An inclusive and differentiated curriculum will ensure that all students have the opportunity to progress to their full potential. Differentiated learning is a basis for effective teaching that involves providing students with different ways to learn at a level that challenges each student individually.

Differentiated instruction looks at what the student needs to learn at a level they are ready for. This is achieved through ongoing assessment. Assessment of student learning can be measured by what a student can ‘Do, Say, Make or Write’.

Students vary in gender, culture, language, socio-economic status, ability, personal interests and more. Teachers plan their curriculum to cater for these diversities in their classroom through assessment, different learning strategies, ideas and teaching materials so that all students can learn effectively, regardless of differences in ability.

Differentiation in the classroom can be recognised in varies ways:

• using appropriate assessment, carefully monitoring student progress to inform teaching
• setting clear goals, including targets for achievement
• providing appropriate focused learning (with specific learning intentions) and teaching time
• organising student groups with like needs as appropriate
• developing individual learning plans (if required)
• selecting appropriate learning and teaching strategies
• providing various opportunities for students to demonstrate their learning
• providing students with opportunities to monitor and track their learning

Students in Victorian schools learn traditional subjects such as English, mathematics, science, humanities, languages and the arts, as well as physical and social learning subjects such as health and physical education and civics and citizenship. They also learn subjects like communication and information and communications technology (ICT), which are applied across the other subject areas.

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For further information on curriculum and assessment and an outline of the guiding principles behind the teaching and learning programs at your child’s school, see:

• Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework– a framework that outlines five key learning and development areas for children from birth to eight years.
• Victorian Essential Learning Standards– a set of guidelines that outline what is considered crucial learning for all students from Prep to Year 10.
• English Online Interview– an online tool that assesses Prep to Year 2 students on their English skills in the areas of reading, writing, and speaking and listening.
• National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN)– a nationwide test that assesses the skills of students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 in the areas of reading, writing, language conventions and numeracy.