Our Teaching & Learning Philosophy
Inquiry Based Learning
Glenferrie Primary School is an International Baccalaureate accredited school. Our inquiry-based learning fosters a natural curiosity for learning.
Our unique teaching approach is all about harnessing this curiosity and encouraging students to ask questions and explore on their own. This way, we aim to foster a lifelong love for learning in our students.
We also emphasize the importance of being kind, culturally aware, and active in their own education journey. This approach ensures that our students are always excited about learning and think critically about the impact they can make on the world.
To make education more relevant, we actively work to ensure our students can apply fundamental skills such as reading and maths to real-world situations. This not only makes their learning more meaningful but also deepens their understanding. Collaborative group work is also central to our approach, and our students benefit immensely by helping and learning from one another.
Beyond the core curriculum, we also provide specialized programs in the Arts, Physical Education, and the Italian language.
Student-centred growth and leadership
At Glenferrie Primary School, our education approach is a collaborative effort. Students work alongside teachers to outline their learning objectives, building upon their existing knowledge and identifying areas for growth. By creating a tailored learning journey, each student is well positioned and motivated to develop new skills and a sense of independence.
Student wellbeing is an essential step in school life. At Glenferrie, we ensure that every student feels secure, supported, and valued, creating an optimal environment for success. We’ve established several programs and initiatives, such as Respectful Relationships and restorative practices to support this. Our Kindness Wall and Pupil of the Week awards also work to foster positive behaviour and achievements.
Leadership development is another cornerstone of our educational philosophy. As students grow, they are provided opportunities to assume roles within our Student Representative Council (SRC) where they can voice their opinions, collaborate on fundraising events, and suggest improvements. Year 5/6 leadership roles are critical aspects of our students’ senior years. Through these combined efforts, Glenferrie Primary strives to nurture well-rounded, confident individuals ready to make their mark.
Literacy
Literacy encompasses the areas of Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening, with a strong focus on experiencing, enjoying and exploring quality literature.
During the early years at Glenferrie Primary, we have a structured, explicit phonics-based approach to the teaching of language and reading. We also implement a consistent, whole-school approach to Spelling, using the Targeting Spelling Program.
As students progress through the school, their love of literature continues to be fostered. They develop and grow through independent reading, while connecting with our units of inquiry, which requires them to access a wide range of literature.
Every classroom at G.P.S. has its own class library that includes challenging, interest-based literature, while each student is in charge of their own reading material in their book box. Our school library is well-resourced and provides students with a warm and inviting learning space. Our take-home books are designed to support student literacy, while encouraging a strong partnership between the school and home in each student’s learning journey.
Mathematics
At Glenferrie Primary, we pride ourselves on running a strong and evidence-based approach to Mathematics that meets the individual needs of all our students.
Teachers analyse student data through pre-tests and rich assessment tasks across the three strands of Number, Measurement and Geometry, and Statistics and Probability. Students then participate in scaffolded and engaging activities based in real-life contexts, to ensure the learning is meaningful and they are actively involved in their learning.
Each students’ learning moves through to more sophisticated concepts within these learning domains as they develop knowledge and skills at their own pace. Our students are supported to work mathematically to build their understanding, fluency, problem-solving skills and reasoning.
Mathematics
At Glenferrie Primary, we pride ourselves on running a strong and evidence-based approach to Mathematics that meets the individual needs of all our students.
Teachers analyse student data through pre-tests and rich assessment tasks across the three strands of Number, Measurement and Geometry, and Statistics and Probability. Students then participate in scaffolded and engaging activities based in real-life contexts, to ensure the learning is meaningful and they are actively involved in their learning.
Each students’ learning moves through to more sophisticated concepts within these learning domains as they develop knowledge and skills at their own pace. Our students are supported to work mathematically to build their understanding, fluency, problem-solving skills and reasoning.
The Arts
Glenferrie Primary has a comprehensive program of music, visual and performing arts. We have a very well-equipped art room, enabling students to practice a variety of techniques in visual arts including painting, drawing, clay, collage, threads and textiles as well as ICT and digital media.
Students regularly use their iPads to draw, and research ideas, artists and galleries. They keep an online portfolio of their work-in-progress and completed artworks.
Different music and performing arts curricula expose the students to a wide variety of skills and experiences. Students may perform plays, sing, use instruments and discover what it means to become a performer.
There is a weekly lunchtime choir for our interested singers. In addition, every two years our year 5 and 6 students write, direct and perform their own performance. This incredible event is hosted at Kew High School’s Renaissance Theatre.
