Independent Schools Australia (ISA) and principals and teachers from Independent schools in Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland highlighted innovation in priority areas for reform including equity, wellbeing and workforce in a meeting with Minister for Education Mr Jason Clare in March.
CEO of Independent Schools Australia, Mr Graham Catt, said the meeting provided a valuable opportunity to showcase the diversity of Independent schools across Australia and the various approaches they take to deliver positive outcomes for students and the community through innovative approaches and practices.
“The Independent school sector educates over 700,000 Australian students. The autonomous nature of Independent schools can encourage a culture of innovation, and early adoption of new technologies and strategies to improve student outcomes,” Mr Catt said.
“All three school education sectors in Australia – government, Catholic and Independent – must be supported to deliver strong learning outcomes for their students, attract and retain a strong teacher workforce, and have a positive impact on their communities.”
Principal of Treetops Montessori School in the Perth Hills, Western Australia, Mr Stuart Harris said: “We are proud of the strong Treetops community we have built. We blend the Western Australian Curriculum with Montessori and International Baccalaureate philosophies in a student-centred environment to meet our students where they are.”
Principal of Bethany Christian School in Paralowie, South Australia, Ms Wendy Matear said: “Our strength lies in the diversity of our student community to foster independent learning and thinking. More than 45 per cent of our students speak English as their second language with more than one-third having a disability. We know that we can support students to achieve their potential when their teachers are supported and empowered throughout their careers as well.”
CEO of Hymba Yumba School in Springfield, Queensland, Ms Karla Brady said: “As an Italgal woman from Moa Island in the Torres Strait, culture is incredibly important to me and my community. I’m incredibly proud of our focus on First Nations culture and community to provide innovative and transformative First Nations education.”
ISA is set to release its landmark research report Improving outcomes for all: Leading reform through innovation in April.
About Independent schools in Australia:
• Over the past 50 years, the Independent school sector has grown from 114,000 students in 1970 to more than 700,000, representing an increase in student share across the three school sectors from four per cent to 17 per cent.
• There are more than 9,000 students enrolled in 143 special schools and special assistance schools across Australia that educate and support students with disabilities and other specialised needs.
• 1 in 6 Australian students are enrolled in an Independent School.
• 83 per cent of Independent schools have a religious affiliation.
• 1 in 3 Independent schools are in regional or remote areas.
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