We joined the �Quality in Schools Program� in 1999 with a core team of five staff.
In 2000 produced the video �Quality Learning � The Shebourne Experience� which is a practical demonstration of implementation of Community Shared Values, applying Quality Tools in the classroom, the student self assessment cycle and the Plan, Do, Study, Act continuous improvement cycle in the classroom.
Our reasons for joining the Quality In Schools Program:
A framework for continuous improvement at a whole school, class and individual level
Keen to further develop independent and autonomous learners.
Wanted to establish a strong link between classroom and managerial practices.
Wanted a greater degree of involvement and ownership of decision making at all levels.
Wanted clearly communicated and understood processes throughout the school.
Most importantly, to establish a school climate and culture that represented our school community�s view of an engaging, happy learning environment
What is Quality Learning?
An important point to reiterate � we don�t do quality. We do things in a quality way.
The Quality approach is complimentary and has a strong positive influence on many of the other recent initiatives in education like the Early Years approach to literacy and numeracy and the Middle Years of Schooling
Our achievements in Quality and the Early Years have received departmental recognition ie The Literacy Week Statewide Literacy awards in 2000 and 2001 for using a Quality approach in the Early Years program.
A Quality approach supports the guiding principles of Civics and Citizenship Education and Values Education offering exceptional student leadership opportunities. Our Civics and Citizenship program has won State recognition and the school is seen as a leader in this field.
Systems Model
Systems Thinking is a key feature of a quality approach.
This systems model is applicable to all systems in any environment and at any level of an organisation � regional, whole school or class.
This model is a common feature of business but equally appropriate in education.
The development of shared values, vision and mission that have been created in partnership with our school community establish a culture of beliefs and understandings that permeate all levels of the school. Shared values, vision and mission are important in creating alignment within the school through common directions, goals, plans and actions.
Positive Relationships
By focusing on developing relationships between all community stakeholders, we are creating the supportive and safe environment and recognising the enormous impact that people have on an organisation reaching it�s potential.
Achieving Continuous Improvement
The Plan, Do, Study, Act cycle is a nine step process for continual improvement
This tool is used to address opportunities for improvement at a whole school, class and individual level.
This cycle focuses on improvement. People will often challenge change as it can be positive or negative. More difficult to be anti improvement.
This process is the same at all levels of the school. At a classroom level, the grade identifies aspects of their program, either curriculum or organisational, that they see as opportunities for improvement.
Deployment Flowchart
Deployment flowcharts are used to document processes. The same flowchart format is used for the documentation of whole school processes and classroom processes.
Self Assessment
Ongoing monitoring and reflection on performance and progress are essential components of Quality Learning to facilitate continuous improvement.
We have been actively involved in self assessment on all levels: as a school, as a class and as individuals � staff and students � to monitor our progress; plan our future goals and reflect on the success of the strategies employed to achieve these.
Student Self Assessment has become embedded at Sherbourne. It enables children to reflect on their achievements and plan goals as a direction for their future progress.
We have customised a school wide strategy for student self assessment with terminology and content is consistent across the school. The Capacity Matrix main self assessment tool and Student Led Conferences where children present their learning have replaced the traditional Parent/Teacher interviews.
Benefits to Sherbourne of the Quality Learning implementation
The enhancement of positive relationships throughout the school community.
Continuous improvement of practices and processes at all levels.
The creation of a more motivating learning and working environment.
Data based decision making
A quality approach really is the cutting edge of common sense.
Strong emphasis on the �big picture� for the school and the importance of the input of all individuals. Shared responsibility.
For More Information:
Contact: Ray Kaso � Principal
Telephone: 613 9434 7142
Facsimile: 613 9432 0498
email:
Quality Learning
