Learning Strategies

Course Outline

Students will learn how to develop and apply literacy and numeracy skills, personal management skills, interpersonal and teamwork and leadership skills to improve their learning and achievement in school, the workplace, the community and life. Students will also build mindfulness, by practicing techniques like focused breathing, mindful eating, walking meditation, actively observing their senses in the moment, and paying close attention to their thoughts and feelings without judgment.  The course will help students build confidence and motivation to pursue opportunities for success in secondary school and beyond.

Module 1 Overview: Understanding Yourself As a Learner

Guiding Question:Why do you think it is important to have a full understanding of yourself?

In this module, students will explore their inner selves and in order to grow and develop a deeper understanding of SELF, in a balanced way.  They will achieve this through various quizzes, self assessments and a lot of thinking and reflection.

As they become more self-aware, they will gain greater confidence, resilience, and a sense of alignment with their true self.

Module 2 Overview: Management And Organisation

Guiding Question:How will I develop and improve my organization and management skills?

In this module, our lessons will support students to effectively learn, understand and practice time management and organizational strategies, helping them manage schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and personal responsibilities. They will also learn how to reduce stress and increase productivity by learning to prioritize tasks and develop routines. Routines are an essential part of successful study, and developing the system and mindset at a young age supports a lifelong learning pathway of success. 

Module 3 Overview: Study Skills And Test Preparation

Guiding Question:What study skills & test preparation skills will I master to support me?

In this module, students will master study hacks that work for them, unlock the secrets of active reading and listening, and build a test-prep strategy that reduces stress. This module is all about diving into the most effective ways to take notes, read actively, and increase memory to retain the right information. Students will work on turning themselves into masters of study and build a test-prep strategy that gives them the tools for success.  

Module 4 Overview: Communication And Collaboration

Guiding Question:How do you develop your skills?  What are your teamworking skills?  How do you speak out for yourself and your needs?

In this module, students will focus on the key strands of a 21st Century Learner, things they should be learning and skills they should be developing for future career skills. Core subjects include: Learning & Innovation Skills (Critical thinking, communication, Collaboration and Creativity) and IT and media skills.

Throughout the course students will work on exploring these key subjects to increase their undesrtanding and support their development as a 21st Century Learner.  

In this module, students will consolidate and build on what they have learned in the previous modules and explore their options for further education. They will discuss career options including how to develop team working skills and how to self advocate.

Module 5 Overview: Problem Solving And Resilience

Guiding Question:How can we build resilience and critical thinking to effectively navigate life’s challenges?

In this module, we focus on the two of the most important life skills: how to solve problems effectively and how to bounce back from setbacks with resilience. 

This module equips students with practical tools and mindset strategies to face challenges, such as, academic struggles, relationship conflicts, stress, and personal goals, with confidence and clarity. They will learn to reframe obstacles as opportunities for growth, and explore how their brain, body, and emotions all work together when encountering stress or failure. 

Students will identify the difference between a challenge and a setback, and what it means to develop a growth mindset. They will learn how to think critically and make smart decisions by analyzing situations, considering different perspectives, and weighing consequences. They will also develop strategies to manage their stress and emotions more effectively, allowing them to stay calm and focused in high-pressure moments.

Students will build on these learning strategies and apply them to a  real-life problem  using a  scientific approach to problem-solving. They will describe the problem, break it down, brainstorm solutions, weigh the pros and cons and create an action plan. 

They will finish the module by designing a  personal growth and resilience plan, where they will bring together all the tools, reflections, and strategies from the course into one final vision of how to handle adversity and thrive. 

Assessment Breakdown

Course Work, Assignments, and Proctored Tests: 70%

Culminating Independent Study Project: 30%