Our teaching and learning through the Inquiry approach is structured around a range of subjects and topic areas. Each term, department teams identifies a focus area which forms the basis for the Integrated Curriculum investigation over the term. The focus is not so much on the content; more about the skills and attitudes the students develop through their investigation of the topic.
Integrating the curriculum assists with children’s thinking skills, social skills, values and attitudes between subjects. Learning is made relevant and meaningful through an integrated approach, acknowledging that children learn through experience, interest, and active participation. Each department uses the Victorian Curriculum to guide the focus questions, key learning activities and common assessment tasks for the areas studied each term.
The learning focus is explicit so students understand exactly what is being learnt and why. Children are encouraged to be active participants in learning activities that are challenging and motivating. Children work in a variety of groupings including ability, friendship, whole class, with partners or small groups. Activities aim to cater for individual learning styles and abilities and reflection time is incorporated into lessons.
Planning for Integrated Studies forms part of Professional Learning Team meetings. We ensure that adequate time (minimum 30 to 45 minutes each session, depending on year level) is devoted to student time on task.
We are open with students about their performance on assessment tasks. We tell them what they achieved and help them to plan for improvement.