BHS Instructional Model

Throughout 2022 Ballarat High School staff worked in consultation with students and parents to develop an Instructional Model unique to Ballarat High School. This model will inform teaching and learning at our school over the next four years.

Our starting point was the latest educational research as we explored why we needed an agreed instructional model. Research shows that having an instructional model:

• has a positive impact on student learning when we use one together
• provides guidance for improving the quality and consistency of teaching practice
• provides the school community with shared goals and vision
• promotes a common language and understanding for teaching and learning within the school community
• provides a framework for professional learning

The development of the model was overseen by our Learning Innovations Team. We explored several theoretical frameworks before basing our model around the Gradual Release of Responsibility Theory. This theory centres on the idea that there is a shared responsibility for learning between teacher and student but the weight of responsibility is transferred from the teacher to the student as the student becomes more independent with their learning. 

Staff, after viewing a range of models from other schools, designed models in their Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). These were put on display and staff gave feedback on the strengths and weaknesses of the models presented. We explored several acronyms before settling on IMBHS which can stand for Instructional Model Ballarat High School and can be broken down into the following steps:

Introduce

Model

Build

Help

Summarise

Each step is supported by student and teacher actions. This year we will be focussing on the implementation of the Ballarat High School Instructional Model. This will be the  focus of our teacher Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and our Professional Learning Days. We will review our implementation by collecting student feedback and through peer observations. All teaching staff will participate in peer observations to strengthen their teaching practice.

Over the next week, laminated posters of the BHS Instructional Model will appear on the wall of every classroom. We look forward to the impact an agreed instructional model, consistently implemented, will have on student learning outcomes at our school.

Sharon Eppingstall

Assistant Principal Learning & Years 11 & 12