Instructional Leader Update

Building Stronger Maths Foundations: Highlights from our professional learning

We recently held an enriching professional development session focused on enhancing our educators' teaching practices in mathematics. Grounded in the evidence of Mike Askew's model, the workshop aimed to create a more engaging mathematical environment for our students.

Teachers explored the Talk Moves tool and engaged in effective number talks, learning to incorporate consistent mathematical language and gestures to promote meaningful discussions. This collaborative learning experience is part of our commitment to continually improve our teaching methods and better understand our students as learners. 

We are excited to bring these innovative strategies into the classroom, fostering a love for mathematics in our students and ensuring they thrive in their learning journey. Thank you for your ongoing support in our educational endeavors!

Maths Made Easy: Quick Tips for Parents to Boost Learning at Home!

🍽️ Everyday Maths: Incorporate maths into daily activities like cooking, shopping, or budgeting to show its relevance.

🧱 Use Concrete Materials: Utilise items like blocks or coins to help your child visualise mathematical concepts.

💬 Encourage Number Talks: Promote discussions about maths problems by asking open-ended questions about their thought processes.

📚 Consistent Language: Use consistent mathematical terms at home to reinforce what they learn in school.

🎲 Incorporate Games: Engage your child with maths games that challenge their thinking and make learning fun.

🌱 Promote a Growth Mindset: Encourage them to view challenges as opportunities for growth and learning from mistakes.

😊 Stay Positive: Show enthusiasm for maths and celebrate their achievements to foster a love for learning.

Stage Snapshot – Learning in Stage 3 

In English, we have been exploring our mentor text 'Spotlight', written by Australian teenager, Solli Raphael. We have been reading and analysing poetry, specifically limericks and sonnets. Students have been exploring rhyme scheme, as well as syllables required per line of each style of poem. This has encouraged students to express their creativity through writing. 

In mathematics, we are exploring 3D objects, including nets, pyramids, and prisms, while also learning about volume and capacity, which has been an engaging experience for the students. 

Students are particularly enjoying the poetry unit, where they have the opportunity to create their own limericks and sonnets. Their enthusiasm for writing has led to some impressive, humourous and imaginative pieces. In maths, students are showing great interest in hands-on activities that involve constructing and visualising three-dimensional objects. 

We have introduced several innovative tools and approaches to enhance student learning. In our exploration of sonnets, we have been examining iambic pentameter, and Ms. Paxton shared a clever technique she uses: clicking every second syllable in each line to emphasise the stressed beats. This engaging method not only helps students understand the rhythm of poetry but also allows them to appreciate the musicality of language. 

Stage Snapshot – Learning in Stage 2 

Exploring Poetry through Bindi by Kirli Saunders

This term in English, Stage 2 students have been diving into the powerful and poetic world of Bindi by Kirli Saunders. As part of our learning, we’ve been exploring the rich features of poetry, including personification, rhyming couplets, and similes. We’ve been discovering how these poetic devices help bring writing to life and keep readers engaged.

Students have been learning how to use imagery, symbolism, and connotation to create meaning in their own writing. We’ve also looked closely at how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors, like Kirli Saunders, weave these elements into their texts to express culture, connection, and Country.

One of the highlights has been experimenting with free verse poetry—poems that don’t rhyme but flow with natural speech and allow full expression of thoughts and emotions. It has been a wonderful opportunity for students to let their creativity shine.

We are so proud of the insightful and imaginative pieces our students are producing and can’t wait to share more of their writing with you soon!

Exploring 3D Objects and Measurement in Mathematics

In Mathematics, Stage 2 students have been investigating three-dimensional objects and the features that make them unique. We’ve been learning to identify and describe the faces, edges, and vertices of a range of 3D shapes. To support our understanding, students created hands-on models that clearly show these features.

Using isometric paper and the correct mathematical tools, students then developed their skills by sketching 3D objects, paying close attention to accurate measurements and angles. This hands-on and visual learning approach has helped students deepen their spatial awareness and geometry skills.

As we move forward, our focus is shifting to volume and capacity. Students will explore different ways to measure these concepts using appropriate units and tools. Through a range of practical activities, they’ll develop a solid understanding of measurement and how it applies to real-world contexts.

We’re excited to continue building our mathematical thinking through hands-on and meaningful experiences!

Co teaching with Mr Bax

This term, Stage 2 has been fortunate to take part in a co-teaching model alongside Mr Bax. This collaborative approach has allowed teachers to work together to support student learning in both Mathematics and English. With two teachers in the classroom, we’ve been able to provide more targeted, individualised instruction that meets the diverse needs of our learners.

By differentiating content and instruction, students are receiving additional guidance, small group support, and tailored learning tasks that match their individual abilities and goals. This team-teaching approach is helping to build student confidence, deepen understanding, and create a positive and inclusive learning environment for all.

Stage Snapshot – Learning in Stage 1

• Learning Focus – English
  This term in English, students are exploring narrative texts with a focus on character development, verb tense, and storytelling structure. They are learning how authors build characters through actions and dialogue, how tense influences the flow of a story, and how to craft engaging narratives of their own.

• Learning Focus – Mathematics
  In Mathematics, Year 1 students are exploring addition and subtraction through number stories, helping them understand how math’s is used in everyday situations. They are also learning to recognise the features of a clock, including the hour and minute hands, and how to tell time to the hour and half hour.

• Co-Teaching in Stage 1
  Co-teaching across Stage 1 is going well, with strong collaboration between teachers supporting consistent routines and high-quality learning experiences. Students benefit from more targeted instruction, flexible grouping, and a supportive classroom environment where all learners are catered for.

Stage Snapshot – Learning in ES1 

Phonics is the method of teaching reading that focuses on the relationship between sounds (phonemes) and their corresponding letters or letter combinations (graphemes). This approach helps children decode words, making it easier for them to read and spell effectively. It is the foundation for reading, improves spelling and enhances comprehension. 

To assist you in supporting your child's phonics learning, we have sent home a phonics recording and a resource pack. We encourage you to explore these resources and incorporate them into your daily routine. Consistent practise will help strengthen your child's phonics skills and build their confidence in reading.

This term in science, Kindergarten students are learning all about the material world. Understanding the properties of materials and how they influence their use is a fundamental aspect of science that impacts our everyday lives.  Through hands-on activities and experiments, our students will gain a deeper understanding of this concept, exploring how different materials can be applied to solve real-world problems. By fostering curiosity and critical thinking, we aim to inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators. This week in Cromer, students went on a classroom hunt finding different objects in the classroom that were made from a class made list of the main materials - wood, metal, plastic and fabric. Students were very engaged and enthused during this lesson!