Teaching and Learning

Tambelin endeavours to create a learning environment that provides a sense of safety and excitement; encourages positive experiences that enhance learning; and provides stimuli that challenge students to engage in active learning.

We provide positive motivation for each student to progress along the learning continuum by:

• Ensuring an appropriate balance between content and process;

• Continually assessing the needs of a changing school population so that the experience it offers at the classroom level is relevant and within the students’ capabilities, but also provides stimulation for learning;

• Engaging all members of the school community. Parental input/suggestions are encouraged and taken into consideration. Deciding which suggestions to implement is done through discussion with final approval by the school committee;

• Evaluation of the processes from both the teachers’ and the learners’ points of view, so that challenge and change takes place when necessary in both groups.

These aims are achieved by using the following strategies:

• Effective communication at all levels;

• One to one teacher-student interaction;

• Timely and relevant/appropriate responses to concerns raised at all levels;

• Ongoing evaluation of curricular and co-curricular content;

• Ongoing evaluation of teaching, disciplinary, assessment and other practices;

• Ongoing assessment of both student and teacher achievements;

• Ongoing participation of all community members in a range of school activities;

• Resourcing and utilisation of a wide range of print and electronic media;

• Utilisation of community resources. Inservice programmes for teachers and parents assists the acquisition of the above skills.

Curriculum

Tambelin follows a curriculum approved by the Board of Studies which includes all the prescribed subject areas for Stages Early Stage 1 to Stage 3.

Key Learning Areas

• English

• Mathematics

• Science and Technology

• Human Society and its Environment

• Creative Arts

• Personal Development, Health and Physical Education

• Languages other than English

As the school is independent, small and well staffed, it is able to be flexible and innovative in lesson content and approach.

Values Education

Tambelin teaches and integrates Values Education into the Curriculum.

These values: Care and Compassion; Doing Your Best; Fair Go; Freedom; Honesty and Trustworthiness; Integrity; Respect; Responsibility; Understanding, Tolerance and Inclusion are explored and used throughout the curriculum and for solving everyday problems. As part of their understanding of and commitment to these values, students sign a Code of Conduct with parents present. Any behavioural incidences are related back to the ’Code of Conduct’ agreement. Other programmes in use - Peer Support, Life Education further foster these values.