St Patrick's Tongala Newsletter

Learning & Teaching

Leader: Erin Emmett

F-6 Numeracy at St Pat’s 

This year, we have integrated OCHRE Education into our Mathematics curriculum from F-6. OCHRE Education is a research-based program designed to build strong mathematical understanding and skills. 

 

What is OCHRE Learning? 

OCHRE Learning is an initiative by Ochre Education, a national not-for-profit organisation committed to advancing student outcomes and closing the disadvantage gap by supporting teachers with high-quality, evidence-based curriculum resources. The program offers a comprehensive library of teaching materials that are curriculum-aligned and designed to be adapted by teachers to suit their students' needs. 

 

Components of OCHRE Lessons 

Each OCHRE lesson at St Patrick’s includes: 

  • Daily Review: Regular practice sessions that reinforce previously learned concepts, aiding in retention and mastery.  

  • Explicit Instruction: Clear, direct teaching of new mathematical concepts, ensuring students grasp foundational knowledge before progressing. 

  • Problem-Solving Tasks: Engaging activities that encourage students to apply their understanding in real-world contexts, fostering critical thinking. 

  • Collaborative Learning: Opportunities for students to work together, discuss strategies, and learn from one another, promoting a deeper understanding of mathematical ideas. 

  • Assessment and Feedback: Continuous evaluation of student progress, allowing for timely feedback and tailored instruction to meet individual learning needs. 

Benefits of OCHRE Learning 

Implementing OCHRE Learning has brought several advantages to our numeracy program: 

  • Enhanced Student Confidence: The structured approach helps students build self-assurance in their mathematical abilities. 

  • Improved Problem-Solving Skills: Regular exposure to diverse tasks develops students' analytical and reasoning capabilities. 

  • Alignment with Curriculum Standards: OCHRE materials are mapped to the Victorian Curriculum, ensuring consistency and comprehensiveness in our teaching. 

At St Patrick’s, we are excited about the positive impact OCHRE Learning will have on our students' numeracy development. We look forward to continuing this partnership and supporting our students in achieving their full potential in mathematics. 

 

For more information about OCHRE Learning, visit Ochre Education's website. 

 

Term 1 Inquiry Celebration 

 

On Wednesday, we celebrated our Inquiry learning with a special activity that brought our studies to life. Each class received sustainable planting pots to decorate with key concepts they had explored throughout the term. After personalising their pots, students planted butterfly- and bee-friendly flower seeds, which they will nurture at home. Once the flowers begin to grow, the compostable pots can be planted directly into the ground, making this an eco-friendly project. We are excited to see how the students' flowers flourish—please share progress photos with your child's teacher!