Walker Learning
Built upon a legacy of innovation, Holy Cross School embraced the internationally acclaimed Walker Learning in 2017. An Australian-based total and holistic pedagogy, Walker Learning is an intentional teaching and learning approach for primary-aged children. Through hands-on creative exploration and investigation, Walker Learning enables staff to embrace the Australian Curriculum and Brisbane Religious Education Guidelines for curriculum content and outcomes, whilst crafting a unique balance between students as active participants in their learning, and explicit instruction driven by the teachers.
Through hands-on creative exploration and investigation, Walker Learning empowers students to actively engage with the curriculum content and outcomes. The methodology places a particular emphasis on the discovery of each child’s individual passion or ‘SPARK,’ fostering meaning, energy, enjoyment, and fulfillment in their educational journey. Central to our pedagogy are elements such as creativity, experimentation, physical activity, leadership, exploration, and play, all contributing to the development of high self-esteem and overall happiness.
At Holy Cross School, our commitment to Walker Learning is underscored by having two fully accredited teachers specializing in this approach—one dedicated to P-2 (Play Matters) and the other to 3-6 (Engagement Matters).
School-wide implementation
Every classroom at Holy Cross School embraces the Walker Learning approach as the cornerstone of their teaching environment and daily activities. Walker Learning serves as the pedagogical framework guiding how we expose students to teaching and learning, while the “what” we teach remains directly linked to the Australian Curriculum.
Keys to success with Walker Learning
Skills for life: the essence of Walker Learning lies in nurturing children who can think independently and empathetically, fostering creativity and imagination, and building strong foundations in literacy and numeracy. This approach supports children in growing into emotionally intelligent individuals, self-initiators who reflect on themselves and others, and articulate communicators with a realistic understanding of themselves and their peers.
Skills for curriculum: Literacy, numeracy, the arts, science, and other curriculum areas are integrated within the context of individual interests, collective culture, and the communities of the children and their families. Walker Learning is informed by evidence regarding neurological and developmental aspects, as well as the influence of culture and family dynamics in shaping the learning environment. Our teaching spaces reflect a harmonious yet stimulating range of areas for investigation, exploration, experimentation, and learning.
