Student Learning

Curriculum Planning Guidelines – Phase 1: Understanding the Context

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Whole school – VELS

Familiarisation activities

Building knowledge of student learning initiatives - this professional learning activity consists of a PowerPoint presentation and associated worksheets which can be used to build a teacher's knowledge of the student learning initiatives and have them think about the implications of these initiatives for curriculum planning.

VELS domain matching - these professional learning activities will enable teachers to further their familiarisation with the VELS and in particular, the domains and their related standards. While examining the standards, teachers are able to make links within a domain, across domains within a strand at a particular level, and across strands at a particular level.

It also provides an opportunity for teachers to consider learning experiences that will facilitate the integration of the strands, domains and dimensions.

Familiarisation activity tool (Word - 43Kb) enables teachers to become familiar with the VELS. It is a "jigsaw" activity with an associated worksheet, using "expert group" methodology.

Reference chart of VELS domains and dimensions

VELS Reference Chart (Word - 131Kb) - print and enlarge this document on to an A3 sheet of paper. It is a ready reference that allows teachers to view all the strands, domains and dimensions of the VELS and at which levels they appear.

This chart also provides direct links to the learning focus and standards at each level.

Introduction to the domains

Introduction to the domains is a ready reference that allows teachers to view all the introductions to the domains of the VELS. It provides an opportunity for teachers to gain an overview of each domain.

Curriculum audit workshop

Whole School Curriculum audit workshop (PDF - 34Kb) is designed to be used at a meeting of the whole staff. It enables teachers to audit the school's curriculum to see which domains and dimensions of the VELS are currently incorporated. This audit will help staff to become familiar with the VELS and will inform future curriculum planning.