Teaching & Learning
Evidence-Based Teaching & Learning
Our Tier 1 classroom instruction is grounded in Explicit Direct Instruction (EDI), ensuring all students benefit from structured, high-impact lessons. Key features include:
- Clear, consistent routines that maximise learning time
- Frequent checks for understanding to monitor student engagement
- Systematic, explicit instruction in literacy and numeracy, aligned with the Science of Learning and Science of Reading
We also run a holistic Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) across academic and wellbeing domains to ensure every child receives the right level of support. Our Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions include:
- MiniLit: a structured literacy program for emerging readers
- Bond Blocks: a concrete, hands-on numeracy intervention system bondblocks.com
- Story Champs: to build oral language, comprehension, and narrative skills
- Numeracy Fluency Practice: designed to build automaticity and accuracy in maths.
- Targeted social groups and supports
These evidence-based interventions are backed by a school-wide data and assessment framework to identify, monitor, and support students at every level.
Mission
Dandenong West Primary School seeks to create a challenging learning environment that encourages high expectations for success and allows for individual differences and learning styles. Our school promotes a safe, orderly, caring, and supportive environment. Each student’s self-esteem is fostered by positive relationships with students and staff. We strive to have our parents, teachers, and community members actively involved in our students’ learning.
Values
At Dandenong West Primary School our students are taught and demonstrate the schools H.E.A.R.T. values.
H – We are HONEST
E – We show EMPATHY
A – We show ACCOUNTABILITY for our learning
R – We show RESPECT for everyone and everything
T – We show TOLERANCE by accepting that everyone is entitled to their own ideas