Allegra Dynamic

Teaching and Learning Framework

Allegra’s approach to teaching and learning is designed to foster holistic growth, inclusivity, and student-centered success. With wellbeing at its core, the approach integrates trauma-informed practices to create a safe, supportive environment. Central elements include clearly defined curriculum intent, a focus on deep learning to develop global competencies, and differentiation to meet diverse needs. Dynamic assessments guide teaching and learning processes, while structured activities ensure meaningful engagement. By aligning curriculum input and output, the framework prioritises purposeful, successful learning experiences for all students.

A key feature of Allegra’s approach is the seamless integration of learning support to ensure every student can access the regular curriculum. This is achieved by embedding inclusive practices that adapt and develop pedagogical approaches to cater to diverse abilities and needs. Learning partnerships are central to this model, fostering collaboration between teachers, students, and families to co-create personalised educational pathways. Learning environments are intentionally designed to be flexible and adaptive, promoting engagement and autonomy. Additionally, leveraging digital tools enhances accessibility, interactivity, and innovation, enabling students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected and technology-driven world.

Wellbeing Approach

Allegra’s approach to wellbeing is holistic, ensuring that students receive the support they need to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. A dedicated wellbeing team, including a psychologist and a Coordinator of Student Wellbeing, works closely with students, teachers, and families to provide tailored support. By liaising with external providers, the team develops individualised action plans that address diverse needs. Allegra also collaborates with mental health organisations such as headspace and Be You to empower students with the knowledge and skills to actively manage their mental health. The wellbeing space is not a drop-in centre but a structured environment where students access the tools and education necessary to make positive, lasting changes in their lives.

Wellbeing at Allegra is proactive, student-centred, and integrated into daily school life. With 86% of students engaging in approximately 250 wellbeing sessions each year, our support system is widely accessed and valued. Nearly half of these students also receive additional therapeutic support from the school’s psychologist, who is available four days a week. Programs such as Embrace Your Brilliance and Mind & Motion Monday focus on resilience, self-awareness, and physical wellness, reinforcing Allegra’s commitment to holistic development. These initiatives empower students to take ownership of their wellbeing, equipping them with practical strategies to navigate challenges. Our wellbeing space is not just a place for support but a learning environment where students gain the skills, education, and confidence to make positive, meaningful changes in their lives, ensuring they are prepared to engage fully in both their education and personal growth.

Learning Support

Allegra School strives to create an inclusive, supportive and safe learning environment for all students. Challenges such as learning difficulties, neurodiversity, or past experiences of trauma can create barriers to engagement and achievement. This is where Allegra’s learning support plays a crucial role in fostering an inclusive and effective educational environment. By providing targeted assistance, learning support helps students develop the skills, confidence, and independence to access the curriculum on the same basis as their peers across the state.

Learning support is essential for students who face academic challenges, whether due to diagnosed learning disabilities like dyslexia or ADHD, social-emotional difficulties, or gaps in foundational skills. By implementing individualised strategies and adjustments, the classroom teachers and the learning support team ensures that these students are empowered to reach their full potential.

Our approach to learning support is about equipping students with the tools to succeed independently. Small class sizes, differentiated instruction, and a strong focus on student well-being allow our students to engage with learning in a way that works for them.

One of the most significant benefits of learning support is providing a safe and supportive environment where students can experience regular small successes, boosting students’ confidence and motivation. A key aspect of learning support at Allegra School is the emphasis on strengths-based learning. By identifying and leveraging students’ strengths, whether in creativity, critical thinking, or communication, Allegra’s Learning Support Team helps students build on what they do well, rather than focusing solely on their challenges.

Allegra understands that effective learning support is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It involves working closely with students, teachers, and families to implement strategies tailored to individual needs. Some of the key strategies include: Scaffolded learning where teachers and Learning Support Officers break tasks into manageable steps to support understanding and reduce cognitive overload. We engage different learning styles through visual, auditory, and kinaesthetic activities and utilise assistive technology tools such as speech to text software, visual reality, hearing loops and spheros to support learning accessibility

Through compassionate and effective learning support, we are committed to breaking down barriers, building confidence, and creating pathways to lifelong success.

Deep Learning

Deep Learning at Allegra brings together the school’s dynamic by creating a space where academic, social, and personal development converge. This approach ensures students not only acquire knowledge but also develop the essential competencies needed to thrive in an ever-changing world. The focus on the six deep learning competencies—Critical Thinking, Creativity, Communication, Collaboration, Citizenship, and Character—ensures students engage with their learning in ways that are purposeful, practical, and future-focused.

