Junior School
As we conclude Term 1, I am incredibly proud of the progress our Prep to Year 5 students have made. This term, they have truly embodied the core values of Humility, Aspiration, Respect, and Kindness. Our students have shown humility in their learning by embracing challenges and asking for help when needed. Their aspiration has been evident in their dedication to personal growth and academic success.
Respect and kindness have created a positive, inclusive environment where students support each other and demonstrate care for their community. These values have shaped their achievements, not only in their academics but also in how they work together and treat one another.
The success of our students this term is a testament to their hard work and the strong values they uphold. I look forward to seeing them continue to grow and achieve even more in the coming year.
Shelley Parkes
Assistant Principal - Head of Junior School
Hands-On Maths: Learning Through Doing from Prep to Year 5
At Oakleigh Grammar, we believe that mathematics is best understood when students engage with it in meaningful, hands-on ways. Our whole-school approach to mathematics, based on the Learning Through Doing model, ensures that students from Prep to Year 5 develop a deep conceptual understanding through active learning experiences.
Building Strong Foundations in Prep, Year 1 and Year 2
In the early years, our approach is cantered on explicit instruction, where teachers carefully model new mathematical concepts before guiding students through structured activities. Through a sequence of modelling, guided practice, and independent application, students consolidate their learning and demonstrate their understanding in a variety of ways. Whether it’s using manipulatives to explore number sense, engaging in hands-on problem-solving activities, or demonstrating concepts through play-based learning, students build a solid foundation of mathematical skills. This structured approach ensures they master fundamental concepts before moving on to more complex problem-solving tasks.
Encouraging Exploration and Real-World Connections in Years 3 to 5
As students’ progress into Years 3, 4, and 5, they continue to engage in explicit instruction where new concepts are introduced and modelled by the teacher. Alongside this, students are encouraged to explore mathematical ideas through experiential learning, allowing them to investigate and make sense of concepts in a more independent and inquiry-driven way. Through hands-on activities, collaborative problem-solving, and real-world applications, students develop a deeper understanding of how mathematics connects to everyday life.
For example, students may explore measurement concepts by designing and building structures, investigate fractions through real-world scenarios like cooking and budgeting, or apply their problem-solving skills to real-life challenges. By making these connections, students not only strengthen their mathematical reasoning but also develop a lifelong appreciation for the subject.
A Cohesive and Engaging Approach
The Learning Through Doing model ensures that mathematical learning is consistent and engaging across all year levels. By scaffolding learning in the early years and gradually shifting towards inquiry and application in the later years, our students develop confidence, problem-solving abilities, and a strong mathematical mindset.
We are proud to offer a hands-on, engaging maths program that supports every student in becoming a capable and enthusiastic mathematician. Through this approach, we empower our learners to not only master mathematical skills but to also see the relevance of mathematics in the world around them.
We look forward to continuing this exciting journey of mathematical discovery with our students!
Sarah Caffrey
Head of Junior School Curriculum