Learning & Teaching

Student Conferences 

Thanks to all the parents/guardians/students who attended the conferences this week, it is great to see that the numbers of bookings were up slightly on last years numbers. Quality conversations about student learning outcomes and improvements can only be a good thing. 

Developmental Rubrics Term 2

Unfortunately, we have not been able to provide feedback on student learning through our Developmental Rubrics on Maestro this term. Instead, teachers have been marking rubrics in OneNote, on Teams, and on physical copies of the rubrics. Fortunately, the new and improved Developmental Rubrics for Year 7-10 subjects will be available for parents and students at the start of Term 2. Attached is a flyer to help you log into Maestro, and will guide you through interpreting the developmental rubrics and student dashboards. 

High Abilities Students

We are committed to creating meaningful classroom opportunities, extracurricular opportunities, and pathways for students who are working above the expected level in one or more areas - not just in our Skepsi classes. 

The College recognises and supports all students of all abilities to achieve their best outcomes and learning growth. Extending high abilities students and differentiating learning and teaching using our developmental rubrics, is central to this work. This allows our high abilities students to be provided with appropriate extension or stretch curriculum and assessment opportunities in all classes. Our developmental rubrics are available for parents and student to view through Maestro. 

Here are a few key approaches the College uses to support our high abilities students: 

• We offer annual scholarships for high-performing students, encourage participation in the annual Australian Maths Competition and our students can apply for many Student Leadership Positions.  We have a vibrant student leadership community who have agency regarding college improvement and activities. They also have a direct voice in regular meetings with the Principal and Leadership teams. 
• Selected year 7 and 8 students can participate in the 10-week Victorian High Abilities Program for Maths and English (VHAP). After completing the virtual program, students participate in a face-to-face masterclass with other high-ability students from schools in their local area. Students are selected for the program from their NAPLAN results. Learning Specialist - Ben Karwan - coordinates this program. 
• The Year 9 and 10 elective program provides significant choice for students to pursue their interests, passions, and to select challenging curriculum content across all learning areas. Through our course counselling process, at the end of year 8, we will use learning data from Maestro to identify high abilities students and advise them of the best pathway offerings.
• At the VCE level, suitable students in year 10 can opt for on early start VCE subject. High Abilities students are also encouraged to undertake specialised VCE subjects or Higher Education Studies through the Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES). Several of our leadership team will be receiving training from CHES next term so we can continue to improve the quality of education provided. 
• We have created high abilities Explore classes in years 9–12. Students in these classes are extended in their critical and creative thinking, and study skills. They fully explore their pathways, career opportunities, and develop their social-emotional skills.
• Victorian Association for Gifted and Talented Children is a great support for teachers, students and parents and I have attached a FAQ resource for parents for reference in how to support their child in their education. 

The differentiated teaching and supports that are available for our High Abilities students is documented in the High Abilities and Enhancement Policy.

High Expectations of Learners

We started Term 1 with a strong focus on creating Calm and Productive classes through our learning routines, and in Term 2 we shift the focus to maintaining High Expectations of our Learners. What does this mean?

Research evidence from Australia and overseas shows that the most successful learners are those who come to class on time, prepared for learning, and are equipped to engage meaningfully in the lesson. This means a fully charged laptop, fully equipped pencil case (pens, pencils, sharpener, ruler, calculator), access to the learning platforms (E.G. Mathspace, Education Perfect and Edrolo), subject workbooks, and textbooks (as required). 

In addition, we know that when teachers have a strong belief that all students can learn and show learning growth, and they use differentiated teaching practices, classrooms are positive and productive. When teachers have high expectations of students’ behaviour, it gives students hope in their success, shows they are cared for, and supports achievement for all. (Reference, AREO). We know that it is important to teach and reinforce high expectations every day, not only by telling students to do something, but showing them how to do it, and allowing them opportunities to practise (Bennett, 2020). 

Parents can support our strong focus on Expectations by ensuring that your child has the right equipment (workbook, calculator, pencil case, textbooks)  for every lesson, they get to school on time, their laptop is charged, and that that they have purchased the textbooks. It is also important that students wear the correct uniform. If you are experiencing financial challenges and need support to purchase equipment, please contact our Business Manager, Peter Cameron or our Wellbeing Counsellor, Sanella Avdic.

From day one next term we are implementing a range of practical supports, processes, and strategies to ensure that parents know when their child is exhibiting excellent learning behaviours and when they need to improve. The onus will be on teachers to reinforce these behaviours at the start of every class, and on students to meet those expectations. More on this to come… 

Curriculum Day Term 2 

Please note that Friday 26 April (the day after ANZAC day) is a Curriculum day and students are not required at school. 

Natalie Manser 

Assistant Principal

mar@wantirnacollege.vic.gov.au