In and around the classroom

Victorian Teaching and Learning 

The Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0 (VTLM 2.0) is an evidence-based teaching framework being implemented in Victorian government schools to enhance student learning outcomes. For parents, it means children will experience teaching that is more focused on how the brain learns, with strategies like breaking down information, providing opportunities for practice, and explicitly linking new learning to prior knowledge. This approach aims to improve student engagement, motivation, and overall learning success. The VTLM 2.0 emphasizes explicit teaching, culturally responsive classrooms, and positive learning environments where all students feel safe and included.

Here at Homestead we believe that the VTLM2.0 is just good teaching and it's what we already do. But just to help our families and community members understand it more, here's a quick summary of each of the areas: 

What the VTLM 2.0 means for parents and their children:

• Clearer Learning Objectives:

  Our teachers will be clear about what they are learning and how each lesson connects to the previous ones. 

   

• Improved Access to New Information:

  Teachers will continue to introduce new concepts in smaller, manageable "pieces" and demonstrate how to use them, making it easier for students to grasp new skills. 

   

• More Learning Success:

  Our teachers are supporting all students as they practice and build confidence in new skills, meaning our young people will experience more success in their learning journey. 

   

• Whole-School Approaches:

  Your student may notice consistent teaching practices and initiatives across the school that promote positive, inclusive classrooms. 

   

• Focus on How Students Learn:

  The model is built on research into cognitive science and neuroscience, meaning teaching strategies are designed to align with how the brain actually learns. Our Teaching and Learning team will continue building our teacher's professional knowledge in this area, which will flow through to their classroom practice. 

   

Key Aspects of the VTLM 2.0:

• Explicit Teaching:

  A core element, ensuring teachers clearly explain concepts and how to apply them. 

   

• Elements of Learning:

  Four key areas based on cognitive science include: Attention and focus, Knowledge and memory, Retention and recall, and Mastery and application. 

   

• High-Impact Teaching Strategies (HITS):

  Proven instructional practices that have a strong effect on student learning. Our teachers use them regularly. 

   

• Cultural Responsiveness:

  A commitment to creating learning environments where all students feel included and ready to learn. 

   

Implementation:

The VTLM 2.0 is being phased in, with full implementation expected by the start of the 2028 school year. All Victorian government schools are gradually introducing these evidence-based teaching practices. Here at Homestead, it's what we already do, but the Teaching and Learning Team will work with our staff to refine our craft so that we can continue to support our students to the best of our abilities.  

The Teaching and Learning Team have been engaged in ongoing professional learning around the implementation of VTLM 2.0 principles to inform the development of school priorities into 2026 and beyond.

VCE VM & Showcase - Term 3

Term 3 has been a very busy term with students embarking on their Unit 2 and Unit 4 studies. Year 11 students are now right in the swing of the VCE VM program and have become familiar with the rigors of what the VCE VM entails. For the year 12 students, it brings them one term closer to the end of their VCE VM studies and their time at Homestead.

As a VCE VM program, we used term 3 to be ever present in our community and give back. In partnership with Coastcare Point Cook, the VCE VM students spent a day at the coastal park planting native plants to help replenish the area. This is the second year Homestead has done this and is just a small way the students are able to take part in events within the wider community as well as spending the day getting to know one another and working within teams. The day was a huge success with over 700 native plants being planted, providing new life in the area which will be seen for years to come.

Term 3 also included Homestead’s inaugural VCE VM showcase, where students  put on display the work they have been completing throughout the year. This was a fantastic event with lots of staff and families coming through to see all the hard work students have been creating throughout the year. The Year 12 VCE VM students put on a fantastic display, raising over $250 for their designated charity and project - Operation Christmas Child. The money was raised from the bake sale that Year 12 students produced. The Year 11 VCE VM students also did a fantastic job with displaying their Numeracy Carnival activities which gave students the chance to interact with those visiting and showing off their work on probability.

Overall it was a fantastic event really putting the VCE VM on the map!

We look forward to seeing what else the year has to bring.

Mitch McAlpine

Leading Teacher - VCE VM & Pathway

Book Week 

Elise Garro and our English Domain ran our second Book Week event and it was hugely successful! Book Week was created to celebrate the work of authors and illustrators, as well as to foster the students love of reading and to draw attention to some of the books available on the market. The team scheduled daily activities including book mark making, trivia, an instagram photo booth, a quote wall and the week finished up with a dress up event. 

Book week has become a really important part of the Term 3 extra curricular activities calendar and if you would like to learn more about our celebrations, or to see more photos from the day, head across to our Instagram page where two videos are available for our community to enjoy. 

HSSC Pathways and Course Counselling Updates

During term 3, Homestead has been busy supporting students as they prepare for the next stage of their learning journey. 

Families have attended our Course Counselling Parent Information Evenings in large numbers, where staff outlined the VCE and VCE VM pathways, subject selection, and strategies to support student success in the senior years.

Students also participated in our Careers Day, exploring a wide range of future opportunities through workshops, universities and Tafe, and were able to have conversations about future  Pathways. 

In addition, we had a large number of students complete the VCE Readiness and Advancement Test, designed to provide valuable insight into their academic strengths and eligibility for Advanced Maths and VCE subjects.

These events mark an important step in helping students make informed choices about their studies and future pathways, and we thank families for their support and engagement throughout the process

-Brenton O'Callaghan (Assistant Principal)