From the Assistant Principal 

Dear Families, 

THE ROLE OF THE 4TH TEACHER AT ST PATRICK'S

Our 4th teachers play a very important role in our school community. The role of the 4th teacher is an integral part of the process of ensuring student engagement and enabling access to curriculum instruction.

 Having a 4th teacher group enables:

• Reduction in class sizes for key KLA times
• Targeted support to the needs and abilities of students
• Shared classroom and reporting responsibilities
• Stronger teacher student relationships (e.g. students are more likely to ‘have a go’ at difficult tasks)
• Clarity and structure in instruction because of the smaller group size

Hence giving all students the best opportunity to learn.

4th teacher groups are not designed to be an extension or enrichment group. Each grade plans carefully, based on a range of assessment data, to determine groupings based on the needs of the students in some grades. While some grades cater for the range of learning needs by focusing on groups who need differentiation in the form of extension, other grades use their 4th teacher to work with students who require extra support to consolidate and practise previously learnt skills.

4th teacher groups are flexible. Flexible grouping ensures students are working at the right pace and curriculum complexity for their current needs. These changes may apply to either our Maths or English groups at different times throughout the year.

At the same time, we provide differentiated learning opportunities in every classroom to enable students to be in the setting that best supports their success,  allowing them to progress confidently through the curriculum.

CLAIM THE DATES:

Performances will be on the follow dates at St Patrick's College Rice Hall on Monday 30th November, Tuesday 1st December and Wednesday 2nd December.

Times and more details to be confirmed at a later date, however ALL students will be involved.

Jim Heelis

Assistant Principal