The Curriculum and Pedagogy Newsletter is sent every month. To subscribe/unsubscribe to the newsletter, please login and update your subscription preferences under the "Update my Details" tab in the member dashboard.
The PDFs below are a printable archive of Curriculum and Pedagogy Newsletters. The originals were designed to be read in webmail format.
AISWA Curriculum and Pedagogy Newsletter - July 2024
AISWA Curriculum and Pedagogy Newsletter - June 2024
AISWA Curriculum and Pedagogy Newsletter - May 2024
AISWA Curriculum and Pedagogy Newsletter - April 2024
- Early Childhood
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Meet the AISWA Early Childhood Team...
AISWA Early Childhood Study Tour
Study Tour to South Australia - 23 - 26 September
There a small number of places available on Early Childhood Study tour to Adelaide. Participants are responsible for airfares and accommodation. Transport to schools and lunch will be provided. All subsidised places have been allocated.
Across the three days the early learning campuses of 7 schools will be visited. Proposed schools to visit are Ngutu College, Bethany Christian School, Good Shepherd Lutheran School, Hills Christian Community and St Peter’s Girls.
The tour will provide opportunities to explore observe learning spaces designed to ignite creativity, imagination, and agency. Schools have been chosen because of their reputation in approaches to early childhood education. There will also be ample networking opportunities with fellow participants.
Please contact Wendy Gorman wgorman@ais.wa.edu.au if you are interested in participating.
Preschool Outcomes Measure - Trials 2024
What is the Preschool Outcomes Measure?
The Preschool Outcomes Measure is designed to provide a free and nationally consistent measure of children’s progress in Kindergarten. It will support teachers and educators to document and enhance children's learning through evidence-based insights and resources.
The tool is not a test but an evolving system that aligns with the Early Years Learning Framework, and the National Quality Framework. It is not anticipated that this tool will become compulsory for kindergarten.
Trial phases
The trial process for the Preschool Outcomes Measure consists of two phases: the small-scale trial and the national applied trial. AISWA Early Childhood is currently nominating schools to participate in the 2024 October trial. The National applied trial will be open for schools to participate.
Hello Kindergarten Books
We have small supply of Hello Kindergarten booklets. These booklets have information for families about going to Kindergarten. Please email Janelle jdickinson@ais.wa.edu.au and let her know how many you require and we will post them out. We have a limited supply so first in first served.
I am a Writer! Introduction to the Bookmaking Approach with 3-8 year olds (with Lisa Burman) 26 July, 8:30 - 15:30
AISWA Early Childhood is thrilled to offer this opportunity for WA educators to learn from esteemed South Australian consultant Lisa Burman, as we consider ways to support children to build strong identities and skills as writers and communicators.
The Bookmaking Approach values and honours children’s prior learning, their cultural competence, and their dispositions for learning, and uses these to drive learning deeper. The rich pedagogy of Bookmaking engages children in language and literacy, motivates them to become deeply involved in their learning, and also excites educators when they see children learning to their potential.
Literacy Bites - Literacy Hub and Phonics 30 July, 15:45 - 17:00
Literacy Bites - Viewing 27 August, 15:45 - 17:00
Workshops will run across the year and are scheduled for after school. They will be either face-to-face or via webinar (dependent on presenters). Each workshop will be stand-alone, you can choose to register for one session or all six. The first session is now live, follow the link to register, and stay tuned for the release of sessions to come.
The Power to Transform - Using tools and Loose Parts Theory to develop independence and resilience by Educated by Nature and AISWA Early Childhood 16 August, 8:30 - 15:30
We are excited to offer you an opportunity to work with Educated by Nature to develop your confidence in using tools and open-ended materials in everyday experiences with children. This workshop empowers teachers to confidently use hand tools and other technical equipment in structured and open-ended learning experiences to enhance student creativity and engagement. Participants will explore the history of Adventure Playgrounds and Loose Parts Theory, learning how to incorporate open-ended materials that stimulate imagination and problem-solving skills in everyday learning experiences. Practical skills are accompanied by the development of risk management techniques and safe practices.
