Earlier this week we attended the Flourishing Learners conference where local and international experts in educational research presented on a wide range of topics related to best teaching practice. It was a valuable experience which reinforced what we are already doing, and highlighted where we are heading.
At our College, we want every student from P-12 to feel clear and confident in each stage of their learning. One of the most effective ways our teachers do this is through explicit instruction —a simple but powerful approach.
Explicit instruction means that teachers break down new concepts into clear steps, model what success looks like, and provide plenty of guided practice before expecting students to work independently. It helps students feel confident, supported, and clear about what they are learning.
We were very fortunate to have been able to engage with thinkers from across the globe and hear them highlight the practices that we are consistently embedding at the College. Among the presenters at the conference, we were able to hear from Professor Dylan Wiliam, Dr Nathaniel Swain, Bronwyn Ryrie Jones, and Tom Sherrington (whom we were also able to speak with in person!).
So, where do the experts focus?
Education experts like Dylan Wiliam, Tom Sherrington, and Bronwyn Ryrie Jones all remind us that when students know their goals, get regular feedback, and have time to practise, learning really sticks.
- Dylan Wiliam, a leading international professor and researcher, reminds us that students learn best when they know what they are aiming for, receive regular feedback, and are encouraged to take ownership of their learning.
- Tom Sherrington, an experienced school leader and writer, has shown how teachers can apply this in practical ways—checking for understanding regularly, modelling carefully, and giving students the chance to practise until they feel secure. His Walk Thrus series has changed the way teachers engage in professional learning.
- Bronwyn Ryrie Jones, an experienced Australian educator and coach, focuses on helping teachers respond to what students are thinking in real time. She supports schools in building a consistent approach to teaching that benefits every learner.
Student Impact: at school and at home
By drawing on the work of these educators, our teachers are:
- Setting clear goals for every lesson.
- Giving students structured guidance before expecting independence.
- Using questioning and feedback to check understanding and address misconceptions quickly.
- Encouraging students to become active participants in their learning.
We are grateful that at RHAC, our parents and carers often ask how they can support their children at home. With explicit instruction, you can help by:
- Talking with your child about what they learned each day.
- Asking them to explain new ideas in their own words—this reinforces understanding.
- Encouraging persistence and celebrating effort as well as achievement.
Through explicit instruction, we aim to give every student the tools and confidence they need to succeed—not just in school, but in life. A central take away from the presentations we saw and the workshops we attended is this: when students know what they are learning, why it matters, and how to improve, they are empowered to flourish.
We are grateful to our gracious God for the gift of learning!
