BUSINESS PLAN 2012 2015 Achieve APPLECROSS SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL An Independent Public School
As a leading independent public school, Applecross Senior High School responds to the rapidly changing world environment as it has done since 1958. The Business Plan (2012 2015) will determine the nature and delivery of educational programs and deployment of resources to meet the current and emerging needs of our school community. The Plan is a direct response to the State and National educational environment and to our own circumstances, including the redevelopment of the school over four years at a cost of $56 million. From the Principal Maureen Lorimer Principal Applecross Senior High School has a strong history of excellence and our experienced and dedicated staff takes pride in providing opportunities for our students to achieve success in a variety of fields. The needs of our academically able students are specifically catered for through an outstanding Academic Extension Program that has been in place since 1990. Whilst a large number of our students gain entrance to their university course of choice, we also provide a range of options for students with a successful Flexible Learning program and a number of nationally accredited certificate courses. We foster co-curricular opportunities by participation in programs such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award, World Challenge Expedition, Debating and Public Speaking, French and Japanese Language Hubs, and a wide selection of curriculum based local, state and national competitions. We are a vibrant multicultural school that welcomes International Fee Paying students who enjoy the additional language support provided by specialist English as an Additional Language or Dialect teachers. Our diverse school community provides opportunities for students to mix with young people from across the world. The school s Business Plan will ensure that we strive for excellence in all aspects of our school operations, allowing our students to achieve to the best of their ability and develop skills and values that will enable them to transition successfully into further education, training or employment. Our plan provides a sustainable vision for the direction of Applecross Senior High School during the next three years which will see our school undergo considerable change and growth.
OUR VISION Applecross Senior High School is committed to excellence and optimum development so that our graduates are well-adjusted, creative, have resilience and self-esteem and are able to contribute meaningfully to society. To achieve our vision we will aim to: consistently improve the academic outcomes and achievements of our students provide opportunities for all students to engage in a wide range of co-curricular, sporting and cultural activities ensure the complete well-being of each student Excellence and equity the basis of a strong public education system for every student OUR BELIEFS At Applecross Senior High School we believe that every child has the right to a high quality school education. Accordingly we are committed to: teachers enriching the classroom learning for our students providing students with the skills, understandings and values to reach their academic potential meeting the needs, aspirations and interests of all students OUR VALUES Applecross Senior High School has a strong tradition of positive interpersonal relationships founded on trust, respect and shared responsibility. The school s core values of Mutual Respect and Personal Best were developed through workshops with parents, students and staff members. It is expected that all students will take personal responsibility and make positive contributions to the school community. Mutual Respect caring for self and others caring for the environment being honest, sincere and seeking the truth treating others with consideration and regard being accountable for personal actions being understanding of others, and their cultures plus accepting diversity Personal Best seeking to accomplish something worthy and admirable trying hard and pursuing excellence setting meaningful goals seeking assistance and support to improve personal performance creating personal success APPLECROSS SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL: BUSINESS PLAN 3
Student Improvement Achievement Targets To increase the overall student progress in Year 9 NAPLAN tests so students are achieving at or above the expected level. To increase by 5% the number of Academic Extension students in Years 8 to Year 10 who achieve a minimum of four A grades per semester inclusive of their AE course/s. 80% of Year 12 Gifted & Talented Visual Art students will score in the High or Excellent achievement band of Stage 3 Visual Art and Design courses. 85% of Year 12 Specialist Tennis students will score in the High or Excellent achievement band of Stage 3 Physical Education Studies practical examination. To increase to a minimum of 15% the number of Year 12 students who sit a Stage 3 WACE course examination and achieve a scaled score of 75 or more. To increase by 5% the number of Vocational Education & Training students who attain a Certificate II or higher by the end of Year 12. To increase the Year 12 Attainment rate to 90%.
