Special Publication

teaching and learning

Teaching and Learning

Good Shepherd is cementing it's innovative pedagogy based on our Learning Principles, Vision and Values. With clear and strong alignment to our vision and values there is a clear focus for future focused growth.

 

The introduction of the student directed inquiry learning and eventual development of the Aquaponics site has led to creative ways to learn through hands-on, meaningful and rich opportunities. The potential to connect with our community and learning across all curriculum areas is exciting. Sustainability and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) are key areas of learning which underpin the project going forward. This project has caught the attention of the wider independent schools education system as we champion 'student agency' (learner voice and choice).

 

We continue to embed a 'culture of thinking' across our school community.  The foundation of essential skills such as: critical and creative thinking, personal and social capabilities, empathy, ethical and moral capabilities, communication, collaboration, grit and resilience, leadership and entrepreneurial-ism are  essential skills we need to teach. When students have these fundamental skills, and are confident, creative, critical thinking, hard working collaborators, the 'other stuff' comes much easier. Innovation in practice and the use of agile spaces is also central to our pedagogical approach at Good Shepherd. 

 

At Good Shepherd we seek to add value to the educational experiences of our students and the experience of the wider school community. Value is added by extending upon statutory curriculum requirements imposed on schools, by our ethos, culture and environment, and through the experiences provided by the school. Through our stage structure, innovative learning opportunities are delivered.

 

 

In 2018 this included:

Curriculum Related Activities:

  • Operating under at new Learning Support Framework as developed through the Learning Support Policy review.
  • Learning Support Programs for students. This included accessing individual support for students with special needs along with access to a number of other programs. Some of these include Reading Recovery, Multi-lit, Sound Ways, and Rainbow Reading.
  • Programs for Gifted students. Students identified with special needs in this area are generally supported with extension and challenging activities in their classes. Differentiated learning has been a focus with significant support in professional learning and resources offered for teaching staff. Other activities offered to these learners, included Connected Schools Enrichment Days – History, Media Arts, Dance.  
  • Clubs - Chess, Coding Club, Explorers - a program that explores big concepts and looks at them through a biblical perspective.
  • Wellbeing Support LSO staff member employed.
  • Literacy Pro - Lexiles.
  • Scholastic Book Club.
  • Premier’s Reading Challenge.
  • Science Week which included a specialised Science learning focus across all year levels and various Buddy time and in stage team activities.
  • Book Share (a library and literature familiarisation program for Foundation students).
  • Various visiting speakers.
  • Student Involvement in University of NSW Competitions (ICAS): Digital Technologies, Science, Mathematics, Spelling, Writing, English.
  • School Entry Assessments (Reception and Year One).
  • Writing moderation within year levels as developed through the AISSA Cross-Schools Moderation Project (2017).
  • Swimming Program at State Swim.
  • Tri Skills program.
  • Ace Tennis program.
  • AFL football clinics.
  • Year 10 students from Endeavour College coach our students in various skills associated with sports.
  • Senior School Musical Showcase.
  • Providing a regulated and planned weekly timetable for daily playtimes of ‘Creative Play’ based activities in the yard.

 

Excursions/Camps/Incursions:

During 2018 our students attended a number of excursions and school camps.

  • Stage 4 Camp Experience – passion project: In 2018 we continued the Stage 4 Camp, presenting students with a ‘Personalised Experience’ that tapped into the children’s areas of interest as shared through conversation and survey data. Students nominated their 3 day experience from the following: Fishing trip; World’s End Conservation Camping; My Kitchen Rules cooking; Media Design; Zoos and Walk; Farm life; Artist’s Retreat; Candle and Soap making, Circus and Good Sports.
  • Stage 3 camp Toc H Victor Harbor with an Aquatics focus.
  • Stage 2 Camp-in, Mengkiwodli;
  • Stage 1 pyjama parties.

 

Excursions included visits to:

  • German Film Festival at Arndale.
  • Endeavour College Drama production.
  • Gorge Wildlife Park.
  • Tea Tree Gully Library.
  • Civic park Playground.
  • National Motor Museum, Birdwood.
  • City Tour – significant places.
  • Morialta Playground.
  • Cleland Wildlife Park.
  • Local Parks Walks.
  • Belair National Park – cubby building with Nature Play SA.
  • Adelaide Zoo.
  • Connected Schools worship years 4-6.

 

Incursions included various guest speakers as primary sources for inquiry units of learning for all stages:

  • Positive Education Day (SEED Day).
  • Museum of Childhood/Toys.
  • Scientrific Bubble Show.
  • Connected Schools Art Workshop led by Endeavour College students.
  • ACE Tennis.