GSS Unpacked

In this two-part episode of GSS Unpacked, we explore the nine key principles of explicit instruction and how they work together to support effective teaching and learning at GSS. We unpack practical classroom strategies, including gradual release of responsibility, frequent responses, checking for understanding and daily reviews.

We then explore how explicit instruction and age-appropriate learning can work hand in hand, highlighting the importance of teacher creativity, autonomy and responsive teaching. Through real classroom examples, we reinforce that explicit instruction isn't about scripts or PowerPoints — it's about intentional, evidence-informed teaching that puts students at the centre of every decision.

In this episode of GSS Unpacked, Hannah and David explore the science behind effective spelling instruction. Hannah shares how GAINS has evolved and unpacks the importance of phonology, orthography, morphology and etymology. David brings practical classroom insights into teaching spelling patterns, building student confidence and learning from errors. Together, they explore how we can move beyond memorising word lists to helping students understand how words work.

In this episode of GSS Unpacked, Lise and Wegs are joined by Carly to unpack Personalised Learning Plans (PLPs) and reasonable adjustments.

Together, they explore how PLPs work as living documents, what teachers can expect to find in them, and the importance of collaboration, consultation and student voice. The team also dives into reasonable adjustments—what they are, how they remove barriers to learning and assessment, and where the line sits between supporting access and changing what is being assessed.

From scaffolds and assistive technology to scribing, assessment design and cognitive verbs, this episode is packed with practical examples for ensuring every student can access the curriculum while maintaining the integrity of the Australian Curriculum.

In this episode of GSS Unpacked, Lisa and Hannah unpack one of the key elements of explicit instruction: eliciting frequent responses.

Joined by Libby, Ben and Rachelle, they explore what frequent responding can look like across different contexts — from an EAL/D lens to Prep and the senior school. The team shares practical strategies including Turn and Talk, Whip Around or Pass, whiteboards, gestures and movement, while discussing the importance of explicitly teaching routines, maintaining a perky pace and creating a classroom culture where every student is expected and supported to participate.

Lisa and Hannah also reflect on their own experiences with explicit instruction and explore how frequent responses provide powerful opportunities to check for understanding, give immediate corrective feedback and adjust teaching in the moment.

A practical conversation about starting small, building strong routines and making every student's thinking visible.

In this episode of GSS Unpacked, Han sits down with Dani to unpack the key takeaways from Dani’s recent professional learning with Professor Lorraine Hammond on The Science of Reading and Instructional Practice.

Together, they chat about what effective Daily Reviews really look like, including perky pace, frequent student responses, immediate corrective feedback, consistent routines and keeping learning focused and purposeful. Dani also shares insights into explicit instruction, oral language, vocabulary, writing, cognitive load and why sight word reading is the goal — not the strategy.

Most importantly, this episode reinforces that much of what we are doing at GSS is on the right track — and challenges us to keep refining our practice as we learn more.

In this episode of GSS Unpacked, Lise and Wegs chat with Libby (Differentiation Coordinator) about intervention at GSS. They explore how students are selected and grouped, what happens during intervention sessions, how progress is monitored and how classroom teachers can support intervention students through strong Tier 1 instruction. Libby also shares how students “graduate” from intervention and celebrates the dedicated team working behind the scenes to improve students’ reading trajectories.

In this episode of GSS Unpacked, Lis and Wegs are joined by their first podcast pal, Kaitlin, to unpack her first coaching experience in shared and dialogic reading. They explore how coaching strengthened planning, text selection, questioning, gradual release and student participation, while building consistent routines and language across the school. It’s a practical look at learning together, refining practice and growing confidence through collaborative coaching. 

In our first episode of GSS Unpacked, Lis and Wegs unpack what high-quality fluency instruction looks like at GSS. We explore practical fluency routines, differentiation across year levels, intervention and MTSS, common practices to avoid, and simple ways to keep every student reading, progressing and engaged.

Welcome to GSS Unpacked! In this introductory episode, Lis and Wegs share why the podcast was created, what you can expect from future episodes, and how it will capture the curriculum, pedagogy and practice shaping teaching and learning at GSS. Hear how staff voices, questions and expertise will help drive the conversations along the way.