Teaching and Learning

Student Learning Experiences for Semester One

Wow, what a busy term it has been. There has been so many different learning experiences for our students (and teachers). At our staff meeting on Wednesday, the staff listed some of the changes/implementations that have happened in the last 6 months. These are just some of them:

-The introduction of the 1:1 literacy intervention program

-a multi-literacy focus that provides learning opportunities for all styles of learners

-The buddy program across the school that has created connections across all levels

-An explicit instruction focus in every classroom

-More engaging assemblies that include SEPS News and birthday celebrations

-Literacy being taught across the school in the mornings

-Reading fluency pairs

-Creative Communities

-SEPS academy

-Developmental Play based learning that targets students at their developmental point of need

-Green Cards for the L5/6 students to recognise positive behaviour

Semester 1 Reports

When you receive your child's report on Monday, you will notice that there has been a change on how Mathematics is now reported. The reason for this is that the new curriculum Mathematics 2.0  has merged the 3 maths strands into one progression point when assessing a student's achievement. 

Although, the new curriculum is only mandated for schools from 2025, this year schools can choose to trial the curriculum. The leadership team has spent a lot of time working on the new curriculum and presenting it to our staff. There will be more information on some of the changes over the next 2 terms.

Please see information from the Department of Education: 

'The revised Mathematics Curriculum includes changes to the Achievement Standards used by teachers to assess and report student learning across Levels Foundation to 10.

While Version 1.0 has 3 separate Achievement Standards, Version 2.0 has a single Achievement Standard (VCM2MA) which encompasses six strands or areas; Number, Algebra, Measurement, Space, Statistics, and Probability. As outlined by the Department of Education (DET), the new Achievement Standard is marked on the scale of 0.5-11, with A-D levels having not yet been revised.'

Please see the example below:

Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)

This week saw the end of our PLC cycle on 'reading fluency'.  All staff presented their work on the work that has been undertaken this term to improve reading fluency. The final part of the cycle involved teachers analysing the impact of their work by assessing the students and using this data. Almost all students made excellent growth in their reading fluency and a number of new teaching practices have been embedded in staff practice. All students across the school now take part in daily fluency reading sessions, that ultimately have a positive impact on reading comprehension.

The Specialist teachers presented their findings on introducing the 'Green Card' system across the L5/6 team. Overall, students have really appreciated being recognised for the good choices they are making in the classrooms. This has been such a success, that we now plan to run this across the whole school from next term. Please check 'Chronicle' in your Compass App, as that is where you will find any positive emails from staff about your child's interactions.

Teacher Professional Development

Last week, we had 4 of our leaders attend the Mathematics Association of Victoria Leadership Day conference and  5 classroom teachers attend the Teachers' Day. The presenters were excellent and the information and knowledge we gained will be shared with the rest of the staff and ultimately continue to ensure we are up to date with the current research about teaching mathematics using best practice.

I hope you all have a peaceful and restful holiday and our students return back next term with that continued enthusiasm for learning.