Elements of Learning

Element of Learning: Mastery and Application

At Boroondara Park Primary School, we know that strong learning happens when students can connect new knowledge to what they already know and remember it over time. Aligned with the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model (VTLM) 2.0, our teaching focuses on helping students build, store and retrieve knowledge so they can confidently apply their learning in different contexts.

At Boroondara Park Primary School, the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model (VTLM 2.0) underpins our approach to teaching and learning, with a strong focus on ensuring students move beyond basic understanding towards mastery and application of knowledge and skills.

In the classroom, this means that learning is intentionally structured so that students:

Build deep understanding of key concepts rather than surface-level knowledge
Practise and consolidate skills through targeted, explicit teaching and guided learning
Apply their learning in different contexts, including problem-solving, inquiry tasks, and real-world scenarios
Receive timely feedback to refine their thinking and extend their learning
Engage in differentiated tasks that challenge students at their point of need

Teachers at BPPS design learning experiences that gradually release responsibility—from modelling and guided practice through to independent application—ensuring all students have the opportunity to become confident, capable learners.

How Families Can Support at Home

Families play an important role in reinforcing mastery and application beyond the classroom. You can support your child by:

Encouraging conversations about learning. Ask your child to explain what they are learning and how they solved a problem. This helps deepen understanding.
Promoting real-world application. Involve your child in everyday activities such as measuring ingredients, managing money, reading instructions, or discussing current events.
Supporting consistent practice. Regular reading, practising key skills (such as number facts or writing), and revisiting classroom concepts strengthens mastery.
Encouraging persistence and a growth mindset. Celebrate effort, not just outcomes, and encourage your child to keep trying when learning feels challenging.
Maintaining communication with teachers. Stay connected to understand current learning goals and how best to support your child at home.

Useful Links

AERO – Student Wellbeing Resources – Research and family-friendly information about wellbeing, emotional regulation and creating supportive learning environments.
Student Wellbeing
AERO – Cognitive Load Theory Explained – Explains how reducing unnecessary distractions and structuring learning effectively can improve student focus and learning success.
Cognitive Load