Learning @ Lumen

Investigative and Project Based Learning

Inquiry Learning forms a foundational aspect of our school approach to learning. An Inquiry approach supports student engagement and student voice with students actively involved in learning throughout the Inquiry Process, and continually constructing understandings in light of their experiences.

It encourages students to participate in focused investigation, critical reflection, and to integrate, rather than separate, knowledge, as they move from questions, observations and the gathering of evidence, to the development of deepening understandings.

In the junior years our students develop their inquiry skills through Investigations. The approach we engage in is a personalised, investigative play based pedagogy in the early years context that offers students a range of diverse, student centred opportunities to lead their learning, with staff supporting, observing and learning alongside them.

The approach provides exciting and authentic learning experiences that reflect the needs, interests and strengths of the individual child. It focuses on the development of the whole child (emotional, social, cognitive, linguistic and physical).

In the middle and senior years students further develop skills in questioning, research, collaboration, communication, personal and social management, literacy and numeracy through Project Based Learning.

Our approach to learning develops key skills children need to be successful, ongoing learners in a contemporary, ever changing world. 

Some of these skills are: collaboration, reasoning, problem solving, oral language, mathematical understandings and experiences, literacy, self-regulation and self- expression, intrinsic motivation, resilience, reflection, responsibility, mindfulness, emotional literacy and self- initiation.

It is our intention to ignite a love of learning and provide a range of competencies in our students so they leave Lumen equipped to successfully navigate the years that follow primary school, and are prepared to flourish in a rapidly changing future.

English

From Foundation through to Grade 6 children are engaged to a wide variety of literacy experiences that build their oral language, reading and writing skills in authentic, meaningful and purposeful contexts.

We believe a key to success in Literacy is understanding each student’s stage of development and need, and providing them with a sequential and differentiated curriculum that is carefully monitored and scaffolded to develop and extend knowledge and skills.

We provide additional support in English, for those students requiring intervention, with research and evidence based programs such as Sounds Write, MiniLit, MultiLit and MacqLit implemented by our specialist intervention team. 

Mathematics

The approach to Mathematics at Lumen Christi sees students learning through experiences that move from the concrete to the abstract.

As students engage in learning mathematical skills and processes they acquire skills and knowledge that enable them to use maths practically and confidently in ‘real life’ contexts. Staff work closely with students to ascertain their stage and need, developing learning opportunities that enable students to build on their prior knowledge and understandings.

Problem solving and hands-on learning, investigations and projects are integral in our approach to Mathematics. For children needing extra time and support in Mathematics, we may provide specialist research and evidence based intervention programs such as EMU and JEMM.

Religious Education

At Lumen Christi, Religious Education is central to the life of the school. The Religious Education curriculum, ‘New Awakenings’, forms the core of what we teach. The aim of this curriculum is to enrich and deepen the child’s relationship with God, self, family, Parish and wider community.

In Religious Education the teacher will draw upon the children’s own experiences, understandings and insights in order to create relevant learning experiences to develop a range of skills, including reflecting, communicating, inquiry and decision making.

Learning @ Lumen includes:

• A team approach to improving student outcomes

• Investigation and project based learning

• Explicit learning in English and Mathematics

• Learning that is driven by student data

• Learning differentiated by student need

• Opportunities to celebrate and share

• Identifying and supporting students with additional needs, and those students who are very capable

• Opportunities to reflect, connect and nurture spirituality, including weekly whole school prayer, class meetings, wellbeing practices and community events

• Digital portfolios (Seesaw) that evidence student learning

• Learning in Specialist subjects - Visual Arts, PE, Performing Arts, Japanese and   STEM (Science,Engineering,Mathematics & Technology)

• Grade 6 and Foundation student ‘Buddy’ program

• Engagement with external learning providers such as Kelly Sports

• A sequential program for Camps & Outdoor Education

• The use of Technology, iPads and Chromebooks, to support and enhance learning