Future Ready Learning

We believe every child is capable of learning mathematics to a high level. That’s why we embed the Mindset Mathematics approach, developed by Professor Jo Boaler and her team at Stanford University.

This research-based model encourages students to think flexibly, explore concepts in different ways, and see themselves as capable mathematicians. It places a strong emphasis on visual learning, problem-solving, and the idea that mistakes are an essential part of learning. Boaler’s work shows that when students are supported to adopt a growth mindset in maths, they achieve stronger outcomes—and build the confidence to tackle challenges with persistence and creativity.

Alongside foundational skill-building, we use Project-Based Learning (PBL) to create deeper, more meaningful learning experiences. In PBL, students engage with real-world questions, collaborate on authentic tasks, and apply their learning in ways that connect with their interests and the world around them.

Research shows that PBL strengthens:

• Critical and creative thinking

• Communication and collaboration

• Problem-solving and innovation

• Empathy and social awareness

Through PBL, students develop a strong sense of agency and purpose, as well as the skills they’ll need to adapt and lead in an unpredictable future.

In addition to core learning areas, students at Bethany engage in a rich specialist program designed to nurture creativity, wellbeing, faith, and identity. These subjects support the development of the whole child and provide opportunities to explore gifts beyond the traditional curriculum:

• Christian Studies – Deepening understanding of faith and God's love in action through Service Learning

• Auslan – Building inclusive communication through Australian Sign Language

• Health and Physical Education – Supporting physical wellbeing, movement, and healthy choices

• The Arts – Encouraging creativity through music, drama, dance, and visual arts

• Self Sense – Exploring identity, wellbeing, relationships, and social-emotional growth

Unique to Bethany, Self Sense is our dedicated wellbeing and identity program, designed to support students in exploring who they are and how they connect with others. It weaves together elements of social-emotional learning, identity formation, and Christian values to help students:

• Build emotional literacy and resilience

• Understand and care for their mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing

• Navigate relationships with kindness, empathy, and self-awareness

• Develop a strong sense of self in the context of community and faith

Self Sense is timetabled each week and explicitly taught, because we believe that learning about ourselves and how we relate to others is just as important as literacy and numeracy.

Life Lab is a much-loved part of learning at Bethany. It’s a workshop series where students choose from a range of hands-on, practical sessions designed to ignite their passions and explore new skills. Life Lab is all about student agency, voice, and the joy of learning for its own sake.

Workshop options include:

• Cooking – Exploring healthy food, culture, and kitchen skills

• Coding – Robotics, engineering, digital problem-solving and programming fundamentals

• Gardening – Sustainability, nature, and nurturing life

• Drawing – Visual storytelling and creative expression

Each Life Lab cycle invites students to try something new, deepen existing interests, and develop real-world capabilities in a fun and engaging way.

In Year 5, students take part in the Future Anything Entrepreneurial Program, a dynamic learning experience that empowers them to design, prototype, and pitch a sustainable market product. This program blends entrepreneurial thinking with real-world problem-solving, giving students the opportunity to:

• Identify real problems and develop innovative solutions

• Learn about sustainable practices and product design

• Build business plans, budgets, and marketing strategies

• Pitch their ideas to a panel and sell their products at our school market

This program builds confidence, teamwork, creativity, and financial literacy—all while encouraging students to make a positive impact on their world.

At Bethany, Digital Learning is integrated across the curriculum in ways that are creative, purposeful, and future-focused. Technology is used as a tool to personalise learning, enhance collaboration, and support the development of key skills needed in a digital world.

• In Prep to Year 3, every student has access to their own iPad as part of our 1:1 iPad program, supporting creativity, communication, early literacy and numeracy, and personalised learning.

• In Years 4 to 6, students use 1:1 MacBooks to create content, complete learning tasks, collaborate with peers, and dive into more advanced tools and platforms.

Students are actively engaged in:

• Coding – learning logic, problem-solving, and digital design

• Robotics and Drones – exploring automation, engineering, and systems thinking

• Media Production – using our in-school Media Studio to create podcasts, record video content, and explore digital storytelling in creative and meaningful ways

These experiences give students the confidence to express themselves, think critically, and explore the role of technology in shaping their world. We have 24/7 filtered internet services on all devices, and we explicitly teach our students digital citizenship and online safety.

Digital Learning at Bethany is always balanced with traditional learning experiences. Students still handwrite, use concrete materials, collaborate face-to-face, and take part in hands-on learning every day. We believe in developing adaptable, well-rounded learners who are equipped for whatever the future holds.