Magnify - Catholic Education Sandhurst Ltd

Magnify

This year Catholic Education Sandhurst Ltd (CESL) has implemented a diocesan wide initiative to teaching and learning called Magnify. This change has been based on research and evidence both nationally and internationally, with one of its aims to be increased learning outcomes for our students. In this section of our newsletter, we will be sharing regular articles from CESL explaining different aspects of the Magnify program, beginning with the Science of Learning and Retrieval Practice, which is are used in our Sacred Heart classrooms, everyday, multiple times a day.

What is the Science of Learning?

In Week 1 of Term 2, all staff across our diocese took part in three days of rich professional learning with Dr Jared Cooney Horvath, focusing on the Science of Learning. Throughout 2025, we will be sharing regular insights and reflections for families to consider, with the hope that these shared understandings can strengthen the partnership between school and home in support of each child’s learning journey. CESL Magnify Update 22 (June 11, 2025) Page 3 To begin, it’s important we clarify what we mean when we say the Science of Learning. The Science of Learning is a growing field of research that helps us – as educators and parents – understand how human beings learn most effectively. Drawing on evidence from neuroscience, psychology, linguistics, education, artificial intelligence and philosophy, it offers us practical, researchinformed strategies that support learning, build memory, and develop expertise. These “best bets” can be applied not only in classrooms, but in homes and everyday life – supporting children and adults alike to keep learning, growing and thriving. In the meantime, if you would like to learn a little more about the science of learning, please see the following link - Science of learning basics in 3 minutes - Science Of Learning Year 1 

Science of Learning - Retrieval Practice

What is retrieval practice, and why do we use it? Retrieval practice is a powerful learning strategy that helps students remember what they’ve learned by regularly bringing information to mind – rather than simply re-reading or reviewing notes. When students are asked to recall facts, ideas, or processes from memory (even if they don’t get it perfectly right), it strengthens their understanding and improves long-term retention. It’s a bit like exercise for the brain – the more we practise retrieving information, the stronger those memory pathways become. In classrooms across Sandhurst, retrieval practice often takes the form of short, daily review activities, such as those in the Ochre Daily Review slides. These warm-up questions cover key content from the previous day, week, or term. By revisiting material in this way, students make connections, notice patterns, and build confidence in what they know. Importantly, retrieval practice is low-stakes – it’s not a test, but a chance to revisit and strengthen learning. Research shows that even a few minutes of retrieval each day can lead to significant improvements in student learning. That’s why it’s embedded in our teaching and why we encourage families to talk to their children about what they’re learning at school – it really does make a difference.

Magnify Matters Podcast

If you would like to learn more about Magnify and the changes to Catholic Education Sandhurst, you can check out two different CESL podcasts by using the below QR code or searching Catholic Education Sandhur