Teaching and Learning @ WEPS         

To be able to ensure a consistent and evidence based approach, we implement whole school Instructional Models for Literacy, Maths and General (all other subject areas). This ensures that teaching practices at WEPS are aligned with how students learn effectively and work towards improving education outcomes for all students.  A consistent approach to teaching and learning is imperative if we are to drive an improvement in student learning outcomes. At WEPS we embed clearly articulated Instructional Models from Foundation to Year 6 which is implemented in every lesson and every class. 

The explicit teaching models have been developed based on the evidence-based approach called the ‘Gradual Release of Responsibility’. The Gradual Release of Responsibility is a four-step process that focuses on student collaboration, engagement and curiosity. ‘I do’ (explicit and focused instruction by the teacher) ‘we do’ (guided instruction, between the teacher and student) ‘you do it together’ (collaborative learning between students) and ‘you do’ (independent learning and practice by the student and the teacher checking understanding). 

What is differentiation?

Differentiation is the process of making sure that all students have equal access to learning. It refers to the responses teachers make to learners’ needs by scaffolding their learning through providing support and responding to students’ needs.  At WEPS we are aware that effective differentiation functions on the premise that every student can achieve success with the appropriate guidance and support.  Teachers at WEPS enable learning by providing supports for students so they can successfully complete the learning tasks.  They intentionally provide and gradually remove scaffolds over time to enable students to achieve learning objectives and support students’ growing confidence and self-efficacy.

At WEPS the teachers design learning activities following explicit teaching and practice that enable all students to transfer what they now know and can do to new or unfamiliar problems, situations or contexts. Students use their knowledge and skills in increasingly complex situations, deepening their understanding and strengthening their skills.  All students are provided with opportunities to demonstrate mastery of the knowledge and skills they’ve learned via problem-solving and real-world tasks.

Instructional Model – General – PE, The Arts, Humanities, Science and Inquiry Learning