The Australian Curriculum is the foundation on which the learning program is based. Students study each of the Learning Areas: English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, The Arts, Technologies, Health and Physical Education and Languages (Japanese), as well as Keeping Safe: Child Protection Curriculum.
Learning is organised into English, Math and Integrated Units of Work with the classroom teacher, and Japanese and Library with specialist teachers. The learning program consists of daily online lessons, follow up work, and face to face events. Students may also be allocated support sessions where necessary.
Teachers differentiate the learning to meet the needs of students. Adjustments can be made, where appropriate, to support student wellbeing, engagement and achievement.
Open Access College is a Trauma Informed school; we use the Berry Street Education Model to support all learners’ self-regulation, relationships, wellbeing, growth and academic achievement with strategies that incorporate trauma-informed teaching, positive education and wellbeing strategies.
Classes are organised by year levels, and generally do not exceed 9-12 students. Daily lessons are taught online using a program called Webex. Students are required to participate in all scheduled lessons and activities, but can do so in a variety of different ways.
In order to allow students access to the full curriculum, students complete follow up work outside of online lesson times. Together with the online lessons, this makes up the equivalent of a school day.
Teachers use Google Classroom for students and caregivers to access, complete and interact with follow up work, resources, lesson recordings, etc. The Supervisor plays a key role in supporting students to access and complete this work.
To support a successful learning program, students will need to be supervised through their daily tasks by a designated adult. This is often a parent or guardian. We encourage Supervisors to sit with students or be on-hand during online lessons to support where needed. They also play a key role in supporting students to access, complete and submit follow up work. The relationship and communication between the teacher and Supervisor is very effective at supporting students in their learning.
Student learning is reported on each term. In Terms 1 and 3, Learning Conversations take place online with students, parents/ caregivers, and the classroom teacher. In Terms 2 and 4, a written report is provided.
Teachers will also provide ongoing feedback in different ways. This may be during or after online lessons, via email or phone, on various platforms such as Google Classroom or Seesaw, or during face to face events.
Students are encouraged to take part in face to face events. We regularly schedule excursions and Come in Days where students participate in hands-on activities related to their current learning program. The activities are related to the learning program, and also provide an opportunity for students to interact and socialise with their teachers and peers in a supportive environment.
Home visits form an important part of the program. Teachers are able to visit students in their homes (or negotiated meeting place) to connect face to face with students/ caregivers, establish and build upon relationships and support you with any issues that have arisen.
If students enrol after Week 1 of Term 1 they are placed in an Induction Class for 1 week to study how to learn online. Induction Class is generally a small group environment; classes range from 2-7 students. Students are introduced to our platforms and programs and practice using them effectively to be a successful online learner.
This is also an important learning opportunity for your child’s Supervisor. The Induction Class teacher will spend the time getting to know your child, their learning dispositions and level. A 1:1 Universal Screening session is also conducted to ascertain Literacy and Numeracy levels; this information is used to place the child in the appropriate class and organise any early intervention or extension.
The Induction Class teacher will support the student (and parents/ caregivers) to access their new class and will connect them to their new teacher/s.
Last updated: 26 September 2024