BWPS Instructional Model
At Bentleigh West Primary School our schoolwide instructional model is Explicit Direct Instruction (EDI). Teachers follow the I Do, We Do, You Do model to introduce new concepts, ensuring all students can achieve success. This newly learnt content is then moved into the students’ long-term memories by conducting ‘Daily Reviews’ which is based on the concept of spaced and interleaved practice.
Learning Enhancement and Enrichment
Students performing above or below the expected level are given additional supports to ensure they reach their full potential.
The learning enhancement team will work with students in small groups or on a one-to-one basis targeting their Individual Education Plan (IEP) Goals for both extension and support across the school.
The Disability Inclusion Profile is the Department of Education process that is designed to help schools and families identify the strengths, needs, and educational adjustments schools can make for individual students.
Students are extended through differentiation in classroom lessons. In addition to this there are small group extension session in the junior years. In the upper years extension classes occur before school for Mathematics. Students in Grades 3-6 also have access to classes from the Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series (VCES) and Victorian High Ability Program (VHAP) for students in Grade 5-6.
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At Bentleigh West Primary School students are in engaged in 10 hours of English per week as we understand how vital English skills are to support all learning. We use evidence-based methods to ensure all students succeed and thrive in this area.
Explicit and systematic teaching of fundamental knowledge and skills is the pillar of our approach at BWPS to provide the best possible environment for all students to develop the ability to read, write and understand the rules that underpin the English language.
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We are regularly exceeding expected growth across Prep to Grade 2 where the fundamental skills of reading must be embedded, which is leading to sustained improvement and growth through to the later years.
Reading is made of six key areas:
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English
Phonological Awareness
Fluency
Phonics
Vocabulary
Sight Words
Comprehension
Our structured reading and writing approach includes:
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Phonological awareness and phonics skill screening on arrival
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Explicit teaching of phonological awareness and phonics
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Automaticity training in the recognition of irregular words/ high frequency words
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Guided practice to improve fluency
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Vocabulary development. Including structured morphology from Prep to 6
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Explicit teaching of comprehension strategies
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Explicit teaching of comprehension questioning techniques.
Students from Grade 2 to 6 study novels from a range of authors. The books are provided by the school. All students have access to Audio versions of these books.
Fluency
Fluency is defined as the ability to read with speed, accuracy, and proper expression. In order to understand what they read, children must be able to read fluently whether they are reading aloud or silently. When reading aloud, fluent readers read in phrases and add intonation appropriately. Their reading is smooth and has expression.
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Grammar
Grammar is the system and structure of language, which is taught so students can make the correct grammatical choices in both written application and speaking and listening. An explicit, whole school approach to grammar has been adopted, so that our students gain essential knowledge and understanding of the functional use of grammar in standard Australian English.
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Spelling
Spelling activities involve students spelling, blending and segmenting words. Students are also explicitly taught the 6 syllable types and morphology (pre-fixes, suffixes) and the spelling rules that govern them. High frequency words (learned words) are included in the daily English structure.
Spelling Mastery is an additional program used from Grades 1 to 6 daily.
Vocabulary
Vocabulary is one of the six major components of reading and is linked to academic success. Vocabulary instruction provides essential background knowledge for reading and writing. If students are taught the meaning of words that they don’t know from the text, they have a better chance of comprehending what has been read.
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Maths
​At Bentleigh West Primary School students are engaged in a minimum of five hours of mathematics per week, where our focus is to enable automaticity in the basics so students are confident when working with more complex problems. We explicitly teach the concepts and skills needed for students to be proficient mathematicians. We believe that if students have sound knowledge of the fundamentals of mathematics, they will enjoy and appreciate the study of number and algebra, statistics and probability as well as measurement and geometry.
The four proficiencies of Understanding, Fluency, Problem Solving and Reasoning are embedded through our lessons across P-6, and help to ensure that student learning and independence are at the centre of what is being taught. The aim is for students to develop sophisticated, refined mathematical thinking and have the ability to justify their strategies.
We use the general model of CPA (concrete, pictorial and abstract) to guide the introduction of all mathematical processes alongside our instructional model of EDI. Problem-solving is utilised throughout all strands of the mathematics curriculum. Another integral part of our instruction is the Bar Model Method which strengthens the CPA approach by focusing on the ability to draw a problem systematically.
To supplement our review practice, we also use the New Waves Mental Maths books to revise topics daily.
Throughout the week, our daily lessons will incorporate each strand of Mathematics, gradually building up concepts and understandings. This spaced and interleaved approach, an integral part of our instructional model, is designed to avoid long breaks in the exposure to concepts as would be experienced when teaching in blocks. The gradual and prolonged exposure is designed to convert all key skills taught, into long-term memory and student mastery.
Our students experience high levels of success in mathematics and BWPS has been recognised for our High Growth and Achievement in NAPLAN.
Humanities
Humanities (Geography and History) is an integral part of the teaching and learning at Bentleigh West Primary School. We have put together an aspirational Knowledge Rich Curriculum that ensures the building of knowledge in a systematic, cumulative manner.
Throughout their time at BWPS, the students will engage in rich texts that provide an in depth look at key historical moments, government, ancient civilisations and many more. The Humanities topics are also taught through English classes to ensure the learning is consistent and thorough.
Developing background knowledge is crucial for reading comprehension and it also allows the students to engage in more critical thinking tasks. The more the students know, the more they will be able to learn!​​
Our Library
Our libraries are a great space for students to read and explore a variety of texts. We have a Junior Library for Prep to Grade 4 and a Senior Library for Grades 5 and 6. Every class will visit the library weekly and can borrow books to take home and enjoy. The students are guided to choose books that are appropriate and exciting by their classroom teacher or the library technician.
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