Here’s how we personalise your child's learning

It will come as no surprise to you that, for educators, the search for better teaching strategies never ends. After all, the things your child learns (and how they learn them) become part of them as they grow. And it’s our job to give each student the best possible chances to master key skills. Here are the eight competencies we use to help get it done.

What is competency based learning?

Traditionally, learning outcomes focus on memorisation and comprehension, with the goal of passing tests. But at Woodbury Boston, that’s not how we operate. Because we care more about supporting your child’s confidence than their test scores, our focus is on deep understanding.

The Woodbury Boston 8

We know that competency based learning helps students develop mastery over a topic, rather than rushing to ‘get through the curriculum content’. It also helps your child understand their learning style, which prepares them for life after primary school and beyond. Here are the competencies that will support your child’s learning journey:

Curiosity

Sparking curiosity—and keeping it alight—is our first priority. 


Creativity

Through passion projects, your child will bring their interests to life in a purposeful way.


Communication

Of course, fluency in reading, writing, and maths are important—but so is being able to communicate thoughts and feelings. Compassionate Communication, class circles, and mindfulness activities support strong relationships inside and outside the classroom.

 

Collaboration

Working as a group toward a collective goal is exciting–and enriching! Our Year 3-4 class outdid themselves with their puppetry project (and learned a whole lot about Design Thinking).

Compassion

Listening, talking, and decoding body language are all skills that children need to practice. Using the language of Compassionate Communication from an early age will help your child develop empathy and self-awareness. 

 

Composure

When your child learns to communicate their needs and follow their intuition, emotional regulation becomes easier. Our Peace Tree is a place for quiet reflection when things get overwhelming (and our supportive staff and student carers are always on hand for extra support. 


Citizenship

The skills that Woodbury Boston students learn by participating in Parliament stay with them for life. They learn that their opinions matter, and that through respectful and compassionate interaction, they can make change.


Critical thinking 

Taking on various points of view, your child will develop the skills to identify what is truth, bias, or nonsense. This cross-curricular focus fosters independence, confidence, and is the cornerstone of a lifelong commitment to learning.


The Woodbury Boston Way

If you’d like to learn more about how your child will learn at Woodbury Boston, why not book a tour? Or explore the five educational models that make up our teaching style, our philosophy on educating the Whole Child, and our innovative Out & About program.

 

Recommended Reading

Woodbury Boston Primary School is a progressive independent school nestled in the bush between Denmark and Albany WA. We know that children learn best when they’re happy and having fun. With a strong focus on community, respect, independence and nature-based teaching, our students learn the Western Australian Curriculum and so much more. For more information or to book a personal tour, please ring 9845 1185.

Martha Barnard-Rae