Our learning approach

Our school uses explicit teaching. This means we clearly tell students what they are learning, why it is important and how to do it step by step. Explicit teaching helps students understand new ideas by breaking them into smaller parts.

Learning at our school is student-centred, inclusive and practical. We are committed to equity and access. We support all learning styles and needs. Our teachers use proven teaching strategies. They take part in ongoing professional development to stay up to date with best teaching practice.

Our learning approach includes:

• real-world learning: hands-on tasks, group work and exploring new ideas

• technology: to help students learn and build digital skills

• flexible teaching: the right support for each student, with a focus on wellbeing

• community connections: through excursions and local programs.

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Learning support

Balgowlah Boys has developed a whole school integrated approach to support across Years 7 – 12.

These programs are aimed at sequentially building and developing key skills, knowledge and understanding as the boys progress through high school.

The overarching focus is on encouraging self-belief, self-direction and self-responsibility in preparation for life beyond school.

The Learning Support Team at Balgowlah Boys is a collaboration between Support Teachers and General Classroom Teachers to ensure the individual learning needs for every student are being met.

The team creates opportunities for feedback, forward planning and discussion of differentiating programs. Ultimately the team exists to offer and support the best possible teaching to students with learning difficulties.

Support that fits your childs needs

Our programs are aimed at sequentially building and developing key skills, knowledge and understanding as the boys progress through high school. We work closely with families to make support plans and adjustments that suits each child’s needs.

Additional learning support can include:

• teachers and support staff working together with families (and students, if needed)
• specialist support for students learning English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D)

• providing tailored programs to help high potential and gifted students with their advanced learning needs

• small group tutoring to provide targeted literacy and numeracy support for students

• regular check-ins to review and update the planned supports

• changes to the classrooms:

  • accessible classrooms
  • assistive technology
  • instructional resources

• extra guidance, simpler content or different focus during lessons

• assessment adjustments:

  • more time
  • simpler language
  • breaks during tasks
  • different ways to complete a task (e.g. oral presentations instead of written tasks).

We know when a student needs help when:

• teachers notice changes in learning or behaviour
• reviewing assessment results and learning progress
• parents and carers raise concerns or ask for support.

Parents/Carers can refer students to the Learning Support and Wellbeing Team: Student referral document

Have a question about learning support?

We are here to talk through your options. Contact us to speak with a member of the Learning and Support team.

Contact us