Weekly eNews
Dr Ray Swann
Deputy Headmaster, Head of the Crowther CentreOur Effective Learner Model (ELM) provides clear architecture for the way we teach at Brighton Grammar. This model helps to ensure that our students are being exposed to ways of learning and retaining knowledge that they can use effectively and apply across any areas of their lives.
Next Wednesday, Kristen Molloy and I will be running a webinar for parents of Year 7 boys joining BGS next year. If you’d like to hear more about our ELM, or have any questions, this would be a great opportunity to engage. You can also read more below.
Until next week, enjoy your learning.
Dr Ray Swann
Deputy Headmaster / Head of the Crowther Centre
How can you support your son to be an effective learner?
Every parent wants their son to be a confident, motivated learner. Research shows that the most effective learners are those who approach learning with the right attitudes, habits, and support structures.
At Brighton Grammar, our Effective Learner Model provides a framework to help students understand what it means to be ready to learn, how to learn well, and how to contribute to a community of learning. Parents play a vital role in this process — by modelling positive learning habits.
Here are the four areas of the model and how you can support your son at home:
- Learning Dispositions – Help your son prepare mentally and physically for learning. Sleep, nutrition, and organisation all contribute to success. Encourage him to set reminders, build routines, and embrace difficult tasks.
- Learning Processes – Talk with him about what he’s learning at school. Ask questions like, “Show me what you’re learning in Mathematics today,” or “Tell me about a character in the book you are studying in English?”
- Learning Design – Support him to act on feedback and share when his next key assessments are occurring. What’s one area of this subject you are finding tricky?
- Learning Culture – Celebrate effort as much as achievement. Reinforce that learning happens best in community — when students contribute, collaborate, and support one another. Ask, “Who helps you with your work?” or “What’s one small thing you can do this week to improve?”
When parents, teachers, and students all use the same language of learning, it strengthens the culture of growth across the whole school community.
To learn more about the Effective Learner Model and how you can support your son’s development, please visit the Crowther Centre website or you could attend our upcoming workshop next week, aimed at families of boys who are joining Year 7 at BGS in 2026, but relevant to all.
Dr Mark Dowley
Associate Head of the Crowther Centre
Staff Development and Consulting