Differentiation is a key High Impact Teaching Strategy (HITS) used by teachers to craft lessons that provide the right amount of support and challenge for every student.

At TVPS differentiated teaching can ensure that all students can master their individual objectives and continually grow even if they aren’t necessarily at the same starting level.

The purpose of differentiation is to look at the relevant skill levels of students and ask: “What are we going to do to increase depth, broaden, extend and improve upon the knowledge and the skill base of every student in the class, regardless of the starting point”.

It doesn’t matter whether the student is at the top end of the academic spectrum, or whether the student requires additional support. Differentiation is teaching to every student’s zone of proximal learning development.

Digital Technology at TVPS is not just a powerful tool for learning, but also a vehicle for innovation and creation.

Our students have access to class sets of iPads in Years P-2, 1:1 iPads in Year 3 and 1:1 Laptops in Years 4-6. As well as a large availability of peripheral devices such as Digital Cameras, Robotics, Coding Resources and 3D Printers to truely give all our students a digital head start.

These technologies are greatly supported and used by our staff in the day to day delivery of lessons and special clubs, including our Coding Club and Valley TV.

True extension occurs when effective teaching strategies are employed, utilising evidence of student readiness, progress, and individual learning profiles to tailor instruction accordingly. This personalised approach ensures that all students are appropriately challenged, experience success, and ultimately enhance their learning – a process known as Learning Differentiation.

TVPS students are supported through a range of extension programs outside of the classroom including: Maths Olympiad (Years 5-6), Maths Games (Year 4) and the G.A.T.E.W.A.Y.S. program.

Along with a differentiated curriculum, we offer many programs to support learning, including the Tutor Learning Initiative (TLI).

The TLI is driven by student learning need, with students ranging from those who already had additional learning needs prior to the period of remote and flexible learning in 2020, to those students who were previously progressing at or above level, but whose learning progress was most impacted by remote and flexible learning.

We also offer learning support through the placement of staff, engaging and differentiated activities, learning clubs and the innovative use of technology as a learning tool.

The Prep Transition Program at Templestowe Valley Primary School is designed to make the move from Kindergarten or Preschool to Primary School as seamless as possible. It will allow your child to commence school with confidence. We offer a comprehensive range of activities and opportunities for families and children to get to know our school ensuring both you and your child are ready for their first steps in starting school.

Our enrolled Prep classes have the opportunity to participate in seven (7) orientation sessions which allow them to making friends, experience school and begin feeling comfortable in what will be their new learning environment during Term 3 and 4 before their commencement year.

Weekly school tours, conducted by either our Principal or Assistant Principal are available. Tours generally take between 45 – 60 minutes. Please call us on 8850 5777 to book a place.

A successful transition from primary to secondary school involves a student being able to move as seamlessly as possible to their new setting.

To make sure all students are supported in their transition to secondary school, TVPS adheres to a transition practice and programs provide appropriate personal, social and academic supports to promote student engagement and wellbeing.

We do this by:

• referring to the Year 6 to 7 transitions framework to identify their key dates and communication
• develop and update parents and students as to the transition process
• establish and maintain relationships with all secondary schools.

As part of our ‘Transitions’ program we invite all secondary schools to come and talk to our Years 5 and 6 students about their schools and allow students to voice any questions or concerns they may have. We actively engage with the secondary schools to provide as much information about each individual student for placement at their new secondary school; academic, social, emotional and friendships.

More information is provided by the Department of Eduction: Moving from Primary to Secondary School

Sweet Valley High – TVPS Year 6 to Year 7 Transition program

The Sweet Valley High Program was established to best prepare our students for the environment of secondary school. During our  Sweet Valley High program,  all of our Years 5 and 6 classrooms change into a secondary school setting. This involves all students being placed into a ‘Home Group’ and experiencing a Year 7 timetable. They have five different teachers in five different locations (rooms) with five different subjects.

Sweet Valley High runs over one whole school week and the immersion program allows them to experience a different timetable, having different subjects and movement between classes.

We pride ourselves on good communication and providing detailed information to make the move as positive as possible, so reach out to us for a school tour or any other information you may need.

School tours are conducted by our Principal or Assistant Principal and are a wonderful way to see the school in action. Find out more about the philosophy in teaching and learning at Templestowe Valley Primary School and view our excellent facilities. This is a great opportunity to learn about the benefits of our school and see how best we can assist you and your family.