Classroom

Teacher/ Mentor


Student Name: Learning Area: HASS
Sarah Kay
Professional Knowledge
Sarah has continued to extend her working knowledge of educational theory and application as
applies to the classroom and in her professional interaction with colleagues. Her knowledge of the
historical era encompassed by the Australian Curriculum History at year 9 level was thorough and
extended as the course developed. Sarah made it evident that she wanted to gain more
knowledge as she constantly sought feedback and asked HASS staff members questions in the
office. Sarah did act on the advice and suggestions that were provided, and this benefited her
lessons.

Professional Practice
Sarah continued to build her excellent skills with students within the classroom, planning,
engagement, organisation and classroom management. Her excellent rapport with students has
continued along with their respect for her authority. Sarah has gained confidence in being firm
with directions as situations required. Diagnostic exercises to determine prior knowledge were
further applied as the course extended and supplemented with exercises that evidence the
learning journey, specifically in relation to the WW1 topic. Positive interaction with students both
individually and collectively continued to support learning. Hard copies of assignments with
feedback were provided to students and all learning materials were posted to DayMap. Kahoots,
quizzes, videos and direct provision of information to the class continued to be used effectively.
Terminology continued to be a focus to aid students in areas of learning and student application of
terms was encouraged in assignment work. Student centred assignments proved interesting and
enabled motivated students to improve. In year 8 Geography, Sarah provided up front teaching in
relation to report writing and referencing, allowed time for student questions and then would give
enough learning time for students to complete tasks. She provided some students with
accommodated assessment tasks for our major assignment and worked one to one with students,
moving around the classroom to assist them with their progress on the major assignment. In year
9 & 10 History Sarah, Sarah created safe working environments for all students, from the outset
she stated her classroom expectations and had classroom discussions with the students to ensure
they followed these guidelines. Sarah differentiated the curriculum for students and regularly
checked in on these students on a day to day basis, Sarah set these students goals for each lesson
and the student learning and attitudes benefited from this as they could visually see progression in
their learning. You could see the students grow in confidence from this teaching strategy. Through
positive relationships with the students they felt comfortable and sought her advice when they
needed help. Sarah responded quickly when providing feedback to students and parents whether
this was verbally or via email.

Professional Engagement
Sarah interacts with both staff, students and parents where appropriate. Sarah has participated in
staff and faculty meetings every week and is continuing to further involve herself in these events
and has become more vocal as placement goes on. Sarah has communicated and worked with
Year Level Leaders and the counsellors when appropriate in order to help students.

Written By: Rod Grant, Kym Anderson, Jack Daly Date: