The Korowa Learning Framework
How Girls Learn
Developing confidence, intrinsic motivation and purpose in learning
At Korowa, we believe that how students learn is just as important as what they learn.
The Korowa Learning Framework guides how teaching and learning happen across the School. It reflects a simple but powerful understanding: students flourish when they feel motivated, supported and confident in themselves as learners.
This framework shapes classroom practice, relationships and learning experiences at every stage of a Korowa education.
Intrinsic Motivation
Motivation matters
All students are capable of learning, but intrinsic motivation is what underpins the most productive and fulfilling learning.
When students are curious, feel connected and experience success, they are more likely to engage deeply, persist through challenge and take ownership of their learning. When these conditions are missing, confidence can drop and disengagement can follow.
The Korowa Learning Framework is designed to support the conditions that help students stay intrinsically motivated and thrive: academically, socially and emotionally.
What students need to flourish
Research into learning and wellbeing consistently shows that students learn best when three core needs are met. The Korowa Learning Framework ensures these needs are intentionally supported across classrooms, year levels and learning experiences.
Autonomy
Students feel more motivated when they have a voice in their learning and understand why what they are doing matters.
Autonomy does not mean unstructured learning, it means that clear expectations are paired with meaningful choice and ownership.
Belonging
Learning is deeply relational.
Students thrive when they feel known, valued and connected to their teachers and peers, and when they feel safe to ask questions, take risks and be themselves.
Competence
Confidence grows when students experience progress and success.
Carefully structured learning, feedback and support help students build skills, recognise growth and believe in their own capability.
In Practice
What this looks like
In practice, the Korowa Learning Framework shapes:
- Learning experiences that are structured, supportive and purposeful
- Teaching approaches that balance challenge with care
- Opportunities for student voice, reflection and goal-setting
- Strong relationships between students and teachers
- Learning environments where growth is valued over perfection
Students are guided, supported and challenged, not left to navigate learning on their own, and not confined to one-size-fits-all expectations.
Ultimately, students are able to take ownership of and responsibility for their own learning, becoming increasingly independent throughout the process. This is key to developing their sense and experience of autonomy, and building motivation that is intrinsic (internal) rather than relying on external incentives or drivers.
Future focus
Academics and more
A strong education is about more than academic outcomes. It is about developing young people who:
- Are confident in their ability to learn
- Are willing to try, even when learning feels difficult
- Understand themselves as capable, growing individuals
- Can adapt, reflect and persist over time
By focusing on how motivation, belonging and confidence are built, the Korowa Learning Framework supports students to engage deeply with learning. Not just while they are at school, but for life beyond school.
Student-centred
A shared approach
The Korowa Learning Framework provides a shared language and purpose for teaching and learning across the School.
It brings together research, experience and values to ensure that learning is intentional, connected and centred on the needs of each student.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Korowa Learning Framework a specific teaching program or curriculum?
No. The Korowa Learning Framework does not replace the curriculum or prescribe a single teaching method. It guides how learning is approached across subjects and year levels, shaping classroom practice, relationships and learning experiences so students feel motivated, supported and confident as learners.
How does this approach support students with different learning needs?
By focusing on understanding each student as an individual, the Korowa Learning Framework supports differentiated learning, appropriate challenge and targeted support. Teachers use a range of strategies to help students build confidence, experience progress and stay engaged, whether they are seeking extension or additional support.
Does this mean students are given complete freedom over their learning?
No. Supporting student agency does not mean removing structure or expectations. At Korowa, learning is carefully guided and structured, with clear goals and support. Students are encouraged to have a voice in their learning and to understand the purpose behind what they are doing, within a well-designed and supportive framework.
How does the Korowa Learning Framework benefit students beyond the classroom?
By helping students develop confidence, motivation and a strong sense of self as learners, the framework supports skills that extend beyond academic learning, including resilience, self-reflection, collaboration and independence. These qualities help students navigate challenges at school and beyond with confidence and purpose.
Book a tour to learn how Korowa’s approach to learning supports confidence and motivation, and to talk with us about what matters most to your daughter.