We also hold an annual end-of-year concert with all classes performing on stage to the wider school community.
Italian
All students are immersed in the Italian language and culture for a one-hour session, once a week. The language is taught in an immersive Italian classroom where students are exposed to a variety of tactile activities and experiences. Italian classes encompass our IB trans-disciplinary themes and at times, CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) methodology, supporting Literacy practices within the classroom.
The program includes an annual Italian Day, an event which is strongly support by our P&F. It a fun filled day of cultural activities where all students dress up in Italian-themed clothes such as soccer players, Italian artists, Ferrari drivers, and chefs. Students experience making (and eating) pasta and are treated to a delicious Italian lunch of crostoli, pizza and gelato. Our parent community and local organisations are invited to assist and support the program. Students also participate in state-wide and national language competitions where Glenferrie Primary students regularly experience success, receiving trophies! The program is led by Signorina Paladino.
Italian
All students are immersed in the Italian language and culture for a one-hour session, once a week. The language is taught in an immersive Italian classroom where students are exposed to a variety of tactile activities and experiences. Italian classes encompass our IB trans-disciplinary themes and at times, CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) methodology, supporting Literacy practices within the classroom.
The program includes an annual Italian Day, an event which is strongly support by our P&F. It a fun filled day of cultural activities where all students dress up in Italian-themed clothes such as soccer players, Italian artists, Ferrari drivers, and chefs. Students experience making (and eating) pasta and are treated to a delicious Italian lunch of crostoli, pizza and gelato. Our parent community and local organisations are invited to assist and support the program. Students also participate in state-wide and national language competitions where Glenferrie Primary students regularly experience success, receiving trophies! The program is led by Signorina Paladino.
STEAM
At Glenferrie Primary we integrate STEAM learning throughout the curriculum. Teachers incorporate regular practical ‘discovery time’ sessions where students explore STEAM concepts through units of inquiry.
Complementing our STEAM integrations is our one-to-one iPad program for students in years 3-6. Each student is responsible for their own iPad, encouraging independence and access to a wide range of resources.
Examples of how the iPads are used include:
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Posting learning activities on SeeSaw for parents and teachers to view,
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Technology-based activities, such as the creation of presentations,
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Access to the Google Suite to collaboratively work on documents,
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Research tasks for group work projects, and
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Formal assessments.
Physical Education
The Physical Education Program at Glenferrie Primary School is run by a specialist Physical Education and Health teacher. The program focuses on explicitly developing and applying fundamental movement skills and concepts required to participate in physical activities with competence and confidence.
The knowledge, understanding and skills students develop through movement in Health and Physical Education encourages ongoing participation across their lifespan and in turn, leads to positive health outcomes.
Students across the school participate in a number of sporting events throughout the year, including our annual athletics carnival, a two week swimming program at the Hawthorn Aquatic and Leisure Centre, Cross Country, Athletics Day, Footy (Codes) Day and more.
Targeted programs for different year levels include the Perceptual Motor Program (PMP) for our junior school students, Bike education for Year 6s and cross-country training leading up to our school cross-country carnival for Years 3-6. We also run Sport Education Physical Eduction Program (SEPEP) for Year 5 and 6 students, who are responsible for organising a season of sport.
In addition to the weekly Physical Education program, Year 5 and 6 students participate in summer and winter Inter-school Sports, competing against local schools in the Kew District.
Physical Education
The Physical Education Program at Glenferrie Primary School is run by a specialist Physical Education and Health teacher. The program focuses on explicitly developing and applying fundamental movement skills and concepts required to participate in physical activities with competence and confidence.
The knowledge, understanding and skills students develop through movement in Health and Physical Education encourages ongoing participation across their lifespan and in turn, leads to positive health outcomes.
Students across the school participate in a number of sporting events throughout the year, including our annual athletics carnival, a two week swimming program at the Hawthorn Aquatic and Leisure Centre, Cross Country, Athletics Day, Footy (Codes) Day and more.
Targeted programs for different year levels include the Perceptual Motor Program (PMP) for our junior school students, Bike education for Year 6s and cross-country training leading up to our school cross-country carnival for Years 3-6. We also run Sport Education Physical Eduction Program (SEPEP) for Year 5 and 6 students, who are responsible for organising a season of sport.
In addition to the weekly Physical Education program, Year 5 and 6 students participate in summer and winter Inter-school Sports, competing against local schools in the Kew District.
