D-Inquiry
D-Inquiry: Where the Learning Adventure Begins
From Playgroup to Year 4
At Dunalastair School, the educational journey begins with D-Inquiry, a transformative experience based on inquiry as the driving force behind learning. Inspired by the principles of Common Ground Collaborative, this program breaks with traditional approaches from the earliest years of school life.
From Infant (Playgroup, Prekinder and Kinder), our students discover the world through wonder. Learning becomes an experience that combines curiosity, play and connection with real life. At this stage, teachers provoke questions, guide exploration, and create learning environments where every experience leaves a mark.
At D-Inquiry, the focus is on developing fundamental skills: critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication. Content becomes the medium, not the end. What remains is what students can do with what they know.
As they progress to Junior (Year 1 to 4), students become more independent: they no longer just answer questions, but ask them themselves.
D-Inquiry culminates in Year 4, which in its second semester works on the ‘Adapt to Survive’ project and concludes with a major milestone: “My First Camp”, a three-day experience where students apply their learning in a real-world environment by working as a team.
At D-Inquiry, students delve into four Units of Inquiry per year.
The Inquiry Cycle as a Living Structure
Each learning unit is structured according to the Inquiry Cycle:
- Tuning In: Curiosity is sparked through provocations and live connections with Human Commonalities.
- Finding Out: Knowledge and concepts are explored, investigated and deepened.
- Going Further: Interdisciplinary skills are developed based on new questions.
- Taking Action: A meaningful response, product, or action is created, linking learning to reality.
Everything is reflected on the Inquiry Wall, documenting the progress of each class.
Interdisciplinarity with Meaning
At D-Inquiry, the boundaries between subjects are blurred. Mathematics, science, language and English are integrated into Units of Inquiry with macro and micro organising concepts. This global perspective allows students to build a deep understanding of the world.
Assessment that Empowers
Assessment is continuous and meaningful, focusing on specific competencies:
- Qualitative: Observe progressive achievements.
- Quantitative: Uses numerical scales to show levels of development.
Each student is supported to reach their full potential.
The Role of the Teacher: Catalyst for Learning
Our teachers do not provide answers; they raise questions. We are facilitators who challenge students to think, investigate, and construct meaningful knowledge.
Key Benefits of D-Inquiry
An interdisciplinary approach for broad, deep, and integrated learning.
Aprendizaje experiencial conectado con vivencias reales.
Progressive assessment based on competencies.
Promoting autonomy, agency, and metacognition.
Natural transition to the D-Project stage, based on previous research.
‘The Inquiry Cycle guides all learning, developing critical thinking and deep understanding.’
The importance of choosing
At D-Inquiry (Year 1 to 4), students have the option of taking either ‘Catholic Religion’ or ‘Activity,’ which incorporates various disciplines and skills such as artistic, motor, creative, and research activities.
D-Inquiry is more than just a program:
It is the first step in an educational philosophy that connects the classroom with the future.
Are you ready to discover D-Inquiry?
