Australind Senior High School
Western Australia
Reflective culture
The introduction of reforms and new programes over the past four years has seen Australind Senior High School’s year 12 students performing at a significantly high level.
Through the development of a reflective culture the staff focused on the analysis of student performance and teaching practice. This approach to improvement included student interviews, changes in pedagogy supported by professional development, the appointment of peer coaches for staff and tutorial sessions for students.
Together the staff and students share accountability for the progress of the school. The school’s reforms and the success of the programs have seen enrolments grow along with the public reputation of the school.
Camberwell Grammar School
Victoria
Improved mathematics teaching and learning environment
Camberwell Grammar Junior School has achieved significant improvement in mathematical results through the development of a new curriculum and the professional growth of teachers.
The school’s mathematics program caters to the needs of all students, placing greater emphasis on open ended investigations rather than textbook activities. A similar approach has been applied to professional development and parental involvement in children’s learning.
Recent national mathematics test results were outstanding, student learning has improved noticeably and students approach their studies in mathematics with confidence. Teachers work from a learner’s focus rather than a content view of learning and eagerly share their new strategies and problem solving skills with others.
Christian Brothers’ College
Western Australia
Improved boys’ education
Christian Brothers’ College has achieved dramatic improvements in academic performance over the last five years resulting in the transformation of the college from educational decline to academic success.
Through the introduction of a range of initiatives including a mentor program, a teaching and classroom management program, improvements in curriculum delivery, pedagogy and assessment and reporting processes the teaching and learning culture of the college has been transformed. Initiatives to actively involve parents (particularly fathers) in their sons’ education were also introduced.
The school is producing exceptional results with all graduating students achieving university entrance scores and many of them achieving their first choice at university.
Claremont College
Tasmania
Vocational and technical education
Claremont College has achieved excellent results in its undertakings to improve the retention of students to year 12 through an outstanding combined general and vocational education program.
The vocational program resulted from an investigation of national and local skills’ shortages. It features strategic industry alliances and offers a selection of programs that align with student and industry needs. A further element of the program’s success has been the recruitment of teachers with industry knowledge and experience.
The college has been very successful in improving the retention rate and the skill level of year 12 students. Learning is more meaningful for students and the community has benefited with an increase in the number of skilled workers.
Holy Family Primary School
New South Wales
Improved language skills
Holy Family Primary School has achieved remarkable success in improving language and reading skills in students.
In light of its high proportion of Indigenous students and students from non-English speaking backgrounds, the school recruited a speech therapist to help staff identify students with language difficulties, provide strategies to overcome these challenges, and to work with parents to enable them to assist their children at home. Excursions proved to be an effective mechanism to boost verbal language skills with many parents reporting that their children would talk excitedly about their experiences.
As a result of the school’s efforts, many of its students have progressed five levels in their reading over a seven month period and other schools within the area are interested in adopting similar strategies.
Kingsgrove North High School
New South Wales
Improving academic performance
Kingsgrove North High School has dramatically improved its reputation, academic performance and literacy and numeracy skills across the school.
The school community, particularly the staff, has demonstrated a significant commitment to re-building the school by creating a student centred learning environment with high expectations and standards. A range of initiatives including mentor support, student welfare programs, tailored teaching practices and the involvement of parents and carers in school activities have contributed to improved outcomes for students.
Year 7 enrolments have almost doubled and 13 of last year’s students are now pursuing studies in medicine, law, architecture and other specialised areas as a result of the school’s exceptional turnaround.
Loxton Primary School
South Australia
Literacy outcomes
Literacy skills of students at Loxton Primary School have improved significantly as a result of the initiative and dedication of the staff over the last five years.
A strong team approach to the implementation of a consistent literacy program across the school has involved teachers in regular discussions, sharing the latest classroom practices and the development of a common language across the school. Parents are invited to participate in workshops to learn new and improved ways to support their children at home.
Since the program’s introduction, state-wide test results have shown that most students are now either at or above their spelling and reading ages, with many moving a minimum of two years ahead in their abilities in one year.
Northern Beaches Christian School
New South Wales
Improving the school as a whole
Northern Beaches Christian School has undergone a remarkable transition from a traditional school to a vibrant learning community, as a result of the new directions taken by the school.
Extensive research and the dedicated work of the school team have led to a rise in the standard of education and the development of a culture of continual improvement. Teaching and learning programs have been enhanced with the introduction of class student profiles, a comprehensive range of elective courses, care groups, the integration of e-learning into the curriculum and ongoing staff professional development.
