Barwon South Western Region
Ocean Grove Primary School
Ocean Grove Primary School is leading the way in student learning. The school is using innovative teaching and learning methods, which have been made possible by their new learning spaces.
“Student learning is being personalised to meet the needs of our students. Teachers develop learning intentions that match up with the needs of the individual. The students are tested before each unit of work and allocated to a group that will match their specific learning needs. At the end of the unit they are then post-tested, to see what progress they have made,” says Ocean Grove Primary principal, Darryl Diment.
Students review their learning progress with their teachers each week. They discuss how they are meeting their goals and objectives and what they need to achieve them.
“The weekly conferences have shown that all our students are making great progress. They are achieving their goals and being more accountable for their learning,” says Mr Diment. Year 5 student, Angus, says “I like catching up with my teacher and achieving my goals.”
Mr Diment believes the new learning spaces are having a strong impact on student learning. “With the openness of the building we are able to use explicit instruction and group learning in the learning spaces. We use the flexible spaces and furniture in the middle area for students to do their independent learning, and also as a student break out space.”
Student outcomes have significant improvements. The students’ maths results have improved 10 to 40% across the board when compared with previous results. In reading, some students have increased 2 and 3 grades over the course of the year.
There have also been improved results in the Student’s Attitudes to School survey . “Students love the new building and parents tell us that their kids are really keen to come to school in their new building,” says Mr Diment.
Mr Diment would like to acknowledge the “fantastic” team of teachers at the school for the time, professionalism and effort they have put into making Ocean Grove Primary School a great place for students to learn.
December, 2011