Through critical thinking, students learn to analyse complex problems and develop solutions that are innovative and effective. Creativity empowers them to approach challenges with originality, fostering innovation and adaptability. Communication and collaboration are emphasised, as students work in teams, share ideas, and learn to appreciate diverse perspectives. Citizenship encourages them to connect their learning to global and local issues, cultivating a sense of responsibility and community engagement. Character development ensures they grow into ethical, resilient, and empathetic individuals.

By embedding these competencies into every aspect of learning, Allegra equips students with the tools to apply their knowledge meaningfully, contribute positively to society, and build skills that will serve them throughout their lives. Deep Learning is not just about what students learn but about who they become, reflecting the school’s mission to create transformative educational experiences.

Student Action Ambassadors

The Student Action Ambassadors at Allegra serve as a dynamic Student Body Council, comprising self-nominated students committed to making a positive impact within the school and the broader community. These ambassadors represent the school at community events, demonstrating leadership and pride in their school. They play an active role in organising and delivering school fundraising initiatives, fostering a culture of service and collaboration. Additionally, the ambassadors act as mentors, using their unique strengths to support and inspire others within the Allegra community. Their role ensures that students have a strong and influential voice in shaping the school’s culture and initiatives.

The Student Action Ambassadors embody Allegra’s values of connection, collaboration, and leadership. By participating in community events, these students showcase Allegra’s commitment to fostering meaningful relationships beyond the school. Their involvement in fundraising initiatives highlights their dedication to making a tangible difference, both locally and globally. As mentors, they provide personalised guidance, sharing their knowledge and skills to support peers academically, socially, and emotionally. This mentorship role not only strengthens the school’s sense of community but also cultivates a culture of peer-led growth and support. Through their strong voice in school decision-making, the ambassadors champion student perspectives, ensuring their ideas and concerns are integral to the school’s direction. Their contributions reflect Allegra’s commitment to nurturing empowered, socially responsible, and compassionate leaders.

Work Experience

Work experience at Allegra provides students with a valuable opportunity to explore potential career paths by engaging in a week-long placement in a workplace of their choice. This experience allows students to determine whether a particular field aligns with their skills, interests, and aspirations. To maximise learning, students complete preparation activities before their placement and engage in reflective exercises afterward. Throughout the experience, they put their deep learning competencies into practice, applying critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills in real-world settings. Work experience fosters independence, confidence, and career readiness, helping students make informed decisions about their future pathways.

Allegra’s work experience program is designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and the professional world, offering students a firsthand understanding of workplace expectations, responsibilities, and culture. By selecting their own placements, students take ownership of their career exploration, gaining insights into industries that align with their interests. The preparation phase ensures they enter their placements with clear goals, an understanding of professional etiquette, and strategies for maximising their learning. During their placement, students actively apply deep learning skills—critical thinking enables them to navigate workplace challenges, creativity helps them approach tasks innovatively, and collaboration strengthens their ability to work within teams. Communication is key as they interact with colleagues and supervisors, while character and citizenship come into play as they demonstrate professionalism and integrity. After completing their placement, students reflect on their experiences, assessing their career fit and identifying key takeaways for future growth. This process equips them with essential skills for lifelong learning and adaptability, reinforcing Allegra’s commitment to preparing students for meaningful and fulfilling careers.

GLOW Grant

Since Allegra School’s establishment in 2017, our efforts to boost global and regional engagement have been evolving, with a clear commitment from the Board and Leadership. This commitment includes the creation of the GLOW Grant, an initiative, designed to support long-term professional development. The school funded a transformative study tour to Cambodia in 2024 for our staff. The tour focused on enhancing staff expertise in Geography, History, and Science, while also deepening their understanding of global issues such as health, urbanisation, and conservation.

The GLOW Grant model underscores the importance of aligning staff development with student outcomes, ensuring that our educators are equipped to teach global competencies like critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. The Cambodian study tour provided valuable experiential learning opportunities, helping educators refine their teaching strategies and better engage students with real-world applications. This approach not only boosts staff skills but also directly benefits our students by creating a more engaging and globally connected learning environment.
In the future, we plan to further expand global engagement through additional study tours and international collaborations, fostering an environment where both staff and students can thrive in an interconnected world.