Inquiry

Inquiry Teaching at WPS

Inquiry teaching at WPS is designed to foster a deep sense of curiosity and a genuine love for learning among our students. Building on the foundational work of Inquiry Specialist Kath Murdoch, our approach is centred around creating meaningful and engaging learning experiences that resonate with students' lives and interests.

The Big Question: A Student-Centred Approach

Each term, the inquiry process begins with formulating a Big Question, carefully crafted with students' input. This question is not just a starting point; it is a beacon that guides the direction of learning, ensuring that it remains relevant and connected to the students' world. By incorporating students' prior knowledge, experiences, and curiosities, we ensure that the inquiry is educational, deeply personal, and engaging.

Collaborative Planning

The planning process is collaborative and dynamic. Working in teams, teachers brainstorm using the Inquiry Brainstorm Page. This is a crucial step in the planning process, as it allows us to capture the diverse ideas and perspectives that will shape the inquiry unit. Part of this process uses student data to refine further and inform the direction of the inquiry. This data collection is an essential part of the process, as it ensures that the unit is tailored to the student's current understanding and interests.

Immersive and Collaborative Learning

Students are encouraged to immerse themselves fully in the learning experience throughout the inquiry. This is facilitated through various methods, including rich discussions, explicit teaching, and collaborative tasks. These activities are designed to deepen students' understanding of the content and develop their learning dispositions and inquiry skills. It is imperative that explicit instruction underpins the inquiry process and that students are taught the content and inquiry skills through planned and well-thought-out learning experiences.

Going Further: Independent Inquiry

To further enrich the learning experience, the inquiry may culminate in an independent exploration phase known as "Going Further," where students can further pursue their interests. This stage is particularly important for fostering independence and encouraging students to take ownership of their learning journey.