Teaching and Learning -2023 Differentiation, Questioning and Challenge!
Jenni Howard, Assistant Principal – Teaching & Learning
Meet your Teaching and Learning Team!
Our highly experienced team of professionals are developing and supporting staff to ensure that they are providing key knowledge and skills that are essential for your child's progression. In 2023, we have four Learning Specialists: Martino Fernandez - PLCs and VIT
Denholm Pickering - Literacy and MYLYNS, Laura Suckling - Data and Assessment and Laura Washington - Gifted Education and Academies.
and our awesome Assistant Principal
Michael McGowan - Assessment and Reporting.
Domain Leaders are also integral to your child’s learning. They spend much of their time developing and supporting staff as they examine curriculum, pedagogy and practice. This is to ensure the curriculum is aligned to the Victorian Curriculum and The VCAA Study Designs, and in 2023, our curriculum will be reviewed for its challenge and engagement potential.
Our Domain Leads regularly facilitate a range of meetings both small group as well as whole Domain where learning improvements are discussed. In 2023, Domain Leads will offer regular professional learning for their staff that is targeted and specific.
Our Domain Leads are:
Ashlee Bate (Maths)
Maria Curphey (VM& VCAL)
Luke Devenish (P.ARTS)
Marc Lewandowski (Science)
Kylie Maltarollo (ADT)
Adam Paterson (HPE)
Peta Prokopos (English)
Laura Ritchie (Languages)
Julia Vogel (Humanities)
Learner growth and improving student outcomes sit at the heart of their work.
In this newsletter, Domain Leaders Peta Prokopos, Luke Devenish and Marc Lewandanski have contributed news and information, so read on and find out what learning opportunities have happened or are on offer in their Domains.
Differentiation, Questioning and Challenge!
“Differentiated teaching refers to methods teachers use to extend the knowledge and skills of every student in every classroom, regardless of their starting point.”
Tomlinson and Allan (2000), Leadership for Differentiating Schools & Classrooms
Differentiation, Questioning and increasing academic challenge are key Teaching and Learning initiatives for 2023, that will impact the learning and improvement of outcomes for our students in years 7-12. Differentiation strategies help to meet students at their point of need and improve their learning. Focusing on the High Impact Teaching Strategy (HITS) of Questioning and improving this strategy within the classroom will improve teacher effectiveness and student engagement.
"Questioning is a powerful tool. Effective teachers deploy it regularly for many purposes. It engages students, stimulates interest and curiosity in the learning, and makes links to students’ lives. It unfolds opportunities for students to talk together, discuss, argue, and express opinions and alternative views."
To assist us with this vital work, we have partnered with education expert Mr Glen Pearsall, who will be returning to Sandringham in June for another full day workshop. Glen's workshop last December was motivating with many staff reporting that they had utilised many of his strategies and that Glen has had a major impact on their practice and pedagogical thinking.
Compass Class News
Compass Class News is attached to each class and provides valuable information about homework, ALT dates and other reminders for students. Staff will be posting the Suggested Homework Schedule and, each term, your child's Student Course Overviewwhich contains Checkpoint and ALT informationfor the subject they are studying.