Curriculum news...

The Centre for Higher Education Studies Professional Learning

The Centre for Higher Education Studies is an arm of the Department of Education that supports and develops learning programmes for the teaching of students of high ability. Whilst they are largely Secondary School and University focused, CHES provide regular professional learning opportunities for primary school teachers and leaders which is where I found myself last term. At OPS we are committed to providing a high quality learning program for all our students and our staff are continually asking the question ‘How can we make our program even better for our students?’ 

This full day workshop was delivered in partnership with Deakin University and there were a combination of researchers and teacher professionals running the sessions. My group had the wonderful opportunity to work with Dr Maria Nicholas from Deakin Uni whose area of expertise is early years literacy development and supporting high ability and gifted learners across preschool and primary school contexts. Of course, sharing this experience with a group of curious and like minded colleagues from around Victoria meant that discussions were robust and relevant leading to a number of key take-aways for our work at OPS. This workshop provided clarity around how teachers can adjust and adapt elements of lessons to engage students in higher order thinking within the classroom and ways in which the school can celebrate and spotlight the academic achievement of our students. 

Throughout the workshop each facilitator echoed the value in ‘Challenge for All’; providing opportunities to expand understanding and thinking capabilities is for ALL students, not just those identified with higher abilities in particular areas. Yes, we have and will continue to provide opportunities for higher ability students to participate in programs such as VHAP and entry into competitions where they will collaborate with like minded students, but at the core of our classroom practice each student will benefit as ‘a rising tide lifts all ships.’

- Delia Vallence