​As a school we are always wanting to grow and improve

From our investigations into what is happening for our students, best practice and community feedback we decide on areas to grow and develop.

Mathematics

Previously at Waterloo we have been working on how to develop our maths programmes, looking at ideas around developing mathematical talk and mathematical thinking in our students. Building from the number knowledge and strategies the students use into ways of using them that are more real-world problem solving based.

Doing maths is looking a little different these days in some classrooms, as more collaborative approaches to solving mathematical problems are being encouraged.

PB4L

“ The purpose of PB4L - in Waterloo School is to support everyone to work together to find resolutions that have a positive result and build effective relationships.” 

​PB4L-provides a framework for:
  • Improving the social and behavioural climate of schools.
  • Enhancing the impact of academic instruction on achievement.
  • Explicitly teaching children agreed behavioural expectations across the school.

Personalised Learning

Enable learners to have agency over their learning, ensuring they have ‘power to act’ both individually and collaboratively supported with personalised learning practices - Strategic Goal

The concept of personalisation, as currently understood by Waterloo School, is that students have the ability and the will to positively influence their own lives and the world around them. Personalisation is defined as the capacity to set a goal, reflect and act responsibly and to effect change in their learning. 

(influenced by OECD thinking: http://www.oecd.org/education/2030-project/teaching-and-learning/learning/student-agency/)

E-Learning

At Waterloo School we;
“Provide opportunities for the students of Waterloo School to be confident, connected, creative and actively involved 21st century learners”.

At Waterloo School blended e-learning is about:
  • Bringing the the world into the classroom
  • Engaging students
  • Blending the use of technology with traditional teaching approaches
  • Finding a wider range of relevant opportunities that prompt effective learning
  • Making learning accessible, relevant and of a high quality
  • Promoting independence and personalised learning
  • Making connections between home and school
  • Creating students who are actively cyber safe​

Learning Through Play

The purpose of LTP- in Waterloo School is to enhance the children's agency over their own learning as well as their independence and self management.
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By allowing children space and time to play they will show you what they know, what they are capable of, and what they want to learn about. Through play they explore and express their ideas, interests, and passions — but you need to listen to these carefully to know what to pick up on. Here you will find a bottomless pit of material for designing richer, more authentic, interest-centred inquiries and projects where children are engaged in complex thinking, expression, and exploration.