At Donvale Primary School, we believe children learn best when teaching is clear, supportive and well structured. Our approach helps students build confidence, experience success, and develop strong foundations for future learning.
We know that every child learns differently. Our teachers carefully design lessons so that all students are supported, challenged and guided to succeed.
We use an explicit teaching approach, which means teachers clearly explain and model what students need to learn before guiding them through practice and supporting them to work independently.
Lessons are broken into small, manageable steps so students can build their understanding gradually and confidently. Teachers guide students through learning using the Gradual Release of Responsibility model:
I do – the teacher demonstrates
We do – students practise with guidance
You do – students apply skills independently
This structured approach ensures students are well supported at every stage of learning and are set up for success.
Our teaching is aligned with the Science of Learning, which draws on research about how children learn most effectively. By understanding how memory, attention and practice work, teachers can design lessons that are engaging, efficient and meaningful.
Learning is carefully sequenced so students develop strong foundations before moving on to more complex ideas. Just as a child learns to ride a bike step by step, students need time, practice and support to master new skills.
We are committed to inclusive education and recognise that students learn at different rates and in different ways. Teachers adjust:
what is taught
how it is taught
how students show their learning
This ensures every child can access the curriculum and feel successful.
We use a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) to guide this work, providing:
whole-class support for all students
targeted support for students who need extra help
intensive support for students with more complex needs
This helps ensure the right support is provided at the right time.
Teachers regularly pause during lessons to check for understanding, allowing them to see how students are progressing and adjust teaching as needed.
Students receive timely, purposeful feedback, helping them understand what they are doing well and what their next steps are. This keeps learning responsive, supportive and focused on growth.
Our teaching approach aligns with the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0, which is based on strong evidence about effective teaching, student wellbeing and positive classroom environments. This ensures a consistent, high-quality learning experience across the school.
