Virtual spaces to share PD/Network/specialist knowledge/resources/learning strategies/teaching strategies/links for both students and staff Teachers workshop participant Central administration of knowledge and resources Teachers workshop participant 1.3 Giving students a broad range of skills, experiences and options for the future Key of feedback related to choices about curriculum, how it is delivered and what aspects should be emphasised. There was a strong focus on establishing the right foundations and ensuring students have the right academic and life skills as they move through school and beyond. A range of responses emphasised the importance of making learning fun and engaging, in order to maintain student interest. Providing more choice in subjects, and pathways to work or further study, were also seen as critical for preparing students for life after school. 1.3.1 Addressing fundamental skills such as numeracy and literacy Survey respondents and some community workshop participants raised the fundamental role of literacy and numeracy to ensure students have the right foundations for learning. Much of this feedback indicated a desire to ‘get back to basics’, and ensure that students have the building blocks for later learning. What’s working well Some participants suggested the renewed focus on reading, such as promotion of reading time ‘before the bell’ was resulting in a stronger culture of literacy. Opportunities for improvement Early intervention in literacy and numeracy was seen as critical. Some participants felt that some of the attainment and behavioural challenges experienced in secondary schools can be traced back to inadequate literacy and numeracy capabilities. Some participants felt that the curriculum needed to be simplified or ‘telescoped’ to hone right in on these core skills, alongside a view that there is too much content to get through in the curriculum. Targeted literacy programs were seen as important by some, although others said the number of programs introduced too much complexity. Some felt they knew what programs were needed, but wanted more support to implement them in the classroom. One participant suggested establishing a coordinated plan between schools to ensure students’ literacy and numeracy skills are actively supported as they transition through the levels. Students with low numeracy, and especially with low literacy skills are disadvantaged in area of school and life. Online survey participant …ensuring all students achieve at a minimum state average grades in core subjects such as English and maths. The students are identified, we lack the capacity to give them enough one on one help. Online survey participant
4. Overarching themes: addressing disadvantage, improving educational outcomes and prosperity, aiming higher Learning for Life Pride and confidence in our schools Happy, healthy and resilient kids Breaking the link Other Collaboration to provide opportunities and give kids the best start in life Giving students a broad range of skills, experiences and options for the future Valuing and engaging with schools and learning Empowering teachers to facilitate the best learning experience for their students Providing great learning spaces and facilities Models for school structures and education provision Looking after our kids, recognising and supporting diverse needs Understanding and responding to local socio-economic factors Developing the Shepparton Education Plan Transitioning between early learning, primary school and secondary school Addressing fundamental skills such as numeracy and literacy Engaging parents, carers and families is a critical aspect of improving education outcomes We need to enhance and support teacher capability and approach to education School facilities are in need of upgrading Rethinking secondary school structures Ensuring health and wellbeing are a core part of education Disadvantage is regarded an intergenerational issue in Shepparton Views relating to the consultation process Collaborating with universities, industry and the community Making learning engaging for students We need to lift students’ aspirations and empower them to take Addressing classroom challenges The use of technology is welcomed, but there is a Community views of government secondary schools in the Mental health and resilience are seen as core aspects of teaching children How to get kids coming to kinder and school is seen as a key challenge Factors for consideration, hopes and aspirations
ownership of their future balance to be struck area are influencing choices how to live and healthy lives Information and resource sharing between schools Equipping students with skills for life The community has a role to play in changing perceptions the value of education Recruiting and retaining quality teachers and incentivising good teaching Rethinking the way spaces are used for learning Providing alternative learning settings Better in-school support for students with a disability and/or learning disorders Removing financial stress is considered to be a significant part of reducing the impact of disadvantage We need to do more to support student pathways and prepare them for life after school – whenever that may be Enhancing and integrating community, maternal and child health and welfare services Access to schools is seen as a challenge in Greater Shepparton Teachers want to be better equipped to support students who have experienced trauma Opportunities for students and families in the region are seen to be limited Shepparton is a culturally diverse community – this to be supported and celebrated is a strong view that flexible, individualised and alternative learning