Learning and Teaching
Ainslie Parklands Primary School aims, through successful teaching and learning, to develop the whole person and to enable our students to become lifelong learners. All staff have a responsibility, collectively and individually, to contribute to the delivery of the broad, challenging and appropriate curriculum. In addition, they individually have a responsibility to strive to deliver lessons where the teaching and learning is of the highest quality and where the learning needs of all learners are met.
The staff at our school form a dedicated community of learners. The knowledge base that informs effective practice is continually growing and consequently all need to be, and seen to be, life long learners. APPS is committed to effective ongoing professional learning to enable staff to embrace this change for the betterment of student learning.
As a community of learners we believe that:
- Numeracy and literacy skills are fundamental for each student’s development
- Learning is an active process and students need opportunities to explore materials, ideas and concepts before being introduced to formal activities
- Student’s self-esteem and confidence play a vital role in their achievements
- Expression and celebration of creativity are key motivators in learning
- A successful learning environment fosters personal qualities including tolerance, flexibility, creativity, curiosity, independence and self-awareness
Classrooms
Our classrooms allow flexibility, collaborative interaction, integrated technology and promote engagement between teachers and students. Our classrooms are filled with natural light which we believe aids learning.
Children are encouraged to ask questions as they explore concepts and strategies in Maths and in all aspects of Literacy. Children increasingly acquire and use ICT skills across all aspects of the curriculum. Thinking creatively, and using the tools and conventions of Literacy and Numeracy to solve real-world problems, is fundamental to our programs. Developing understandings of inquiry learning and working both independently and in groups are features of our classrooms.
Guided Inquiry
Our students work within a guided-inquiry model. Our belief is that this model includes teaching methods built on students’ individual knowledge and interests, and emphasises learning how to learn and how to find out, using both traditional and contemporary media.
Each teacher has the mandate that the learning within their classroom must be engaging, relevant, challenging and significant. Learning is constructed in a way that is differentiated to the specific needs of each learner within the clasroom. Teachers work closely with their colleagues to constantly reflect, review and revise the program and collaboration is an expected part of the school community.