Learning That Adapts to Every Child
It’s the little things we do to support an individualised learning program that get us the big results. With our dedicated teaching staff, we want to ensure every child achieves to their own potential.
We have a robust system of teaching and support that not only caters to the average (or middle) student – but also the advanced learner or those who need extra support.
For learning to take place, we ensure every child feels safe, happy and confident within themselves – and so a strong emphasis is placed on wellbeing and support programs that achieve just that.
Building Positive Relationships
TVPS recognises the pivotal role of positive teacher–student relationships in shaping the school environment and facilitating effective learning. Just as we all seek to feel cared for and valued, students are no exception.
As classroom teachers, we ensure that every student feels valued and respected as an individual. This commitment is embedded in the shared setting of classroom norms and expectations, fostering a positive climate built on dignity and mutual respect.
Learning Differentiation
Differentiation is a key High Impact Teaching Strategy (HITS) used by teachers to design lessons that provide the right amount of support and challenge for every student.
At TVPS, differentiated teaching ensures all students can master their individual objectives and continue to grow – even if they aren’t necessarily at the same starting point.
The purpose of differentiation is to look at each student’s skill level and ask: “What can we do to increase depth, broaden, extend and improve knowledge and skills for every learner, regardless of starting point?”
It doesn’t matter whether a student is excelling academically or needs additional support – differentiation means teaching to every child’s zone of proximal development.
Digital Technologies
Digital Technology at TVPS is not just a powerful tool for learning, but also a vehicle for innovation and creativity.
Students have access to class sets of iPads in Years P–2, 1:1 iPads in Year 3 and 1:1 laptops in Years 4–6. They also use a range of devices such as digital cameras, robotics, coding resources and 3D printers, giving every student a digital head start.
These technologies are supported by staff in daily lessons and through special clubs, including our Coding Club and Valley TV.
Extending Students
True extension occurs when teachers use evidence of student readiness, progress and learning profiles to tailor instruction. This personalised approach ensures all students are appropriately challenged and experience success – a process known as learning differentiation.
TVPS students are supported through a range of extension programs outside the classroom, including Maths Olympiad (Years 5–6), Maths Games (Year 4) and the G.A.T.E.W.A.Y.S. program.
Learning Support
Alongside a differentiated curriculum, we offer many programs to support learning, including the Tutor Learning Initiative (TLI).
The TLI is driven by student learning needs, supporting students who had additional learning challenges prior to remote learning in 2020, as well as those whose progress was impacted during that time.
We also provide learning support through targeted staff placements, engaging activities, learning clubs and innovative uses of technology as a learning tool.
Kinder to Prep Transition
The Prep Transition Program at Templestowe Valley Primary School helps children move smoothly from kindergarten to primary school with confidence and excitement. It offers a range of activities for families and children to get to know our school community and learning environment.
Our enrolled Prep students take part in seven orientation sessions in Terms 3 and 4, where they meet new friends, explore the school and begin to feel at home before their first day.
Weekly school tours, led by our Principal or Assistant Principal, are available and usually take 45–60 minutes. Please call 8850 5777 to book.
Year 6 to Year 7 Transition
A successful transition from primary to secondary school helps students move confidently to their new setting. TVPS provides programs and support to promote student engagement and wellbeing during this time.
We do this by:
- following the Year 6 to 7 transitions framework and key dates
- keeping parents and students informed about the process
- building strong relationships with local secondary schools
Secondary schools visit our Years 5–6 students to share information and answer questions. We also communicate student learning, social and emotional needs to ensure a smooth transition.
More information is provided by the Department of Eduction: Moving from Primary to Secondary School.
Sweet Valley High – TVPS Year 6 to Year 7 Transition Program
The Sweet Valley High Program was developed to help prepare our students for the environment of secondary school. During this week-long program, all Year 5 and 6 classrooms transform into a secondary school setting. Students are placed into ‘Home Groups’ and experience a Year 7-style timetable with different teachers, subjects and learning spaces.
The program allows students to experience a rotating timetable, adapt to new routines and build confidence for their transition to secondary school.
Moving Schools to Templestowe Valley Primary School
We pride ourselves on open communication and providing detailed information to make moving schools a positive experience. Families are encouraged to contact us for a school tour or to discuss any questions they may have.
School tours are conducted by our Principal or Assistant Principal and are a wonderful way to see the school in action. Visitors can learn about our teaching philosophy, explore our excellent facilities and discover how Templestowe Valley Primary School can best support their family.
