XPLORE MORE- 

Today I will introduce you to the next phases of XPLORE MORE. This model is used in our Religious Education Curriculum, in HASS (History, Geography, Civics and Citizenship, Economics) and in Science throughout Kinder to Year 6.

During this phase, teachers guide the students to explore the questions they have asked, or additional questions they have based upon what they have found out during the DISCOVER phase. Often their discoveries result in more questions being asked and may even lead the class in a new direction. Teachers may also use this time to redirect the investigations and thinking, refer back to the questions posed and assist students to interpret their research. Additional sources of information may also need to be explored to provide more information and food for thought.

Teachers guide students to reflect on their learning and this is an important part of the process. With reflection, we value what we have learned, what skills we have developed, and how we have managed as a learner. It is essential we reflect on why this learning matters and what we will do with this new learning.

This is the time we act on our discoveries, our explorations and our learning. We make connections between our prior knowledge and our new understandings. Teachers provide options for students to share, express and present what they have explored and learned. This could be an action they will now undertake, an alternative way of doing something, or it can be about how your thinking has now changed.

I will take this opportunity to remind you again of our VISION- At the heart of XPLORE MORE is our capacity to be CENTRED IN LEARNING. At all stages of XPLORE MORE, teachers are the guide and mentor. Explicit teaching of concepts and skills, as outlined in the Australian Curriculum, occurs every day at St Thomas More’s to meet student needs and to support our School Vision of Teaching and Learning Excellence. Teachers bring their students back to be Centred In Learning and to think about what and how they have learned. Being Centred in Learning helps us to grow as learners, active citizens and members of a community.

READ-MORE-A-THON

Next Term we will be holding a READ-MORE-A-THON. The money raised will go towards purchasing books for our classroom libraries. Details for students will follow next term. At this stage, I am asking for any families (particularly business owners) to donate some funds so we can award incentives for books read during this time. Please contact me if you wish to donate! Thank you for supporting the love of reading at STM. 

Nicole.mikkonen@cg.catholic.edu.au

Nicole Mikkonen
Assistant Principal