From the Principal
We reach the final in our series of articles on aspects of the philosophy and practice of education at GPCC.
(Link: PoEP )
A key aspect of teacher practice is what actually happens in the classroom. At GPCC, we have selected a profile of practices we want to see all teachers using in our classrooms from Kindergarten to Year 12.
The Quality GPCC Classroom Profile is connected to the Australian Institute for Teachers and School Leaders (AITSL) 2018 Australian Teacher Performance and Development Framework and focuses on three key elements.
Effective teachers will:
- Plan carefully and implement the plan via effective instruction;
- Create a supportive and safe environment for students; and
- Provide regular and timely feedback on student progress.
The 11 Quality Classroom Profile points (set out below) pick up on practical ways we can assess whether effective instruction is taking place in our classrooms. They assume that good unit and lesson planning has already taken place and that all the other elements of the Teacher Standards are being done well.
Our goal is that in every GPCC classroom, recognisable best practice is taking place to ensure we are being effective Christian teachers, helping students to grow strongly and understand the world from God's perspective.
GPCC Quality Classroom Profile:
- Lesson focus is clear
- New learning links to prior learning / work / knowledge
- Clear Instruction
- Regular practise
- Checking for understanding
- Feedback
- Differentiation
- Reference to learning skills
- Supportive and safe relationships
- Biblical perspectives
- Closure of the lesson
Classrooms in which these are regular and observable practices will be places in which quality teaching and learning is taking place. While we know teaching is a very complex activity (both art and science), paying attention to these proven best practices will give us a sense of purpose and contribute to all GPCC classrooms being places of quality learning.
Phillip Nash
Principal