A Spotlight on Learning
A Spotlight on Learning in the SLC on Springvale Campus
What a term it has been for the students of the Senior Learning Centre! They have engaged in numerous exciting special events and real-life learning opportunities and continued to excel in all areas. Highlights this term have included our Camp, Sovereign Hill, Swimming Program, and Reconciliation Week. And we can’t forget to mention our Science investigations. Experiences such as these have addressed important areas of the curriculum while providing students with exciting, memorable ‘hands on’ experiences.
In Reading, the SLC students have demonstrated their inquisitive nature by asking questions before, during, and after reading. They have inquired to clarify their understanding or grasp new vocabulary, delving deeper by posing more global questions to comprehend the reasons behind occurrences. Additionally, they have showcased their depth as readers, utilising tools like fact files to extract key information and summarizing it using both key words and their own words. This approach has seamlessly transitioned into their Writing sessions. Throughout the term, they've crafted informative texts on engaging topics such as the Gold Rush, Eureka Stockade, Reconciliation Week, or Natural Disasters. The special events of this term have sparked the students' passion, thereby filling their learning with meaning and purpose.
In Projects, the students have demonstrated the skills of a ‘Scientist’ by engaging in the science inquiry cycle. They used their prior knowledge to form a hypothesis (prediction) about volcanoes and conducted an experiment that replicated a volcanic eruption. They recorded their observations using a scientific template and commented on how accurate their hypothesis was. The students’ curiosity has extended to biological science. They conducted a ‘skittles’ experiment and were in awe of what they observed. The students have thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with their peers and engaging in a variety of ‘hands-on’ learning opportunities!
Other notable highlights this term included the ‘Top Up’ Swimming Program and Reconciliation Week. We take immense pride in our SLC students as their swimming assessment results demonstrate remarkable progress in both swimming proficiency and water safety knowledge, with all students successfully achieving their VWSC (Victorian Water Safety Certificate). Once again, our students gone thrived during Reconciliation Week. They had the privilege to engage in diverse learning experiences that honoured the contributions and accomplishments of our First Nations Peoples. The week brimmed with various activities, such as preparing delectable ‘Johnny’ cakes, crafting commitment hands, and planting them in our front garden. Through these meaningful events, students collaboratively contributed to shaping a better future for all Australians.
In Mathematics, the SLC students have dedicated a significant portion of this term to building their conceptual understanding of fractions and decimal fractions. They've been connecting fractions to their decimal and percentage equivalence and applying this knowledge to describe probabilities, assigning numerical values to the likelihood of events occurring. The students have also been learning to rename decimal fractions in various ways and using a number expander as a self-monitoring tool. Consequently, this has prepared the students for success as they delve into their next teaching and learning cycle on Additive Thinking.
So, as you can see, the students in the Senior Learning Centre have once again excelled in all areas of their learning! They have demonstrated excellence by approaching all learning tasks with consistent effort and perseverance and have utilised success criteria to reflect and set personal goals. The SLC students have been applying their literacy and numeracy skills in a wide range of situations, such as researching topics of interest, creating delicious treats during Reconciliation Week, or writing informative texts to share their learning with or teach their peers.
It has been a phenomenal Term 2 for the students in the SLC!
Mrs Sophie Christofakakis
SLC Learning Centre Leader
(Springvale Campus)