Teaching & Learning

Developing a teaching and learning philosophy

This year we have begun reviewing our Teaching and Leaning Policy. One of the first steps in this review is to try and capture what it is we think teaching and learning should look like at Shelford. Teaching and learning are key components of any school, however, how a school decides to interpret and action these vital components is what can set it apart. It is a widely held belief that we have something ‘special’ here at Shelford in regard to the care we have for our students and the teaching and learning within the classroom. By reviewing our policy, we are able to reflect on and respect the road we have travelled, while importantly paving the way ahead to create a learning environment that:

• is owned and shared by the whole Shelford community
• reflects our school values
• allows our students to develop the necessary skills and attributes needed for their future. 

Seeking feedback – what does learning look like at Shelford?

Our aim is to develop a whole-school teaching and learning philosophy that is owned by the school community and reflects our values. To do this we must begin with seeking feedback from those who are considered our key stakeholders in this process:

• Teachers
• Students
• Parents

This semester we have been working with our teachers to determine what it is they think ‘learning’ looks like at Shelford. This has involved our staff participating in workshops to collaborate and share their valued expertise and experience.

Our students are seen as active participants who have a key role to play in directing and taking responsibility for their learning. It is therefore important that they have a voice in this process so that they are able to share their unique perspectives on learning and teaching. This term our students from JDC to Year 12 will have the opportunity to participate in focus groups with our teachers. In these groups they will be asked questions around what they think ‘learning’ looks like at Shelford.

Later this term we will be inviting parents to share their thoughts, via a survey, on what it is that they think ‘learning’ looks like at Shelford both now and in the future. 

Over the next year we look forward to developing a teaching and learning philosophy that is grounded in our school values, owned by our school community and captures what it is that is so special about a Shelford education.

Karen Whelan

Deputy Principal – Staff, Teaching and Learning