Teaching and Learning Principal
Zachary Parr
Welcome to the Teaching & Learning section of our newsletter. Each edition is designed to give families a clear and meaningful window into what students are learning, how we are supporting their growth, and the many opportunities available to them both inside and beyond the classroom.
In this space, you’ll find:
Key Teaching & Learning priorities for the term
Snapshots from classrooms, showcasing engaging learning moments across year levels
Updates on whole‑school initiatives, instructional practices, and innovations
Highlights from co‑curricular programs that enrich learning beyond the timetable
Practical tips to help families support study habits, wellbeing, and engagement at home
Celebrations of effort, progress, and achievement across our student community
By sharing these insights, we aim to strengthen the partnership between school and home—something consistently shown to improve student connection and outcomes. Effective school newsletters help families feel informed, included, and confident about their child’s learning journey, and that is exactly what we strive for here.
Celebrating Learning – What’s Happening in Classrooms
Ms Pearsell: Understanding the Economics of Mining
Year 8 students recently took part in a hands-on Muffin Mining activity to explore the economics and impact of mining. Students learned about key concepts including mining, ore, mineral deposits, resources, cost analysis, profit, loss, reclamation, and safety compliance before putting their knowledge into practice.
Working in groups of three, students mined chocolate chips from muffins using different tools, each with associated costs. They then completed a profit and loss analysis to determine whether their mining operation was successful. The activity helped students understand the financial decisions mining companies face and the challenges of extracting resources efficiently.
Students thoroughly enjoyed the practical experience, with one student commenting, “I had fun mining my muffin!” The activity provided an engaging way to connect classroom learning with real-world industry practices.
Ms Day's Year 12 Biology (Final Lesson)
Students in Ms Day's Year 12 Biology class recently put their knowledge to the test through a fun and engaging Biology Family Feud activity. Working in teams, students reviewed key concepts from across the study design, challenged their understanding, and strengthened their exam preparation in a collaborative environment.
With exams fast approaching, activities like this provide a great opportunity to revise important content while enjoying some friendly competition. Well done to all students for their enthusiasm and participation as they continue their final preparations for the end-of-year exams! 🧬🔬📚
Year 12 Physics Exam Preparation with Mr Bonhi
Students in our Year 12 Physics class have begun their VCE exam revision with a focus on effective study strategies and exam techniques. To kick things off, students participated in a fun and engaging game of Phyctionary, testing their understanding of key physics concepts in a collaborative and enjoyable way.
Students are now working through past VCE exam questions, organised by topic, to strengthen their knowledge of Units 3 and 4 Physics and build confidence ahead of their final examinations. We wish them all the best as they continue their preparation for this important milestone. ⚛️📚🚀
Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0
Understanding the new Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0
As parents/carers, staying informed about the direction of state education is a helpful way to support your child’s learning journey. Government schools have been introducing the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model (VTLM) 2.0. This model focuses on fostering student engagement, personalisation and collaboration to ensure each child can thrive at school.
What is the VTLM 2.0?
This model is different to previous models because it takes into consideration the ‘elements of learning,’ or what some might call the science of learning.
The model (see below) identifies 4 elements of learning:
Attention, focus and regulation
Knowledge and memory
Retention and recall
Mastery and application
We will be sending more information about this model out over the next term or so, but more importantly, this model will help us determine the professional learning direction for our teachers to ensure we can continue to provide an outstanding educational program at our college.
Homework Club
Norwood Secondary College understands that students have different learning strengths, preferences and interests and may approach learning activities and homework differently. If parents/carers are concerned their child may not understand the homework tasks that have been set, or if their child is spending a long period of time completing their homework, we encourage parents/carers to speak to their child’s teacher.
Students who may benefit from support completing their homework tasks are encouraged to attend Homework Club held in the College Library on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons between 3.15 and 4.15pm. Homework Club resumed this week and parent/carer permission is required to attend. Please complete the form below and return it to the General Office.
*For information on the school's Homework Policy, visit the Junior and Senior School Handbooks.