Five of our teaching staff were privileged to be able to attend the second annual Teaching Matters: Science of Learning National Summit hosted by Catholic Education Tasmania and Catholic Education – Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn, joining with around 500 system leaders and educators from across the country.
Attendees had the opportunity to learn from leading international and national experts who presented topics based on the scientific, evidence-based, high impact teaching practice called the Science of Learning. Other highlights of Teaching Matters 2024 included the formal Gala dinner, and a Breakfast With The Experts, offering a stellar line-up of presenters and a gourmet buffet breakfast.
Keynote presenters explored progress monitoring, evidence-driven systems, and strategies to overcome barriers in implementing cognitive science-backed teaching methods. A dynamic panel discussion provided delegates with insight on the importance of teacher education and support, and the value of high integrity curriculum to reduce variation and enable the teacher to focus on the student and their pedagogy.
On day two, Dr Jan Hasbrouck was the headline keynote speaker, and presented on how comprehension can impact the success of reading fluency. Later joined by Dr Lorraine Hammond, the pair discussed phonics, fluency, and comprehension as key elements of literacy, and answered questions from curious delegates.
Other keynote speakers included host of the ‘Knowledge for Teachers’ podcast, Brendan Lee, author and educator Toni Hatten-Roberts, English Teacher and Director of Research and Practice Rebecca Birch, and Dr Jennifer Buckingham PH.D FRSN Director of Strategy and Senior Research Fellow. Delegates were informed about numeracy strategies to support teachers and increase student confidence and understanding, student wellbeing with the implementation of the Science of Learning (SoL), and the significant reforms in Initial Teacher Education (ITE).
Mrs Emily Sass
Deputy Principal: Learning & Teaching