Learning Enhancement
More about Magnify and explicit teaching …
Magnify Sandhurst aims to enhance learning outcomes through several key components:
- Structured, evidence-based learning with a low-variance curriculum to provide every student with consistent learning experiences
- Magnifying Literacy and Numeracy, providing targeted support and resources to improve reading, writing and maths skills at all levels.
- Calm classrooms and positive learning environments with common practices, expectations and social norms.
The expanded literacy and numeracy blocks are a significant change for our students. We are aware that there are some concerns about the pacing and content of literacy and numeracy lessons, as we would expect with any significant change. Eloise Liddell, Jess Moodie and I recently attended a day for curriculum leaders, where Ochre and Catholic Education Sandhurst Limited clarified the expectations that teachers can adjust and adapt the slide decks and accompanying resources to best suit our students.
We are still in the early stages of implementation. Be assured that teachers are working hard to develop differentiated tasks to suit the students who need extra support and those who need extension, while maintaining the integrity of the content. Following the curriculum in accordance with the Magnify principles of fidelity and alignment ensures consistency between schools and across the diocese.
The change to an explicit teaching model is another significant change for our students. Each lesson is clearly structured and prioritises revision through the daily review (both literacy and numeracy), and explicit teaching focused on essential knowledge and skills to reduce the complexity of the concepts being taught.
The slides used for presenting the material to students are plain and uniform in their design. They are designed to reduce distraction and reduce cognitive load. Some students have told us they are boring. We understand that they are used to looking at lots of colour and movement in material that is presented to them. The presentation of our learning material during explicit instruction is based on the science of learning, cognitive load theory and a focus on long-term and working memory. Like all change, this too takes time to get used to.
Teachers are noticing fluency and vocabulary development, willingness for students to share their ideas and responses and improved learning stamina across the curriculum. Students are tired because they are working hard. Teachers are also working hard to develop their skills in the Magnify space and are committed to doing all they can to improve student outcomes.
We are looking forward to more learning and work in this space during Term 2 and beyond, especially with intensive professional learning for teachers in the days following Easter.
Wishing you safe and happy holidays.
Jen McKillop, Eloise Liddell & Jess Moodie
Library News
BookClub
Thank you for your continued support in our Book Club this term! Every order placed not only enriches our students' reading experiences but also helps our school earn FREE books and learning resources. I'm excited to share that this term, we have earned a fantastic $244 in rewards!
Additionally, please remind your child to return any overdue library books. Currently, we have a total of 107 books that are overdue, and some students are eager to borrow these titles. Your cooperation helps ensure everyone has access to the books they are excited to read.
Thank you for your support!
Nicole Keenan