The achievement of high academic standards and a tripling of student enrolments has brought Northern Beaches Christian School both national and international attention and produced several award winning students.
Mackellar Primary School
Victoria
Literacy and numeracy
Since the Concepts Program began in 2005, Mackellar Primary School students’ literacy and numeracy skills have risen significantly, meeting school and state targets and reducing the need for additional support staff.
The program, which aims to improve the oral language capacities and understandings of preparatory students, is led by a multi-disciplinary team made up of teacher leaders, classroom teachers and a speech pathologist.
The program has had a positive impact on teacher attitudes and reinforced the importance of teachers having high expectations for all students.
Mordialloc College
Victoria
Integrated year 7 curriculum
Mordialloc College has successfully introduced an innovative year 7 curriculum that aims to transform learning and improve student’s final year assessment results.
The college has created an open learning environment supported by a team of teachers. Students are self-directed, engaged and have a clear understanding of their learning processes. They work from a capacity matrix that outlines their expected learning on a monthly basis. This is supported by a resource matrix as well as compulsory workshops to ensure students gain the right mix of skills and knowledge.
As a result of the open learning approach students have formed strong relationships with their peers and teachers, are more engaged with their learning, have a positive attitude to school and have improved their learning achievements.
Ocean Grove Primary School
Victoria
Social intelligence
Through its Buckets and Balls program, Ocean Grove Primary School has created a learning environment where all boys succeed.
Working with two groups of 25 boys for ten weeks, a male teacher takes students through a range of physical, musical and reading activities to target different aspects of their social intelligence. Perseverance, concentration and team work form the focus of the physical component. The musical element centres around percussion and the reading activities promote relaxation, reflection and discussion.
The social capital that has emerged from the Buckets and Balls program has carried into the classroom setting with students displaying a greater sense of responsibility and respect for others.
Pittsworth State High School
Queensland
Engaging students through productive partnerships
Pittsworth State High School has achieved remarkable improvements in social, academic, cultural and vocational outcomes over the last five years, surpassing all previous school performances.
As a result of a school curriculum review undertaken in 2000, the school implemented new strategic directions. Staff engaged in a range of change and educative processes including professional development, programming, classroom practices and curriculum. The strong links the school has built with its community, training partners, regional university and local council significantly improved employment outcomes.
As a result of the school’s endeavours, improved student performance has resulted in excellent tertiary entrance scores for year 12 students and the majority of last year’s graduates have taken up further educational and/or vocational opportunities.
Springfield Primary School
Western Australia
Improved student social and academic outcomes
Springfield Primary School’s year 6/7 teaching team has advanced the social and academic outcomes of students through its renewed focus on middle schooling philosophies.
An Early Adolescent Education Program was developed to provide more relevant approaches to learning for middle year students. Classes were restructured into multi-age groups and cooperative learning strategies were introduced. Teachers worked collaboratively, planning integrated programs, participated in professional development and maintained learning journals to inform the review process.
Since the year 6/7 program was introduced student achievement, as measured by state literacy and numeracy assessments, shows significant improvement, students have a positive attitude to school and learning groups are socially cohesive.
Thornlands State School
Queensland
Improving literacy practices
The year 7 students at Thornlands State School have achieved outstanding results in the state based writing tests because of the school’s long term focus on language.
Prompted by below average writing results and the view that literacy forms the foundation of all learning, the school sought to strengthen this vital area and in turn, increase student engagement and confidence.
With support from a social skills program and a mentoring program, students have demonstrated positive engagement in literacy activities and become more effective communicators. Through the programs, the number of students requiring additional support with their writing has decreased.
Victor Harbor Primary School
South Australia
Literacy and numeracy
Victor Harbor Primary School has achieved success in improving literacy levels and learning outcomes in numeracy through the implementation of its Operational Plan in Literacy and Numeracy. Two teacher coordinators were appointed in 2005 to manage a three year literacy and numeracy plan which focuses on student outcomes by targeting pedagogical change, effective use of resources and professional learning for teachers.
The school values diversity and strives to support each student’s individual interests and abilities. It provides extensive opportunities for engaging students in meaningful learning experiences such as a marine studies room, a weather station and a penguin preservation program.
The school has forged many strong links with the wider community and has gained respect as a valued education facility.