Learning
Our Approach to Learning
At Keilor Heights Primary School, learning is designed to empower students to become proactive, inquisitive and capable learners who are prepared for an ever-changing world. Guided by the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model (VTLM 2.0), we create engaging learning experiences that develop students' ability to think deeply, solve problems and confidently apply their knowledge in meaningful ways.
We believe that learners thrive when they are actively involved in the learning process. Our classrooms provide a balance of explicit teacher instruction and rich opportunities for students to explore, investigate and learn through doing. Through hands-on experiences, authentic learning opportunities and open-ended challenges, students develop a deeper understanding of concepts and build the confidence to transfer their knowledge across different contexts.
We encourage students to be collaborative problem solvers who ask thoughtful questions, explore multiple perspectives and take ownership of their learning. Students are supported to articulate their thinking, justify their reasoning and engage in meaningful discussions that strengthen both their understanding and communication skills.
Learning at Keilor Heights Primary School is purposeful, relevant and connected to the real world. Through meaningful tasks and authentic problems, students are challenged to think critically, work collaboratively and apply their learning in creative and innovative ways. By fostering curiosity, resilience and independence, we equip our students with the skills, knowledge and dispositions needed for lifelong learning and success.
Our learners are:
- Proactive and engaged
- Inquisitive and curious thinkers
- Creative problem solvers
- Confident communicators who can articulate and justify their thinking
- Collaborative contributors
- Active, hands-on learners
- Capable of transferring and applying knowledge in new situations
- Prepared for lifelong learning in an ever-changing world
This approach ensures that every student is challenged, supported and inspired to achieve their personal best.
Instructional Models
How we teach Reading at KHPS
At KHPS, our approach to the teaching and learning of reading aligns with the DET Literacy Teaching Toolkit. We adopt elements from the Four Resources Model and the Gradual Release of Responsibility model. The approach is implemented through the KHPS Instructional Model.
Framework for Teaching and Learning
Reading Instructional Model
How we teach Writing at KHPS
At KHPS, our approach to the teaching and learning of writing is based on the DET Literacy Teaching Toolkit. We adopt elements from the Genre Approach, Writers Workshop Approach and Scaffolding Literacy Approach. This approach is implemented through the KHPS Instructional Model.
Framework for Teaching and Learning
Writing Instructional Model
How we teach Mathematics at KHPS
At KHPS, our approach to the teaching and learning of numeracy aligns with the DET Maths Teaching Toolkit. We adopt elements from Numeracy expert Peter Sullivan, and address the 4 proficiencies of Numeracy (Understanding, Fluency, Problem Solving and Reasoning) through open-ended mathematical problems and challenges. Our approach is implemented through the KHPS Instructional Model.
Framework for Teaching and Learning
Mathematics Instructional Model
Specialists
Physical Education
In Years F-2 students practise a wide range of Fundamental Motor and Locomotive Skills. Skills including Rolling, Underarm Throwing, Overhand Throwing and Catching, Bouncing a ball (dribbling), Kicking, Punting, Running, Dodging, Forehand Strike, Two-handed Sidearm Strike, Jumping and Leaping are introduced and consolidated with students focussing on developmentally appropriate skill components at various stages in these early years. Students also explore other movements using different equipment (such as scooter boards, skipping ropes, obstacle courses, parachutes), whole-body gymnastics skills (including various rolls and balances), and different travelling movements (e.g. skipping, galloping, marching and different crawling techniques e.g. bear, crab, commando). Students also learn to work cooperatively, move safely within boundaries and use equipment appropriately, and follow activity-specific rules and instructions.
In Years 3 and 4 students consolidate their skills during increasingly complex activities while being introduced to variety of game-sense strategies which are applied in small-sided games. Students learn different skills and strategies integral to Invasion Games (e.g. Soccer, Netball, Basketball), Striking and Fielding Games (e.g. Cricket, T-ball, Kick-ball), Target Games (e.g Mini-golf, Bocce, Quoits) and Net/Court/Wall Games (e.g. Tennis and Downball). In each of these areas, students will focus on using a wide-variety of equipment, combining object control and movement skills, while learning different strategies for success. Students participate in a Gymnastics unit where they learn, consolidate, sequence and synchronise a variety of movements including different body rolls, jumps, shapes and balances. Students in these years will also be introduced to different Athletics disciplines involving running, jumping and throwing, and have the opportunity to try out for the Interschool Athletics team. Year 3 and 4 students also take part in our House Running Carnival which provides an opportunity for them to qualify for the Interschool Cross-Country Carnival.