As the priorities in this plan are implemented, over the next three years, we will maintain our commitment to the belief that every child has a right to a high quality school education. By focusing on the priorities and aspirations in this plan, we believe that Applecross Senior High School will make a real difference to our students and the local community. Our priorities PRIORITY 1 High Quality Teaching and Learning Through a greater focus on professional learning the skill sets of staff will be aligned to the needs of our students to ensure that high quality teaching and learning takes place in every classroom. PRIORITY 2 Collaboration and Partnerships The school will respond to local needs by working collaboratively in a diverse range of settings to enhance the outcomes for all Applecross SHS students. PRIORITY 3 Academic, Social and Emotional Development The school will identify areas requiring attention, put measures in place to address them and monitor student progress so that every student will achieve their personal best. APPLECROSS SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL: BUSINESS PLAN 5
Priority 1: High Quality Teaching & Learning
PRIORITY Classroom Instructional Strategies Critical and creative thinking are fundamental skills in the 21st century. Thinking that is productive, purposeful and intentional is at the core of effective learning. Therefore, our teachers will explicitly teach and embed critical and creative thinking within curriculum courses to encourage students to engage in higher order learning. The school will invest in targeted professional learning to support high quality, innovative teaching, assessment and reporting practices so that the skill sets of our teachers align with the needs of our students. National Professional Standards Teachers have an obligation to adhere to the accepted standards of their profession. The new National Professional Standards for Teaching, which have been endorsed by all Australian states, outline the dimensions of practice for teachers at all phases of their careers. Adoption of the National Professional Standards for Teaching will be supported by appropriate professional learning so that pedagogy is formally grounded by shared professional understandings. Australian Curriculum Students need to develop a set of knowledge, skills, behaviours and dispositions that will allow them to become lifelong learners. The syllabus content, as outlined in the Australian Curriculum, will be adopted by our teachers, together with the General Capabilities: Literacy, Numeracy, ICT, Personal and Social Capability, Ethical Behaviour and Intercultural Understanding. Students will successfully engage with all aspects of the Australian Curriculum. Technology To participate in a knowledge-based economy and to be empowered within a technologically sophisticated society, our students need the knowledge, skills and confidence to make ICT work for them. It is essential that students learn to investigate, create and communicate with ICT; make the most of the technologies available to them; adapt to new ways of doing things as technologies evolve; and limit the risks to themselves and others in a digital environment. PERFORMANCE INFORMATION Build staff capacity to deliver the essential skills of thinking, creativity and communication Provide staff the opportunity to explore their own interests in education within the scope of the school s planning and aspirations for our students Ensure that effective teaching practices are employed in all classrooms A balanced curriculum with a strong focus on critical and creative thinking Exceptional levels of collaboration among staff A strong staff commitment to the school and its students Support staff professional and career development Assist teachers to use the standards to provide improved educational outcomes for students Performance Information: Evidence that teachers are continually evaluating and improving their classroom practice Teachers will demonstrate professional growth within the career stage that is appropriate to their experience Adhere to the Department of Education timeline for the implementation of the Australian Curriculum Support teachers through the provision of relevant resources and support initiatives Embed the general capabilities and three crosscurriculum priorities in all learning areas together with curriculum content The extent to which teachers programs target literacy, numeracy, ICT, thinking, creativity, teamwork and communication to complement curriculum content The number of students meeting or exceeding the standards outlined in the Australian Curriculum Provide staff and students with digital technology to enhance teaching and learning Equip staff and students to reduce the risk factors in using technologies Expand the opportunities for teacher professional learning Staff and students demonstrate control over how, where and when they learn Teachers routinely employ appropriate technologies to deliver relevant and engaging learning experiences Students are equipped to make effective use of ICT in both their learning and everyday lives APPLECROSS SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL: BUSINESS PLAN 7
Priority 2: Collaboration and partnerships
