Facebook-f

Quality Teaching

quality teaching

Our pedagogy is based on the latest and most reliable research into teaching and learning. We use 21st century learning strategies to inspire learners, including visible learning, explicit teaching and flipped learning amongst others. Technology is used to enhance learning and engage our students.

The Piara Waters SHS Quality Teaching Framework, articulates the evidence-based Teaching and Learning model, used to drive excellence in teaching and learning.

High quality teaching and learning is focused on building and maintaining engaging and productive classrooms.  The Piara Waters Senior High School Quality Teaching Framework articulates our shared set of beliefs, practices and outcomes for teaching and learning throughout the school.  As this framework is embedded, the following characteristics are evident to support student learning: 

  1. Classrooms are calm and focused. 

  2. Students are engaged and interested in their learning. 

  3. Instruction is aligned to clear learning goals that are understood by students. 

  4. Students receive feedback about their learning that builds positive self-concept. 

  5. An evidence based instructional model is used to teach for impact. 

  6. There is visible use of a variety of teaching strategies that enhance capacity in literacy and numeracy.

Curriculum

Students will develop their understanding, knowledge and skills using the three interrelated strands:

  • Science Understanding

  • Science as a Human Endeavour

  • Science Inquiry Skills

The Science strands provide opportunities for students to develop a scientific view of the world. Science Understanding consists of four sub-strands:

  • Biological Sciences: The biological sciences sub-strand is concerned with understanding living things.

  • Chemical Sciences: The chemical sciences sub-strand is concerned with understanding the composition and behaviour of substances.

  • Earth and Space Sciences: The Earth and space sciences sub-strand is concerned with Earth’s dynamic structure and its place in the cosmos.

  • Physical Sciences: The physical sciences sub-strand is concerned with understanding the nature of forces and motion, and matter and energy.

Mathematics

Mathematics is a fascinating and powerful subject that plays a crucial role in our daily lives. It enables us to understand the world around us, from the natural laws that govern the universe to the financial systems that drive our economies. Mathematics provides a framework for logical thinking and problem-solving that is essential in many fields, including science, engineering, and technology.

At Piara Waters Senior High School, we believe in the importance of 21st-century learning, which involves equipping students with the skills they need to succeed and thrive in the modern world. We focus on embedding skills such as communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking to build a strong foundation to create global citizens.

We promote a hands-on approach to learning that emphasises real-world applications of mathematics, through the three strands of the Western Australian Curriculum:

  • Number and Algebra

  • Measurement and Geometry, and

  • Statistics and Probability.

In addition, we encourage students to make connections between mathematical concepts and other subject areas such as English, Geography and Science. By making these connections, our students develop a deeper understanding of mathematics and its applications in the wider world.

Inclusivity is a fundamental value of our school, and we are committed to providing an inclusive learning environment that caters to the diverse needs of all students. Our teachers are experienced and dedicated professionals who use a range of teaching strategies and resources to support the learning needs of every student. For academically able students we offer opportunities to extend their knowledge by stretching and challenging their understanding, reasoning, and problem-solving techniques through higher order cognitive thinking.