Learning Specialist

Learning Walks: Strengthening Our Phormes Practice

A month ago, the Beachside Literacy Network visited our school to observe our teaching of phonics through the Phormes approach. Following the visit, we received feedback and identified some actions to support the goals outlined in our School Improvement Plan and Annual Implementation Plan.

Over the past few weeks, our curriculum team has been participating in learning walks, focused on revisiting effective teaching practices when delivering Phormes across our school. Phormes is our whole-school approach to teaching phonics, which every class takes part in as part of their morning routine.

The purpose of these learning walks has been to see Phormes in action and reflect on the practices that help students learn effectively. Rather than evaluating individual teachers, the learning walks have provided a valuable opportunity for teachers and leaders to learn from one another, share ideas, and celebrate the great work happening across our school.

During our observations, we have revisited key elements of effective Phormes lessons, including clear modelling and explanations, a good pace of learning, regular opportunities for students to respond, checking that students understand the learning, purposeful use of the whiteboard, and consistent classroom routines. 

We have also been ensuring that teachers have a strong understanding of the phonics content they are teaching.

By revisiting these practices together, we are developing a shared understanding of what effective Phormes teaching looks and sounds like at South Melbourne Park Primary School. The learning walks are also helping us identify areas where we can continue to support staff through professional learning.

Learning walks will remain an important part of our ongoing professional learning. They provide a practical way for us to learn from one another, reflect on our teaching and ensure that all students experience high-quality and consistent learning across the school.

Learning from Other Schools

As part of our ongoing professional learning, I have also been visiting and speaking with other schools about their experiences implementing the Facts on Fire Maths Fluency program, which we introduced across the school this term.

Visiting other schools gives us the opportunity to see how different schools are using the program effectively and learn from their experiences. This helps us consider what is working well and how we can adapt our approach to best meet the needs of our students and school community.

Much like our learning walks, connecting with other schools and learning from their experiences helps us continue to improve our teaching and guides the professional learning we undertake as a staff.

Learning Specialist 

Ben Sandison