The Power of Personalised Learning at Frensham Junior School
Recently, I had the opportunity to connect with fellow Heads of Junior Schools from across Australia. During a session where we discussed our highlights and joys, I shared how fortunate I feel to work with such an exceptional team of educators.
When asked, “What makes Frensham Junior School teachers so special?”, there are many reasons I could mention. However, I often begin by highlighting the unwavering commitment each teacher demonstrates in ensuring that every child’s learning journey is personalised to foster individual growth.
What is Personalised Learning?
Definitions of personalised learning can vary across the educational landscape, but at the core of most definitions are two key components:
- Tailoring learning to each student’s strengths, needs, and interests.
- Providing students with choice, voice, and flexibility in achieving learning outcomes.
Personalised Learning in Action
I feel incredibly fortunate to regularly witness these two components of personalised learning in daily classroom practice at Frensham Junior School. Thanks to our small class sizes, teachers develop a deep understanding of each child’s strengths, interests, and needs. Through observation and discussion, our teachers learn what motivates each child and how they best engage with learning.
In our classrooms, one child’s day might look quite different from another’s, as they work toward different goals, all guided by the teacher’s knowledge of their individual academic needs. By celebrating the uniqueness of each student and recognising that everyone learns in different ways and at varying paces, we avoid a culture of comparison and judgment. Instead, teachers focus on fostering intrinsic motivation and providing continuous, personalised feedback on students’ achievements and areas for improvement. This creates a positive, nurturing classroom dynamic.
Flexibility, Voice, and Choice
Our teachers effectively personalise learning by offering students flexibility, voice, and choice. In every classroom, students engage with tasks in diverse ways, select different learning spaces, complete assignments at their own pace, and choose various mediums to showcase their work. They also have the opportunity to explore topics of personal interest, guide their learning through project-based tasks, and collaborate with their peers on group projects.
A Privilege to Work with Such a Team
What a privilege it is to work with a team that understands how crucial personalised education is to student growth and is passionate about helping students reach their full potential. I’m deeply grateful to all the Frensham Junior School teachers for their commitment and dedication.