Early Years Learning Framework v2.0 21 August, 8:30 - 16:00
Providing an update on the revised Framework through unpacking a number of the most pertinent updates and changes, this workshop will explore the overarching vision for children's learning and early childhood pedagogy, including the new planning cycle. Key elements of the EYLF v2.0 will be a focus, including partnerships, play-based learning and intentionality, sustainability, cultural responsiveness and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives. Walk away with reflective practice activities and additional materials to further support your implementation of the EYLF v2.0.
Selecting Texts to Teach Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives 3 September, 9:00 - 15:30
Do you have trouble finding quality literature, films, documentaries, and stories to teach Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives? During this one-day workshop participants will explore texts that cover a range of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experiences in historical and contemporary settings.
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Hear from an Aboriginal author (details to follow)
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Discover relevant resources from Reading Australia and other sources
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Explore criteria for evaluating literary resources for your school.
Participants will feel more confident in selecting texts to meet the requirements of the WA curriculum.
Early Years Language Learning 11 September, 8:30 - 15:00
This workshop will present the principles and practices of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the new WA Kindergarten Curriculum Guidelines and offer ideas to integrate the framework's outcomes into a Pre-K to Year 2 languages classroom in practical and engaging ways. There will also be time to plan and prepare a unit of work using these principles.
Previous Newsletters
Early Childhood April Newsletter
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- Languages
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Social media Languages news updates
The AISWA Languages X feed provides constantly updated news for Languages teachers. It can be found here, along with Languages information links and a link to the AISWA Languages blog.
Other news
Over 40 language educators from all sectors gathered at AISWA in May to hear from seasoned Auslan educator Dr Karen Bontempo and Patti Levitzke-Gray presenting on principles of differentiation and inclusive education. Marisa Schiavi (CEWA) and Clare Slyth (AISWA) followed up with sessions on using AI to create IEPs and differentiated language resources. With experienced interpreters available the content was accessible to both hearing and deaf educators and it was a wonderful day of networking and shared learning.
- Leadership and Learning
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Your Leadership Consultant is...
Meika Pfeiffer-Gough (Manager)
Term 2 Highlights
National Teacher Certification Ceremony
We recently held our National Teacher Certification ceremony at AISWA, to celebrate the achievements of our Highly Accomplished and Lead Teachers (HALT). The certification process aligns with Australian Institute for Teaching & School Leadership (AITSL) standards and aims to keep expert teachers in the classroom so they can model and lead best practices within their school communities in order to continually improve student outcomes.
Congratulations to all involved and a special thank you to our special guests, Lynette Fahie from Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School and Sally Kelly from AITSL, for joining us at this inaugural event. You can find out more about our 2024 HALT information sessions here.
Featured Professional Learning
Women in Educational Leadership
Our network fosters a supportive environment for women educators to exchange insights, cultivate leadership skills, and break barriers in the leadership landscape. Through collaborative efforts and shared experiences, we aim to inspire, amplify diverse voices, and advance gender equity. Whether you’re a teacher, administrator or researcher, join us as we make meaningful connections and celebrate the achievements of women to pave the way for a brighter, more equitable future for all. Click here for more information and registration.
Due to overwhelmingly positive feedback from past participants, AISWA and Tina Altieri have partnered again this year to deliver our exclusive media training program. More information can be found here.
- Literacy
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Your Consultants are...
Welcome back for term 3. We hope you had a relaxing break.
Look out for the following Literacy PL events in Term 3 and register through the AISWA website.
Sharp Reading – The last date when Sharp Reading will be offered to 2024 is Thursday, 1 August (Comprehension)
Literacy Support Workers Network day – held in conjunction with CEWA this PL is for secondary literacy support workers. Friday, 16 August
Supporting EALD Learners in the Classroom – PL for teachers who work in mainstream and have EAL/D students in their classes Friday 23 August
Selecting Texts to Teach Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives - A chance to hear from an Aboriginal author and analyse texts that cover a range of ATSI experiences in historical and contemporary settings. Tuesday, 3 September
English HoLAs Network Day – held in conjunction with CEWA this is a networking and PL opportunity for English Faculty/Department leaders.
