Primary Years, Tarneit

Maria Denholm

Think Again

In 'Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know', Adam Grant argues that keeping an open mind is a teachable skill. While intelligence is often seen as the ability to think and learn, the most crucial skill in a rapidly changing world is rethinking and unlearning. We tend to favour conviction over doubt and seek ideas that comfort us rather than challenge our thinking.

The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme encourages students to engage with knowledge critically, enhancing their thinking skills. Grant states, “If knowledge is power, knowing what you don’t know is wisdom.”

To foster rethinking skills in children, Grant suggests:

Myth-busting discussions: Have weekly family discussions on various topics to debunk false beliefs, helping kids become comfortable with rethinking.

Multiple drafts: Encourage children to create different versions of their work and seek feedback, teaching them to revise and embrace confusion instead of expecting perfection on the first try.

Broaden identity options: Instead of asking what they want to be when they grow up, encourage exploration of multiple interests, reinforcing that they can pursue many paths.

Rethinking is a skill we can all improve, especially helping children adapt to a rapidly changing world.

Maria Denholm

Deputy Principal - Primary

Developing our Thinking Skills at Healesville Sanctuary

On 17-18 October, Year 4 students travelled to Healesville Sanctuary to participate in a STEM challenge as part of their Unit of Inquiry into how scientific understanding can promote innovative development. The students visited a variety of Australian animals and became more knowledgeable about our critically endangered animals. Being surrounded by Australian flora and fauna was the highlight of our day in one of the birdhouses. This is where students developed their thinking skills, as they went through the ideation phase of the design process to generate ideas on how to solve a complicated problem by designing nesting boxes for the critically endangered Lowland Leadbeater Possum. Check out our photos of our amazing excursion to Healesville Sanctuary!

Ronika Raju

Year 4 Teacher

Prep Reptile Incursion

On Wednesday, Prep students enjoyed an exciting visit from Aussie Wildlife Incursions, who brought along a fascinating array of creatures, big and small, as part of the Prep inquiry unit, "How the World Works." This immersive experience introduced our students to various reptiles, mammals, and birds, giving them a hands-on opportunity to explore and learn about each animal’s unique features and the ways they grow and change over their lifespan.

The students eagerly observed, touched, and discussed the wildlife, sparking curiosity and wonder as they engaged with the animals up close. From scaly reptiles to furry mammals and feathered birds, each encounter offered a memorable learning moment that linked back to our central inquiry idea, "Living things have needs to live and grow."

Both the Prep students and teachers had a fantastic time and couldn’t wait to delve into all they had learned. This experience has truly brought our inquiry unit to life, leaving students buzzing with questions and insights they are excited to explore further in the coming weeks.