Gladesville Primary School is aligned with the Science of Learning, following the research and understandings about how we acquire knowledge effectively and efficiently. Our school offers a well-balanced, knowledge-rich curriculum designed to strengthen students’ foundational skills and understanding. This solid base supports the development of higher-order thinking and creativity as students grow in confidence and proficiency.
We work on the premise that all students can learn and be successful in gaining the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for their future. At Gladesville Primary School, we value and celebrate the diverse needs of all learners. Our inclusive practices ensure that every student feels a sense of belonging and is supported to thrive. Through differentiated teaching and targeted support, we provide learning experiences that are tailored to individual strengths and needs, enabling all students to reach their full potential.
Explicit Direct Instruction
At Gladesville Primary School, we use Explicit Direct Instruction (EDI) as a core teaching approach to ensure every student receives clear, purposeful, and high-impact instruction. EDI allows teachers to break down concepts into manageable steps, modelling skills and strategies in a structured, intentional way. Lessons follow a consistent framework that includes clear learning objectives, guided practice, and regular checks for understanding.
We use EDI because it is backed by research and evidence showing that all students, particularly those who need more support, benefit from clarity and structure in teaching. It ensures students know what they are learning, why they are learning it, and how to be successful. By teaching concepts explicitly and revisiting them through guided and independent practice, students build confidence and long-term retention.
Through regular use of EDI, our teachers can identify misconceptions early, provide immediate feedback, and maintain high levels of engagement. This approach is especially valuable for supporting diverse learners, ensuring equity, and helping all students access the curriculum successfully. At Gladesville PS, we believe that strong, explicit teaching builds the foundations for deep understanding and lifelong learning.
Low Variance Curriculum
At Gladesville Primary School, we are committed to delivering a high-quality learning experience through a low variance, high cohesion approach to curriculum.
This ensures that teaching and learning is consistent across all classrooms while maintaining a clear and unified focus on our educational priorities. By reducing variance, we promote equity and clarity in instruction. Students across different classes and year levels receive a consistent standard of teaching, with shared expectations and common learning goals. This creates a stable and supportive environment where students can confidently engage with the curriculum, knowing what is expected of them and how they will be supported to succeed.
Our high cohesion approach means that all elements of the curriculum are carefully aligned, and sequenced, within and across stages, to create meaningful connections in student learning. Teachers collaborate regularly to design and implement units of work that build upon prior knowledge and develop deep understanding. This coherence helps students make links between concepts and apply their learning across different contexts.
Ultimately, this approach enhances both student achievement and wellbeing. It provides continuity, supports targeted differentiation, and ensures that every student has access to high-quality, purposeful learning experiences that are connected, consistent, and responsive to their needs.