Learning
Much of our teachers’ professional learning focuses on the following five attributes that we see as vital.
1. Personalised
- Partnering with parents, particularly in the initial stages of schooling, seeking their opinions and background information.
- Seeking to know the learning preferences and styles of every child within the small-class setting.
- Seeking to differentiate teaching to cater for the varied levels of ability and knowledge: low, middle and high.
- Discussing a Personal Learning Profile of every student as a whole staff, not just by the Class Teacher.
2. Rigorous
- Applying research-based practice to teaching and learning.
- Ensuring thorough and comprehensive assessment informs teaching and learning and stimulates discussion and dialogue.
- Following up “anomalies” in assessment results, whether they be unexpectedly low or high.
3. Engaging
- Utilising an inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning, encouraging ownership, questioning, initiative and curiosity.
- Planning authentic learning experiences that connect to the children’s real world.
- Ensuring a high degree of fun from hands-on activities that engage all of the senses.
- Ensuring the children are given opportunities to take action on their learning to consolidate their understanding.
4. Contemporary
- Integrating technology, not just for the sake of it, but in order to improve learning outcomes.
- Preparing our children for the information/digital age in which they are growing up.
5. Christian
- Ensuring biblical values are infused, not only in the teaching and learning, but into every aspect of our relationships and actions.