Bilingual Pedagogy 

Bilingual Pedagogy Update

This term, our work has focused on strengthening teaching and learning practices across our bilingual program.

One key area has been supporting teachers to use graphic organisers more effectively through our professional learning sessions on consistent and evidence-informed approach to literacy learning across our bilingual program.  These tools help students organise their thinking, make connections between ideas and become more confident writers. As bilingual learners are processing and expressing ideas through two languages, reducing unnecessary cognitive load is essential. Graphic organisers provide a common structure for thinking, making learning visible and supporting the transfer of concepts, vocabulary and skills between languages. In doing so, we are helping students develop thinking routines that are transferable across both languages and learning areas. 

Another area of focus has been working closely with staff to develop more consistent assessment practices for our Metodo Sillabico program, ensuring that we have a shared understanding of student progress and learning across year levels. Alongside this work, we have been busy creating new teaching materials to support the delivery of the program and provide greater consistency across classrooms.

A highlight of the term has been collaborating with staff and students on a video project with our partner school, Le Cartiere, in Gualdo Tadino, Italy. The video showcases our bilingual learning environment and gives students an authentic opportunity to connect with children on the other side of the world through language and culture.

It has been wonderful to see our students continue to grow as confident bilingual learners, and we look forward to supporting the next phase of our work insieme.

Chiara Spalletta

Bilingual Pedagogy