OTHER EVENTS
Jump Rope for Heart Information Session
This skipping challenge inspires kids to move more, have fun and develop heart-healthy habits, while helping raise funds to save Aussie hearts. To find out more register for the 1 hour online Information Session on Thursday, 15 August.
Kate Mullin Award
This award aims to recognise and celebrate excellence in the teaching of Standard Australian English language and literacy education to Aboriginal students. The $3,000 prize seeks to provide leading practitioners with the opportunity to extend their knowledge and skills, and share their expertise. More information here.
Children's Book Week
Children’s Book Week 2024 with the theme Reading is Magic is rapidly approaching. Follow the link here for Information about the CBW Opening and Dinner on Friday, 16 August with Sally Murphy as the guest speaker. There will be a swag of great books given away as raffle prizes and a Silent Auction offering original art pieces by WA creators, including Sean E Avery, Peter Cheong, Kylie Howarth and Leanne White — available here. For bookings, click here.
- Numeracy
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Your Consultants are...
- David Dunstan (Numeracy Coordinator)
- Sheila Griffin (Numeracy Consultant)
Timeline of the Review of the Western Australian Curriculum: Mathematics
The School Curriculum and Standards Authority (the Authority) is in the process of adopting and adapting the Australian Curriculum v9 within the P – 10 Western Australian Curriculum and Assessment Outline (the Outline). The Authority plans to have the revised Western Australian Mathematics curriculum for Pre-primary to Year 10 available for familiarisation in 2025, and implementation in 2026.
The Authority has published the following timeline:-
2024 Review and Consultation
2025 Familiarisation and Professional Development
2026 ImplementationUpcoming Numeracy Professional Learning at AISWA
Combined Secondary AISWA/CEWA Maths Network Day (27 May)
An Agenda for the meeting can be found here.
Developing a Whole School Approach to Problem Solving in Mathematics - Year 2 to Year 8 (21 June)
This workshop uses Polya's four - step process as the foundation for adopting a whole school approach to problem solving in mathematics. A range of problem-solving tasks, with an emphasis for years 4 to 6, will be work-shopped, and these tasks will incorporate the fluency and reasoning proficiencies that will assist in developing the students' mathematical understandings.
- Targeted Programs
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Your Consultants are...
- Peter Farmer (NAPLAN). For the latest NAPLAN information and updates please click here.
- Wade McLeod (VET)
Recent News and Upcoming Events
The 2024 AISWA VET Funding Applications are now open!
- The application is based on what your school spends on its 2024 VET program.
- The grant AISWA distributes will only cover a portion of your VET student fees.
- The applications close at the end of term 2, so don’t miss out!
- For more information, please contact Wade McLeod.
Term 2 VET Coordinators Network Meeting
- The ‘VET Coordinators Network Meeting’ for term 2 will be held at Bendat Basketball Centre on June 14th.
- This meeting also includes our annual ‘Training Providers Expo’ in the afternoon session.
- Registrations are open now- register here.
AISWA provides ongoing support to VET Coordinators, Careers Educators & Workplace Learning Supervisors. Our consultant - Wade McLeod - is keen to get out to your school to meet any new staff that have commenced a new role in 2024, or anyone that needs further support and mentoring in this space. As well as ongoing support to your staff, AISWA continues to provide some funding grants for:
- VET Student costs – applications open term 2, and
- Year 9 Career Taster Program – Expressions of Interest welcome any time
Please contact Wade for more information on how to apply for funding, as well as to arrange a time for a school visit.
AISWA holds VET & Careers Network meetings each term, where we invite presenters from Industry, Training Providers, SCSA, Department of Training and Workforce Development and many more. We aim to provide schools with as many industry and training links as possible, in order to provide your students with a multitude of pathways.
Upcoming meeting dates for 2024
- Term 2 – Friday June 14th
- Term 3 – Friday September 13th
- Term 4 - Friday November 29th