PRIORITY Sustainability We are committed to involving our students in working projects with university researchers and local community members to directly address global issues. To become global citizens of the future our students require an understanding and awareness, that global interdependence of economies and technologies connects individuals and communities beyond the borders of their countries; and, that global cooperation will help create a sustainable environment for future generations. PERFORMANCE INFORMATION Expand opportunities for student participation in programs and events that develop understandings of global perspectives and issues Engage our students in a range of environmental projects Support students to develop critical, well-informed decision making skills Student participation in a range of programs offered by partnership agencies: - World Challenge assistance program - Duke of Edinburgh award program - Wireless Hill re-vegetation - Future Farms project Student engagement in community service programs Alliances We identify the importance of enhancing the learning outcomes for students by actively building upon a wide range of community partnerships including our local primary schools, other secondary schools, universities, polytechnics and international connections. In partnership with external organizations, we will provide students with a range of rich and diverse activities which will promote their development as informed global citizens. Expand our partnership opportunities with the tertiary sector to enhance post-school options for our students Broaden our connections with local and international communities Students successfully participate in university and polytechnic programs as part of their upper secondary program Formalised partnerships with schools in Japan and France Successful local and international programs are available to students Special Programs The school is committed to providing exemplary learning opportunities to nurture individual strengths and talents. Students will have the opportunity to engage in a wide range of programs across the curriculum to maximise their potential. The Academic Extension Program, the Gifted & Talented Visual Art program and the Specialist Tennis program will provide a learning environment that extends and enriches students learning experiences. Provide specific training so teachers understand the characteristics of the gifted learner Offer challenging and engaging learning opportunities Broaden curriculum offerings to students Student performance information for specific programs indicates improved standards of achievement Students participate in co-curricular programs: - Annual Academic Extension Camp - Gifted & Talented Visual Art Saturday morning program - Gifted & Talented Visual Art Camp - Inter-state and international tennis tournaments & tours - Literature program - Language & Music tours - Exhibitions/Competitions APPLECROSS SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL: BUSINESS PLAN 9
Priority 3: Academic, Social & Emotional Development
PRIORITY Academic Progress Every student has the opportunity to achieve success, to build on their strengths and extend their achievements. We recognise the importance of providing students with a range of skills, knowledge and understandings so they engage confidently and capably in the world of further education, training and employment PERFORMANCE INFORMATION Assess students needs and direct the resources of the school to address individual requirements Offer a differentiated curriculum that challenges and engages all students Encourage higher order thinking and cooperative learning skills Support students to develop critical, well informed decision making skills Tailor pathways so students graduate with appropriate post-school options Student performance demonstrates value adding appropriate to ability and aspirations Programs reflect the diverse needs of our student population Students are equipped to access a wide variety of postschool destinations Our Values We seek to develop young people who are critical thinkers; articulate and committed to social justice and equity; espouse the school values of Mutual Respect and Personal Best; and, embrace the traditions of Applecross Senior High School. The value of Mutual Respect is pivotal for creating empathy and care for those around us. Our students will be known for the positive impact they have on others through their intentional actions. We expect all students will work towards their Personal Best and demonstrate mutual respect in all their interactions. Emotional & Social Development The challenges of today s complex world demand that students are resilient and resourceful. Students require the skills to communicate effectively and relate to others in a range of diverse situations. Develop strategies to foreground the school s values so that they are embedded in our everyday practice Emphasise in our daily operations personal values and attributes such as honesty, resilience and respect for others Celebrate racial and cultural diversity and expose students to other points of view Set high personal goals and demonstrate the connection between steady consistent work and success Applecross SHS students exemplify the school values Coursework exposes students to social justice issues Students engage in positive social interactions and are confident, persistent and organised Provide a balance of pastoral care, leadership and high quality teaching and learning Support students to choose healthy, positive and safe behaviours Create opportunities for students to develop leadership skills and communicate effectively School processes include consideration for the health and wellbeing of students The school is recognised as a safe learning environment Students participate in a range of social activities: - Excursions and Annual Ski Trip - Ball/Dinner Dance - EXO Week/Harmony Week - Debating/Public Speaking - Student Representative Council - Committees - Cultural exchange programs APPLECROSS SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL: BUSINESS PLAN 11
APPLECROSS SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Links Road, Ardross, Western Australia, 6153 T: 08 9314 9393 F: 08 9364 1832 E: axshs.email@education.wa.edu.au W: www.applecross.wa.edu.au