Curriculum Development at HPS

By Tracy Thornton (Assistant Principal)

Student Voice in class groups in 2025

At Highton PS, we believe in empowering students to take an active role in their learning. Student agency gives students the ability to make choices and take responsibility for their learning, while student voice ensures they are heard and can share their perspectives on decisions that affect them.

As part of our 2025 process, students will again have the opportunity to provide input into their classroom environment for 2026. Each student can nominate up to five learning buddies from their year level—peers they feel will best support their learning, as well as their social and emotional development.

It is important to note that these preferences are considered alongside many other factors, including skills, knowledge, learning styles, and relationships, to ensure diverse and balanced learning communities. While students may list close friends, this does not guarantee they will be placed together. Friendships naturally change over time, and building new connections is an important life skill that develops resilience. At Highton, friendships across classes and year levels are actively encouraged through curriculum and play.

Students will meet their 2026 classmates and teacher during the final transition session in the second-last week of Term 4. This session focuses on building relationships and recognising the consistency of our literacy and numeracy programs as students progress through the school.

Kind regards, 

Tracy Thornton