Developmental Curriculum

Developmental Curriculum & Inquiry Based Learning at LPS

Investigation Time (P-2)

Investigation time is an Inquiry based approach that places emphasis on the child’s oral language, cognitive, physical, social and emotional development.

The program:

• places the child at the centre of the curriculum.
• encourages active engagement by all children.
• provides children with opportunities to explore processes rather than just end products, understanding that mistakes are part of learning.
• Teachers are integral in this process and must direct, scaffold, extend or intervene with children in order to ensure that they are actively engaged.

The teachers at Leongatha Primary School are committed to providing all children with the opportunity to succeed to the best of their ability. We understand and respect that children are all different and learn in a variety of ways.

In Prep and Grade 1, four days of each week begin with the first hour and a half devoted to investigations by the children stemming from activities and ideas presented by the teacher and/or from the students own interests. In Grade 2, students transition into ‘project-based’ Investigations, moving from morning sessions to afternoon sessions as the year progresses.

Inquiry Based Learning (3-6)

Inquiry based learning at LEP in grade 3-6 is based on the Walker Learning Approach where students interests are used as part of the means for learning experiences along side formal teaching of skills and understanding in literacy and numeracy.  These interests are expanded and scaffolded as means of ongoing engagement and the nature of this experience promotes creativity, imagination and scope for children to be inventive.  We integrate the curriculum that students are learning and these are embedded into general studies topics.  Our students work day incorporates a mix of hands on based work, clinic groups, personal reflections, projects, and other learning experiences.