Inquiry Learning at St George Preca Primary School
Our Inquiry Program provides a knowledge-rich, vocabulary-driven approach to learning, equipping students with a deep understanding of the world and essential skills for critical thinking, problem-solving and communication. Inquiry learning integrates multiple learning areas, including Science, History, Geography, Civics & Citizenship, Economics and Design & Technologies, ensuring a broad and interconnected foundation of knowledge.
Inquiry is structured to progressively develop understanding from Foundation to Year 6, with students engaging in rich content, explicit teaching of key concepts and hands-on, real-world experiences. It fosters curiosity, deep thinking and confident communication, ensuring students are well-prepared to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways.
Big Ideas That Build Across Learning… Inquiry learning across the whole school is enriched by three key themes that weave through different subjects and year levels, growing in depth and complexity as students progress.
These themes help students make connections across their learning and apply their knowledge in broader contexts:
- Sustainability – Understanding the impact of human actions on the environment and exploring responsible ways to care for our world.
- Multiculturalism – Appreciating cultural diversity, migration and global connections, fostering respect and empathy.
- Indigenous Perspectives – Embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and knowledge in meaningful and authentic ways.
Applying English & Mathematics Through Inquiry
Inquiry learning provides authentic opportunities for students to develop and apply essential English and Mathematics skills in real-world contexts, ensuring they can use their knowledge effectively across subjects:
- English Integration – Inquiry provides meaningful contexts for developing reading comprehension, research skills, persuasive and informative writing, storytelling and oral communication. Students analyse texts, write reports, debate ideas and present findings, strengthening their literacy skills in authentic ways.
- Mathematics Integration – Inquiry enhances numeracy skills through data collection, measurement, mapping, problem-solving and financial literacy. Students interpret statistics, work with time, explore spatial concepts and apply mathematical reasoning to real-world scenarios, such as budgeting in Economics or analysing patterns in Science.
A Rich, Immersive Learning Experience
Inquiry learning is active, engaging and designed to foster deep understanding while building students’ ability to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. Students explore big ideas through diverse and meaningful experiences that develop their knowledge, skills and confidence, including:
- Explicit Teaching of Key Concepts & Vocabulary – Ensuring students develop deep content knowledge and strong academic language.
- Speaking & Presenting – Encouraging students to articulate ideas confidently through debates, persuasive speeches, storytelling and formal presentations.
- Role-Play & Drama – Bringing learning to life through historical re-enactments, simulations and dramatic storytelling, deepening understanding and perspective-taking.
- Excursions & Incursions – Providing real-world learning opportunities that enhance engagement and critical thinking.
- Hands-On & Collaborative Projects – Opportunities for students to design, experiment, create and solve real-world problems.
Camps, Excursions & Experiential Learning
Inquiry learning extends beyond the classroom through camps, excursions and incursions, providing real-world, hands-on experiences that deepen understanding and engagement. These opportunities allow students to apply their learning in authentic settings, interact with experts and explore concepts firsthand.
- Camps foster independence, resilience and teamwork, reinforcing key Inquiry themes in immersive, outdoor environments.
- Excursions connect students with museums, historical sites, science centres, businesses and community organisations, bringing learning to life through exploration and investigation.
- Incursions invite specialists and guest speakers into the school, offering hands-on workshops, interactive demonstrations and expert insights.
These experiences bridge theory and practice, helping students to question, explore and apply their learning in meaningful ways while making real-world connections.