Differentiation
Differentiation is a core part of our teaching practice at Edgars Creek Secondary College. We continually work to create and deliver a curriculum that targets students at their point of need to ensure they experience learning growth and success at secondary school. Teachers work within a Professional Learning Community to continually develop and implement a range of strategies to adjust the level of content, learning activities and assessment tasks for students who may require further scaffolding or extension. This means that students are appropriately challenged in a supportive learning environment that values them as an individual. A differentiated approach to teaching and learning continually places the student at the centre and builds a culture of high expectations in every classroom. Through the regular implementation of differentiated teaching strategies, students learn to set and work towards their own learning goals and develop a true growth mindset.
Developmental Model of Assessment
The Developmental Model of Assessment is grounded in the belief that every child can learn. Teachers work to create assessment tasks that allow students to track their own learning progression along a continuum, often presented in the form of a rubric or a skills audit. Teachers work with students over the course of a unit of work to develop the skills and knowledge necessary for the task and collect clear evidence of what students say, make, write or do to help inform their teaching. This approach to assessment allows students the opportunity to act on regular feedback from their teacher which clearly defines the next steps for them. It also encourages teams of teachers to be explicit about the purpose of assessment tasks and critically examine the way we teach and assess students across the year.
Problem-Based Learning
Problem-based learning is a teaching pedagogy
that is student-centred. Students learn about a topic through the solving of problems and generally work in groups to solve the problem where, often, there is no one correct answer. It helps and enables learners to conduct research, integrate theory and practice, and apply knowledge and skills to develop a viable solution to a defined problem. Research has demonstrated
that it is very important to provide students where appropriate, opportunities to experience problem- based learning. Within the curriculum, teachers will plan problem-based learning activities that will consolidate the content knowledge that has been taught by allowing students to apply that knowledge and extend their 21st Century skills on a range of problems. For example, students may learn about what makes a sustainable environment; they then may be given a task where they have to demonstrate how they will address a company that is using excessive electricity and water.
Literacy & Numeracy
A strong foundation in literacy and numeracy is vital for every young person and underpins their ability to engage in education, reach their potential and to participate fully in the community. As young people enter high school, they need to develop more specific literacy and numeracy capabilities so that they can access the curriculum across the disciplines they study. We aim to achieve this for all our students.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths)
Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) covers a wide range of knowledge and skills, which are increasingly in demand in a knowledge- based and rapidly changing world. The development of STEM skills at all stages of life will also inspire curiosity and creativity Through exciting and engaging STEM education, Edgars Creek Secondary College students of all ages can acquire skills that will enable them to be more innovative while using new and emerging technologies to solve problems and extend their knowledge and understanding. STEM is a fundamental part of the Victorian Curriculum. This includes the learning areas of Mathematics, Science, Design and Technology, and Digital Technology, as well as cross-curricular capabilities such as ethical, critical and creative thinking.
At Edgars Creek Secondary College we aim to provide our students with hands-on activities that explore, experiment and communicate solutions to real-life engineering problems that reflect the integration of the STEM subjects. Students are encouraged and inspired to improve, excel, pursue their own interests in STEM, and understand the diverse pathways and careers that STEM can offer. Most excitedly, the College is able to conduct this rich program in our own state-of-the-art purposefully designed building with our own specialist teaching staff.
