Extension and Support
Differentiation
At Beaconsfield Upper we do not base our teaching approach solely on students’ year levels. Instead, we acknowledge that each student is at a different stage of their learning and development. We use a differentiated approach to meet the needs of every student, providing both support for those who need it and extension for those who are ready for more challenge. Differentiation in the classroom means:
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- Flexible learning groups that adapt to the developmental stage of each student, ensuring that learning is paced appropriately.
- Individual learning goals and strategies to ensure all students are supported and challenged at their level.
Victorian High Ability program
The Department of Education and Training’s Victorian High Ability program is for Year 5 and 6 students. The program is delivered via WebEx by Virtual School Victoria. It focuses on extending and developing students’ English and mathematic abilities. The Department manages the student selection process. Parents/carers are notified if their child is to be enrolled in the program.
Tutor Learning Initiative
The Tutor Learning Initiative at Beaconsfield Upper Primary plays a pivotal role in our support program. Our Learning Tutor works closely with classroom teachers to provide targeted support to small groups of students in key areas, such as reading, writing, and mathematics. The tutors are skilled in providing scaffolding that is both appropriate to the student’s developmental stage and flexible enough to meet the ever-changing needs of each student. This ensures that all students, regardless of their starting point, can make measurable progress.
The students receive 2 to 3 sessions during the week. Regular monitoring of student progress occurs and students are discontinued from the program when suitable progress has been made. At this stage, other students are invited to join the program.
Individualised Education Plans (IEPs)
At Beaconsfield Upper, we believe that every child is an individual, and learning must be tailored to their needs. Our students with additional learning needs are supported through Individual Education Plans (IEPs). These plans are designed to identify areas where students may require extra support or, conversely, where they can be further challenged. Through regular assessment and collaboration with parents, teachers, and specialists, we ensure that IEPs are living documents that guide learning, provide targeted interventions, and celebrate students’ achievements.
