The Walker Learning Approach provides authentic personalised learning from pre-school to year 8.  The platform for the WLA embraces best pedagogical practice, developmentally appropriate practice and effective practical application.  The WLA draws upon elements of developmentally appropriate practice in order to ensure that well researched and longstanding principles of practice and implementation are maintained. In addition to incorporating some of the principles of developmentally appropriate practice, the WLA is also informed by empirical studies on teaching and learning from around the world-in particular two recent studies from the USA and UK which identify key criteria for effective, meaningful and sustained learning which produce high levels of engagement for students as they move into their middle and upper primary years (Alexander, Armstrong & Flutter et al. 2009; Miller & Almon 2009).

The philosophy of the approach is the same (student engagement and personalised learning) from pre-school to year 8 - however the pedagogical approach used within this philosophy is defined by the stage of development of the children being taught.  Consistent with this the WLA has core elements that define the teaching and learning from pre-school to year 2 (WLA P-2) and from year 3 to year 8 (WLA 3-8).  To ensure that the integrity and rigor of the approach is maintained the core elements are considered to be "not negotiable".

The core elements for WLA (P-2) and WLA (3-8) are based on developmentally appropriate practice and ensure authentic personalised learning and student engagement.