Learning Spotlight

How We Support and Extend Every Learner at Carnegie Primary School

Some of the questions teachers are often asked by parents/carers are:

"How will my child be supported if they need extra help?"

And …

"How will my child be challenged if they're achieving above expectations?"

The answer is the same for both questions.

At Carnegie Primary School, we don't see support and extension as separate programs. They begin with high-quality teaching in every classroom, every day.

Our teachers use responsive teaching, which means they are constantly checking how students are learning throughout a lesson and responding to this. They ask questions, observe students as they work, listen to their thinking and use this information to decide what to do next.

This means that if a student needs more explanation, extra practice or a different way of learning, the teacher can provide that support immediately. Equally, if a student has already mastered the learning, the teacher can increase the challenge by asking deeper questions, providing more complex tasks or extending their thinking.

Rather than every child completing exactly the same work in exactly the same way, teachers are continually responding to students' learning as it happens.

For some students, additional adjustments may also be needed. These might include small-group intervention, Individual Education Plans (IEPs), Education Support staff, specialist input or learning adjustments that help students access the curriculum and experience success.

For students who consistently demonstrate high achievement, teachers provide rich extension opportunities within the classroom. Eligible Year 5 and 6 students may also participate in the Victorian High Ability Program (VHAP), which provides additional challenge in English and Mathematics.

Whether students need extra support, greater challenge, or something in between, we work hard to ensure every child continues to grow.

Beginning on our Term 3 Curriculum Day, CPS will commence a professional learning partnership with leading education consultant Bronwyn Ryrie Jones and her team of curriculum specialists. Together, we'll continue building a consistent approach to high-quality responsive teaching across every classroom.

Want to know more?

If you're interested in learning more about how responsive teaching works, these resources provide an excellent overview:

• Responsive Teaching Technique Guide (NSW Department of Education) – explains how teachers check for understanding and adapt lessons to meet students' needs. Responsive Teaching Technique Guide
• Whole-Class Teaching Is Not One Size Fits All by Dr Nathaniel Swain – a helpful article explaining how high-quality whole-class teaching can support, challenge and extend all learners. Read the article