Learning and Teaching
Growing Minds
At Hills Grammar, Learning and Teaching is grounded in deep learning, development of global competencies, and implementing social and emotional learning. By integrating these elements we empower each student to thrive academically and personally.
With the right guidance and support, we believe every student can achieve their personal best.
Unique learning environment
As a Pre-K to 12 school on one campus, Hills Grammar provides the unique opportunity to travel smoothly through each stage of the educational journey. While each stage of learning and teaching has its unique qualities, teachers meet together as a whole faculty to share ideas and experiences to achieve a longer-term view of education. In tandem with the Student Wellbeing and Co-curricular programs, Learning and Teaching is driven by the School Vision – Extraordinary Education: Growing Minds, Discovering Passions, Nurturing Character.
Our whole school pedagogical statement, Deeper Water, Deeper Learning is the result of extensive research, consultation and professional development of our teachers. The statement informs the Hills Grammar community about our current approaches to Learning and Teaching, but also points the way to future innovations as the School strives to achieve its deeper purpose. We are conscious of both the reality of our mandatory obligations and preparations for high stakes examinations like the HSC, but also of the need to develop within our students the 21st Century skills which will facilitate their success in the world they will inherit.
Guided Inquiry is the central tenet of Learning and Teaching from ECEC to Year 12 – acknowledging the natural curiosity of children and young people, whilst also engaging them in ways so they (over time) take responsibility for their own learning.
Deeper Water, Deeper Learning:
- is a Hills ‘Original’ framework, developed by Hills Grammar, for Hills Grammar
- provides for academic rigour, challenge and differentiation throughout the learning journey
- offers a solid foundation to anchor Learning and Teaching Pre K to 12
- ensures our students have access to innovative practice
- equips our students to meet the challenges of both school and future work skills
- prepares students for success in NAPLAN, the HSC and facilitates the successful transition to future studies
- imbues a deep appreciation of, and for, lifelong learning
We are committed to ensuring that, in accord with our Graduate Aim, the young people who graduate from our School will do so as confident, independent and autonomous thinkers and learners, able to take their place and contribute in the many contexts in which they will find themselves in the future.
Differentiated Learning
Birrung Program
Socratic Program
Rigours of the HSC
Integration
Our Integration Program supports students with identified additional learning needs by providing a tailored teaching and learning approach in a specialised classroom setting. Available to students from Year 3 onward, the program offers structured support to foster independence and confidence in learning.
The program focuses on equipping students with the skills needed to navigate their resilience needs in diverse learning environments within the whole school community. Through personalised support, we help students develop social-emotional regulation and resilience, enabling them to adapt to challenges with confidence.
Students are guided in building their capacity for self-management as they transition through different learning environments. The program includes differentiated tasks and targeted teaching methods aligned with NESA standards, the Hills Grammar pedagogical approach, and broader school programs. This ensures students remain engaged and progress at a pace suited to their individual learning needs.
The Integration Program provides both core subject instruction in a supportive classroom environment and a structured transition plan to gradually integrate students into mainstream classrooms. This process helps build resilience and confidence in a variety of learning contexts.
Our team works closely with classroom teachers to provide ongoing support for students requiring more intensive assistance. The program is designed to foster an inclusive and supportive school environment where students feel valued, understood, and well-equipped to achieve their personal best.
