Our Approach to Teaching and Learning
At Port Melbourne Primary School, we believe every child deserves the best possible start to their learning journey. That is why we do not leave learning to chance. Our approach is grounded in effective, research-backed teaching methods to ensure every student develops the knowledge and skills they need to thrive, both in school and in life.
We use Explicit Direct Instruction (EDI), a high-impact, evidence-based approach to teaching. This means we provide clear explanations, break complex ideas into manageable steps, and give students plenty of opportunities to practise and apply what they have learned.
However, explicit teaching is not rote learning or one-size-fits-all. It is about helping every student understand content deeply, sparking their interest, and supporting their individual needs.
What does this mean for your child?
Our approach combines structure with creativity to ensure every student:
Knows what they are learning and why. Lessons are designed with clear goals, giving students confidence and purpose.
Is actively engaged. Teachers check for understanding throughout lessons, so every student participates, thinks critically, and builds knowledge step by step.
Receives the right support or challenge. Differentiation occurs within the lesson: extra guidance for those who need it and extension tasks for students ready to go further.
Has opportunities for creativity and collaboration. Even within a structured approach, we make space for rich discussions, problem-solving, and creative tasks where students apply their skills in meaningful ways.
Reading: The Foundation for Success
Strong reading skills open doors across every part of a child’s education. That is why we take literacy seriously.
Our reading program is built on the Science of Reading, which explains how the brain learns to read. We explicitly teach phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, ensuring every child- whether they are just beginning or already reading confidently - gets the building blocks they need for success.
In Every Classroom, You Will See:
Crystal-clear, structured teaching where lessons build knowledge step by step, leaving no student behind or confused.
Active, high-impact learning with teachers checking in constantly to keep students engaged, thinking, and progressing.
Practice that leads to mastery, helping students apply new skills confidently and regularly.
Differentiation and challenge so students receive the support they need, and those ready for more can deepen their thinking and apply skills in new contexts.
Opportunities for creativity and deeper learning, with space for exploration, discussion, and connection of ideas, even within a structured approach.
At Port Melbourne Primary, we are committed to delivering the highest-quality education possible because every child deserves nothing less.
Our approach does not limit possibilities. It provides every student with a strong foundation, the right level of support, and opportunities to stretch, think, and succeed.
To see how this comes to life in our classrooms, explore our Instructional Model and Instructional Playbook below.
If you have questions or concerns, our FAQ document below may address them. You are always welcome to contact the school directly to discuss anything further. These resources show how we make learning engaging, effective, and accessible for every student.