Parents choose for their own child. Everyone hopes their school will help their child find their strengths and thrive. The “ideal school” for most families is most likely one that provides an inclusive education: it caters for the gifted and talented kids, but is inclusive for kids with disabilities too.
At St Columba, we constantly reflect on our performance, think about how we can do better and look at the research that might guide us to becoming a school that offers and sustains a truly excellent education for our students.
So, what are the things that make a difference between a good school and one that achieves excellence in education?
The New South Wales Department of Education specify five categories of excellence in their School Excellence Framework:
1. Culture: A clear set of values and beliefs that is practised and reinforced by all authorities in the school. A school that achieves excellence sets out their expectations for students, staff and parents – and they communicate that message regularly to their community.
2. Wellbeing: This relates to the collective and individual needs of students including, but not limited to, psychological, physiological, belonging, self-esteem and self-actualisation. Wellbeing in schools revolves around the key ways that different groups can come together, get involved and be fulfilled in their learning journey.
3. Curriculum and Learning: This is a structured plan of action that delivers a high standard and equitable academic opportunities for students. The NSW Department of Education states that, “curriculum programs and teaching practices effectively develop the knowledge, understanding and skills of all students, using evidence-based teaching practices and innovative delivery mechanisms where appropriate.”
4. Assessment and Reporting: This refers to the ability and resources needed to effectively monitor, plan and report on student performance to parents and carers. Consistent practices in this category should be evident school-wide and across all learning areas. Schools that demonstrate excellence excel in this area.
5. Student Performance Measures: Schools that achieve excellence in the four categories already covered, tend to be successful in student performance as well. Their students consistently excel in their performance across learning areas.
Here are some other opinions:
Summarising the research (and some opinions) it is generally accepted that the best schools have:
Our stated goal is to become “the most outstanding school in NSW.” We are not there yet but we can see that it is possible and that will keep us moving towards true educational excellence.
Anything else would be a betrayal of our vision and our students’ future.
Want to share your thoughts on this story, or do you have something you’d like to add? Email me at principal@scas.nsw.edu.au
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