WALLAROO primary, Hastings, is the first government school on the Mornington Peninsula accredited to use a teaching method more often available only at expensive private schools.
Last Friday 30 educators from Australia and New Zealand toured Wallaroo to see the results of the Walker Learning Approach (WLA) to education.
Principal Nicky Fammartino describes the WLA as “a total approach to teaching and learning, which includes the need for children to be active participants in their learning”.
She said the method had been developed after decades of research into “developing skills, knowledge and social interaction through a personalised and age appropriate delivery”.
The WLA included children using “creative exploration and investigation” as well as being formally instructed.
Under the WLA method children learned literacy, numeracy, general knowledge and became self-motivated, developing skills in leadership as well as “vital social and emotional life skills”.
Wallaroo received its WLA accreditation last month and Friday’s study tour followed five years of professional development and an “investment” of $100,000.
“Before Wallaroo’s accreditation, the Walker Learning Approach was only available at private schools charging fees that are out of the reach for many families,” Ms Fammartino said.
First published in the Western Port News – 3 November 2015