Teaching and Learning Principal

Teaching & Learning at Norwood — Welcome to This Edition

Welcome to the Teaching & Learning section of our newsletter. Each edition is designed to give families a clear and meaningful window into what students are learning, how we are supporting their growth, and the many opportunities available to them both inside and beyond the classroom.

In this space, you’ll find:

• Key Teaching & Learning priorities for the term

• Snapshots from classrooms, showcasing engaging learning moments across year levels

• Updates on whole‑school initiatives, instructional practices, and innovations

• Highlights from co‑curricular programs that enrich learning beyond the timetable

• Practical tips to help families support study habits, wellbeing, and engagement at home

• Celebrations of effort, progress, and achievement across our student community

By sharing these insights, we aim to strengthen the partnership between school and home—something consistently shown to improve student connection and outcomes. Effective school newsletters help families feel informed, included, and confident about their child’s learning journey, and that is exactly what we strive for here.

Partnering with Families: Three High‑Impact Holiday Habits at Home

Families often ask how they can support learning over the holiday break without overwhelming students. Here are three simple, evidence‑informed habits that help students stay settled, organised, and confident heading into Term 2:

1) The Quick “End‑of‑Day Reset”

A short tidy-up routine can make a big difference.

Encourage students to spend 2–3 minutes clearing their workspace, organising their bag or laptop, and putting away school materials.

A small reset helps students return to Term 2 feeling prepared rather than pressured.

2) Celebrate One Small Win Each Day

Swap the usual “What did you do today?” for something more meaningful:

• What’s one thing you enjoyed today?

• What’s one thing you learned — in or out of school?

• What’s something you’re proud of?

Short, positive reflections build confidence and keep learning mindsets active during the break.

3) Light Learning, Little and Often

Holiday homework shouldn’t be heavy or stressful. 

Encourage a simple routine: a small reading session, a short revision task, or checking off one holiday homework item every few days.

Tiny, consistent efforts help students hold onto key skills — and make the start of Term 2 much smoother.

Celebrating Learning – What’s Happening in Classrooms. 

One of the most rewarding parts of school life is seeing the energy, curiosity, and creativity that unfold in our classrooms each day. In this section of the newsletter, we’re excited to highlight the learning moments—big and small—that are shaping our students’ growth across Norwood Secondary College.

Exploring Variables — Year 7 Science with Ms Wilson

Students in Ms Wilson’s class investigated how different surfaces affect the rebound height of a tennis ball. They identified key variables, ran fair tests across multiple surfaces, and compared their results to see how energy is absorbed or returned. A great hands‑on introduction to scientific thinking and experimental design.

Putting Designs to the Test— Year 7 STEM with Ms Collins

As part of their Build a Shelter assignment, Year 7 STEM students put their prototype shelters through a series of real‑world tests to see how well their designs performed. Students tested their models against intense sun, heavy rain and simulated flood conditions, carefully observing how their shelters responded in each scenario.

Using the results, students evaluated the effectiveness of their designs, identified weaknesses, and suggested improvements for future versions. This testing phase encouraged students to think critically, reflect on design choices, and understand that successful solutions often evolve through trial, feedback and refinement.

Exploring Power and Corruption — Year 11 English with Mr Given

Year 11 English students explored the idea that power can corrupt, examining whether this is inevitable or whether power can be used ethically. Through class discussion and real‑world and literary examples, students unpacked how power influences behaviour and decision‑making.

Students took part in a line debate, arguing opposing viewpoints and supporting their ideas with evidence, before applying their thinking through a creative writing task. By crafting an internal monologue from the perspective of a character justifying morally questionable actions, students demonstrated deep understanding of character motivation, ethics and authorial voice.

Supporting Success in VCE PE — Morning Revision Sessions

In the lead‑up to their upcoming VCE Physical Education SAC, students have been supported through morning revision sessions run by Ms Glare and Ms Sweeney. These before‑school classes have focused on consolidating key biomechanics concepts, including balance, stability, centre of gravity and base of support.

The sessions provided students with the opportunity to revisit core knowledge, ask questions, and practise applying biomechanical principles to exam‑style scenarios. Students have valued the chance to clarify their understanding and build confidence ahead of assessment. 

Staff Curriculum Day – Strengthening Teaching and Learning

Earlier this term, staff took part in a Curriculum Day focused on strengthening teaching and learning practices across the College. The day provided valuable time for teachers to reflect on classroom practice, deepen shared understanding, and align approaches that support student learning.

A key focus of the day was the Retention and Recall component of VTLM 2.0. Staff explored how students remember, retrieve and apply learning over time, and examined practical strategies that help move learning from short‑term understanding to long‑term memory. This included looking at techniques such as regular retrieval practice, revisiting key concepts, and building opportunities for students to recall prior learning within lessons.

Teachers also worked collaboratively to consider how consistent use of these strategies across classrooms can support clarity, confidence and deeper learning for students. By strengthening shared approaches to retention and recall, we aim to help students build stronger connections in their learning and better retain key knowledge and skills.

Curriculum Days like this play an important role in supporting ongoing improvement. The learning from this day will continue to inform classroom practice throughout the year as we embed VTLM 2.0 more deeply across the College.

In the future, some teachers may record aspects of their classroom practice as part of the professional learning undertaken on these days. These recordings will focus solely on the teacher and are used to support reflection and the ongoing development of teaching practice. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Principal Class.

Homework Club

Norwood Secondary College understands that students have different learning strengths, preferences and interests and may approach learning activities and homework differently. If parents/carers are concerned their child may not understand the homework tasks that have been set, or if their child is spending a long period of time completing their homework, we encourage parents/carers to speak to their child’s teacher.

Students who may benefit from support completing their homework tasks are encouraged to attend Homework Club held in the College Library on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons between 3.15 and 4.15pm. Homework Club resumed this week and parent/carer permission is required to attend. Please complete the form below and return it to the General Office.

*For information on the school's Homework Policy, visit the Junior and Senior School Handbooks.