Teaching and Learning News
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Happy Week 10, it is hard to believe we are done and dusted with Term 3 already! This week I’ve completed a self-reflection as part of my review as my Middle Leader Role comes to a close in 2023. It has been such a great process to reflect on the last 3 years and think about what we have achieved together here at St Saviour’s Primary school. This is certainly not the whole list, but here are a few highlights I feel so proud of within our teaching and learning space from 2021 - 2023.
- Learner Qualities
A key focus across the school has been to develop a common language of learning. This has been achieved through our Learner Qualities. Our students refer to these qualities daily and they have become a tool to support them in their learning. Whether it is about being determined when learning is hard, or being creative when coming up with a number of ideas for a STEM task, our students and staff are certainly familiar with these qualities and are using them all the time!
- Progress over achievement
We have focussed on the importance of celebrating progress over achievement. Learning is about moving forward from where we were, so there should be more emphasis on getting better whilst on our learning journey, rather than being the best. We are in the process of creating a school specific learning pit and we have imbedded the ‘Phoenix Award’ as two examples of how we celebrate progress.
- Teacher Coaching
One of the things I believe has had a positive impact, is the opportunity for coaching to be imbedded across our school. We have had 5 impact coaches this year, who have all worked with the teaching staff to focus on a particular area of need for their students. The teacher has brought along a short video from their lesson and done a reflection to work out what the current needs are for their learners. With the support of a coach, they design an action plan which usually involves introducing a successful teaching strategy to target a particular area. Then, they work on this over 6 or so weeks then meet with their coach again with post data to see how the students have improved. It has been an absolute privilege to be involved in this process and I see such value in what it gives our students and of course our teachers.
The old phrase ‘It takes a village’, is so true when it comes to teaching and learning within a school. We couldn’t have such positive outcomes without the support of the teachers, school officers, parents and students!
Have a wonderful holiday with your family and friends, wishing you a restful break!
Warm Regards
Nicki Prentice
Acting Assistant Principal in Administration