In Years 5 and 6 students are provided with various opportunities to participate in interschool sporting teams, carnivals and gala days. Students have the opportunity qualify for Swimming, Cross-Country, Athletics and Soccer days and also participate in weekly Summer (Basketball, T-ball or Volleyball) and Winter (Australian Football, Netball or Volleyball) Interschool sporting teams. Students are explicitly taught the skills, strategies, movement concepts and rules for these sports during PE lessons across these years. They also take part in additional units/topics including Circus Skills and Fitness, as well as Ultimate Tag and Ultimate Frisbee using the SEPEP model which provides opportunities to participate in organised sporting competition within their classes while undertaking different roles such as referee, coach, scorer, time-keeper statistician, photographer and equipment manager.
STEM
Art
The study of The Arts is a unique, expressive and creative form of communication that hopes to engage all. Students are given the opportunity to Explore, Express, Pracitce, Present, Respond and Interpret their own and other creative work. The Arts promotes creative problem solving, self-expression and imagination in a range of different forms.
During visual arts sessions the students explore many different art elements such as line, shape, colour, texture, tone and pattern. Through the creative fields of drawing, painting, printing, collage, modelling, construction, and textiles, students develop their skills and explore the creative potential of a wide variety of visual art materials. They study Artists’ work from all around the world including local Australian artists, considering the artists’ backgrounds, inspiration and techniques.
Each Art activity aims to develop children’s individual creative and artistic skills, while using a vast variety of materials and techniques. Students are encouraged to reflect upon their own artworks and give constructive feedback on the artworks of their peers.
Italian
At Keilor Heights Primary School, students enjoy learning Italian through fun and engaging activities including songs, games, stories, and movement.
Aligned with the Victorian Curriculum 2.0, our Italian program develops students’ confidence in using everyday words and phrases while building their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. Students also explore Italian culture, traditions, food, music, art and landmarks, developing curiosity, respect, and an appreciation of different cultures. We hope their learning inspires a lifelong interest in languages and the world around them and perhaps encourages them to use their Italian when visiting Italy one day.
Performing Arts
The Performing Arts curriculum incorporates Music, Dance and Drama. At Keilor Heights Primary, Performing Arts provides every student with the opportunity to express themselves creatively and to plan, play, create and perform. There is a focus on audience behaviour where students watch each other and give feedback regarding their performances.
In Music the students are given the opportunity to use both untuned instruments, as well as percussion instruments to learn about the many elements of music such as beat and volume. They also are given the opportunity learn simple musical notation.
A variety of Dance styles are taught in the program including set routines and creative movement. This develops student confidence and coordination. The elements of dance include body awareness, action, space, time and energy.
In Drama, the children enjoy simple role plays and improvisations using props and costumes to create characters and tell stories.
In addition to the Performing Arts class program we also offer instrumental lessons in keyboard. Inquiries are welcome at the office. Students are welcome to join the school choir & join rehearsals weekly. The choir performs at school assemblies, school picnics and external concerts as opportunities arise. Previous performances have included the State School Spectacular.
Assessment & Reporting
Ongoing Reporting - Learning Tasks
Keeping Families Informed Through Ongoing Reporting
At Keilor Heights Primary School, we believe that learning is most successful when students, teachers and families work together. Rather than relying solely on traditional end-of-semester reports, we proudly use an ongoing reporting process that provides families with regular updates about their child's learning progress throughout the year. These are called Learning Tasks.
Learning Tasks include student work samples, teacher feedback and information about individual learning goals, ensuring that families have a clear understanding of what their child is learning and how they are progressing. By sharing evidence of learning as it happens, students and families remain informed, engaged and connected to the learning journey.
We encourage parents and carers to regularly discuss these reports and work samples with their child, celebrating successes and supporting future growth. This ongoing communication helps build strong partnerships between home and school, ensuring every student is supported to achieve their best.
Families can access their child's Learning Tasks through Compass.
Technology | BYOD
The vision of our school is to create a happy, safe and supportive environment for all students which will inspire and challenge them to achieve their personal best. We focus on the ‘whole child’ which includes the academic, social and emotional development of every student, with a focus on developing critical thinkers and lifelong learners.
This mantra drives our school improvement agenda. Our school motto of “Aiming for Excellence” guides our daily interactions and ensures there is a partnership between home, school and the local community.
In achieving this vision, it is imperative that along with developing high-level literacy and numeracy skills, KHPS will also develop students’ skills and confidence in the use of digital tools and technologies.
Education has changed dramatically over the last decade and the availability and effective use of digital technologies in schools and beyond is fundamental. Secondary schools expect students to have developed a strong foundation in Literacy and Numeracy as well as the use of Digital Technologies and tools.
The 21st century skill set and confidence our students have already been developing will be used and extended by our students participating in the BYO iPad Program.
Please carefully read the details of our BYO iPad Program, in particular the Frequently Asked Questions section where we endeavour to address many of the questions and concerns parents may have.
See the JB-HIFI Online Portal tab for details on how to purchase an iPad through the KHPS portal.
If you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to contact: