is in an intervention program because their teacher or the school's assessment process identified that they could benefit from additional support in a specific area of learning. Intervention programs are designed to provide targeted assistance to help students strengthen their skills, close learning gaps, and achieve their full potential. The goal is to ensure that your child has the resources and strategies they need to succeed in the regular classroom setting. Being part of an intervention program is a positive step towards helping your child overcome challenges and build confidence in their learning journey.

When does my child get taken for intervention? 

Your child is taken for intervention sessions at carefully scheduled times to ensure they do not miss out on specialist subjects or core classroom activities. We prioritise keeping their learning experience balanced, so intervention is typically scheduled during less critical instructional times or during designated intervention periods. This way, your child can receive the additional support they need without missing out on the valuable learning and enrichment that specialist subjects provide.

It’s important that we encourage all of our children to have a positive attitude about their learning and always ensure that they know they matter, at school, at home and out in the community. 

Thanks for helping us support your child the best way we can: