Inquiry

A major focus at Lara Primary School is ensuring that our curriculum is relevant, engaging, and appropriately challenging for all students. We believe that the implementation of a strong inquiry-based learning model plays a key role in achieving this goal by supporting deep understanding and meaningful learning experiences.

Inquiry-based learning is more than simply asking questions; it is a process of transforming data and information into meaningful knowledge. It goes beyond asking students what they want to know and instead focuses on sparking curiosity, encouraging exploration, and investigating concepts collaboratively. Through this approach, we aim to create learning environments that nurture curiosity and develop our students into creative, and confident inquirers.

The inquiry-based model also places a strong emphasis on student voice. We recognise that students bring unique perspectives to learning, teaching, and schooling, and should be given opportunities to actively shape their educational experiences. Through inquiry, students are empowered to take ownership of their learning and reflect on their new knowledge.

From Prep to Year 6, we have developed a two-year cycle of integrated inquiry units that explore key areas of the humanities, including history, geography, civics and citizenship, and economics, as well as digital technologies. Each inquiry is carefully designed to align with student interests and age-appropriate curriculum content, ensuring learning is both purposeful and engaging.

Students spend a full term exploring each inquiry topic and are supported through rich reading and writing experiences, with opportunities to make meaningful connections to mathematics where appropriate. This integrated approach allows students to apply their learning across subject areas and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.