From the Director of Learning (Acting)

There is an exciting energy around the College as we have commenced the year with renewed vigour, motivated by ‘Engagement for Excellence.’ Teachers have been working across all learning areas to embed the ‘Instructional Framework’ in their lesson planning and to ensure that clear ‘Learning Intentions’ and ‘Success Criteria’ have been set to maximise clarity in student learning. Teaching staff are working on gaining more familiarity with all aspects of the framework, with particular focus on reviewing and enhancing curriculum at Year 9 and 10. It is an exciting time for Saint Ignatius College, as we continue this great work in the curriculum space, which is research backed and data driven.

Across classrooms, we have completed ACER testing, along with pre-assessments across specific learning areas to ascertain skill levels and content understanding of the students in our academic care for the year ahead. To scaffold this, Belonging Week has included learning around transition, academic skills, learning attributes and relational learning.

In addition to this, myself, Mrs Robyn Jackson, Ms Jemma Morris and a number of Learning Area Leaders and coordinators have enrolled in the ‘Teach Well Masterclass’ professional development series. We are indeed dedicated to bringing the best methodology and current practice to our school. We have completed Day 1 in Melbourne and have active coursework to conduct in the school prior to our return to Day 2.

To support this structure, we have Learning Area meetings rotating fortnightly, where teachers are gathering to work on curriculum development and teaching methodology alternately. All aspects of school life are geared towards supporting teachers to create meaningful learning with measurable outcomes for our students.

It is an exciting season of growth and vision as we strive for the Magis of ‘Continuous Improvement’ across our curriculum, and support our Catholic ethos of upholding the dignity of every child in our care. We commit to this by offering them the highest level of academic opportunity, support and rigour.