Learning Hub

Renmark High School now has a Learning Hub! Located in A block, we have developed and staffed a space to address some of the specific learning needs of targeted groups of students. Our initial focus is on students who fall just below or just above the Standard of Educational Achievement (SEA) in the Middle School. In this space we will be running research-based intervention programs to address the needs of a wide range of students. We will be using data (such as PAT and Naplan as well as diagnostic tools) to identify students and track their growth over a given time frame. This approach fits in with the school’s Site Improvement Plan focus and we are all very excited to see our students and teachers utilizing this space. The Learning Hub Team has given a brief overview of their roles below:

Differentiation

As the Student Support Coordinator, a part of my role is the support of students on alternate learning plans, now referred to as OCOP (One Child One Plan). I will be working in the Learning Hub to support students and teachers around the differentiation of learning materials. I am planning to use Lexia Online (a research based literacy intervention) with targeted students to help bridge gaps in literacy. I will also be working with the other staff in the hub to ensure SMARTA goals are in line with the student's One Plan. I am really excited about the development of this space.

Danielle Weeks

Academic Stretch

As the Literacy and Global Perspectives leader, a part of my role is to support students who would benefit from academic stretch. I will be working in the Learning Hub to support students who require academic challenge. I have already met with the year 9 students that I will be working with and we are all extremely excited about the learning opportunities available. I will target specific skills that require growth based upon individual data coupled with hands-on learning activities. Students have already been tasked with a job whereby they are expected to suggest areas for deep exploration.

Biljana Elliott

Literacy/English as an Additional Language

Literacy skills are fundamental for all levels of schooling. To become effective learners, students need to be confident and motivated to use their literacy skills broadly. 

As a part of the Learning Hub, I will be providing literacy support for identified students. This support will be based on individual needs with a Term 1 focus on reading, comprehension and vocabulary. Through the provision of literacy support I will gain an understanding of where students are and how to progress their learning journey through close monitoring of their progress and development. 

Tamara Hooper

Numeracy

Numeracy skills ensure students can use mathematics in a broad range of situations. Targeted numeracy intervention in the Learning Hub will focus on student’s ability to understand basic number facts and increase the number of student's able to think multiplicatively. During Term 1 I will work with small groups of students in years 8 and 10 to set SMARTA goals and improve their basic numeracy skills.

The Learning Hub will also continue to facilitate the Quicksmart Numeracy program. This numeracy intervention program targets 18 students identified as being just below the Standard of Educational Achievement. The structured lessons take place three times a week and focus on students developing basic number facts and problem solving.

Amy Evans

English – Low Stakes Writing

Students are engaging in low stakes writing during their English lessons. During this time images, short sentences or topics are announced to students and they are asked to write for a set period of time. Within one week some students have progressed from dot points and short sentences, to more complex sentences in the bid to improve their word count and idea generation from the previous lesson.

Research shows that writing by hand every day can benefit everyone, not only writers. It improves memory, builds vocabulary and refines communication skills. Not to mention that writing is very relaxing given the busy lives we all lead. I encourage you to have conversations with your child about how they are progressing with their writing.

Mrs. Elliott

Literacy and Global Perspectives Leader