Learning & Teaching Platform
Learning and teaching are at the heart of an effective curriculum. We know how children and young people learn and it is imperative that we all understand how we teach is as important as what we teach. Young people deserve the very best in powerful learning experiences and in order to provide that we revisit our pedagogies and methodologies and give staff greater scope to exercise their professional expertise.
Our philosophy of learning and teaching at Nepean school is based on the following –
Relationships matter – trusting relationships and a positive climate where everyone feels respected, included and valued is the starting point for successful learning.
Connecting the learning – it is essential we make connections with what our children and young people already know. They will be more receptive to new knowledge if a lesson begins with an activity that helps them ‘switch on’ to concepts they are already familiar with.
Learning Intentions and Success Criteria – sharing learning intentions and success criteria is a key component of every lesson. Learning I intentions are what the students are learning, these are often shared as a WALT statement – We Are Learning To ….
Success criteria lets students know what they have to do to achieve their learning goals. These are often shared through a WILF statement – What I’m Looking For ….
Together learning intentions and success criteria encourage greater independence and a sense of responsibility for learning.
Active Learning –ensuring that every learning opportunity is active, collaborative and cognitive. Encouraging students to make choices, take on responsibility, work in teams, share their ideas, take turns, contribute, ask questions, offer solutions, reflect on and celebrate their learning. Students are supported to demonstrate what they have learnt in a variety of ways, all learners are given the opportunity to work on ‘real life’ situations that impact not only on their learning in the classroom, but also relate to the real world.