Annual School Report for 2009 - Springwood High School

`NSW Department of Education & Training
2009 Annual School Report
Springwood High School
NSW Public Schools – Leading the way
8446
state. Many staff members willingly work much
harder than can be reasonably expected of them
and for this I give my sincere thanks. The
successes of this school are a direct result of the
partnership between parents, students and the
commitment and dedication of staff in providing
excellent opportunities for all students. These
achievements will be detailed throughout this
report and I encourage readers to read and
celebrate with us.
Our school at a glance
Students
Springwood High School is a comprehensive high
school situated in the Blue Mountains with a proud
tradition of excellence in public education. It draws
students
mainly
from
the
Springwood,
Faulconbridge, Hazelbrook and Lawson areas.
Many students are also enrolled from further up
and down the Mountains as they wish to
experience the extensive range of opportunities
available at our school. We take great pride in the
academic outcomes achieved by students of all
abilities. Our students have achieved excellence
in a large number of areas. These include
academic, student leadership, creative and
performing arts, cultural, sporting excellence and
in assisting parents in developing positive,
proactive members of our community and citizens
of the 21st Century.
I certify that information in this report is the result
of a rigorous school self-evaluation process and is
a balanced and genuine account of the school’s
achievements and areas for development.
Peter McSeveny
P&C message
2009 was a year of outstanding achievements for
Springwood High School, not just in academic and
sporting arenas, but in other ways as well. There
were outstanding results, for example, in the Rock
Eisteddfod, in the Western Sydney Regional
Tournament of the Minds and in the Acoustic
Night held toward the end of 2009. These are
achievements of which all participants – students
and staff – can justifiably be proud.
Staff
We are privileged to have experienced, caring and
talented staff members who have produced
excellent student outcomes. They are the
enthusiastic force behind the provision of
excellent opportunities and experiences for our
students
to
enhance
their
educational
achievements.
The P&C is aware of the fact that these
outstanding results have been achieved under
conditions that are, in certain respects difficult,
and we are doing what we can to have this
situation rectified.
All teaching staff meet the professional
requirements for teaching in NSW public schools.
In this regard, in mid 2009 the P&C invited our
State Member for Blue Mountains to inspect the
buildings and grounds. In June I was able to
accompany Mr Koperberg, along with Vice
President of the P&C Mrs Jackson and Principal
Mr McSeveny, on a tour of the school. We were
able to point out to Mr Koperberg the major areas
of the buildings and grounds where improvements
are necessary. I am pleased to report that positive
steps are now being taken to address some of the
matters that we highlighted, with the potential for
significant benefits to both students and staff.
Messages
Principal's message
It is with great pride and satisfaction that I review
the significant achievements of our high school in
2009. We should all be very proud and
encouraged by the outstanding successes that the
school community has achieved in 2009 at
Springwood High School.
During 2009 our school continued to provide
quality education opportunities for students of all
abilities. We commenced 2009 with 728 students
which entitled us to 53.1 teaching staff. In 2009 96
students completed their Higher School Certificate
in Year 12. The school focus in 2009 continued to
provide the best environment for students to grow
to maturity and reach their potential. Again the
excellent HSC results have strengthened our fine
reputation in the community.
Another issue that was brought to our attention
last year was the absence of any drop-off and
pick-up zones at the front of the school, on Grose
Road. One morning, about the middle of the year,
traffic police fined several parents for dropping off
their children at the school gate in the morning.
The fines were hefty – over $200 each. The P&C
took this matter up with our Ward 2 Councillors.
This problem was subsequently addressed by the
Traffic Committee of Council. As a result, a
system of drop-off and pick-up zones has recently
been established in Grose Road.
I would like to take this formal opportunity to
highlight the most impressive asset of our school.
This is the exceptional number of high quality and
dedicated staff members. Through the efforts of
all of our staff we have been able to be stand out
in our local area and with any similar school in the
On the fundraising side, the P&C last year hosted
rd
the School’s 33 annual Art Show – the region’s
2
premier art show and our major fundraiser.
Thankfully, once again, our Art Show was
financially successful, notwithstanding continuing
difficult economic times.
Student information
It is a requirement that the reporting of information
for all students must be consistent with privacy
and personal information policies.
Our Art Show was joined last year by another
fundraiser – Celebrating Design, a showcase for
st
creative artisans and craftspeople, held on 21
November. I am pleased to report that this event
was also successful.
Student enrolment profile
Male
Female
TOTAL
As a result of these fundraising efforts, the P&C
was able to make a contribution of $12,000 for
new computers to be used in the library and in the
new computer room. We were also able to
allocate some funding to support the awards
handed out to students at the Presentation
Evening.
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
357
381
370
403
389
404
388
378
364
364
738
773
793
766
728
Enrolments for 2009 were lower than recent years
due to demographic changes and this trend is
likely to continue for at least the near future. The
school continues to attract significant numbers of
students from outside our local drawing area.
This has been a brief summary of the work of the
P&C during 2009. This year we are seeking to
expand our communications with parents and
caregivers, and also with the broader community.
If any parents and citizens reading this report
would like to be added to our email list, please
contact me by email at [email protected]
and I will happily add you to our list. The P & C
would welcome your support in our continuing
quest to enhance the wellbeing of all students at
Springwood High.
Student attendance profile
School
John Van der Have
President P & C Association
Region
Student Representative's Message
2009 at Springwood High has been a very positive
and exciting experience for both the students and
the staff. The teachers and staff within the school
are incredibly helpful and are always making sure
the students are doing their best. Many students
now consider the teachers as friends making Year
12 seem a lot less stressful.
State
Year
7
8
9
10
11
12
Total
7
8
9
10
11
12
Total
7
8
9
10
11
12
Total
2006
2007
2008
90.6
89.6
88.5
89.6
89.7
89.8
89.8
89.9
89.9
2009
92.6
90.8
89.4
85.9
86.1
88.2
88.9
92.2
89.7
88.5
88.3
89.8
89.5
89.6
92.3
90.0
88.8
88.7
89.4
89.4
89.7
Springwood High also offers a wide range of
activities and opportunities for all of the students.
The school is constantly achieving in all areas
especially the performing and visual arts, in
academics and on the sports field. The SRC is
very supportive and the P&C are consistently
working hard to improve the school’s overall
environment. This makes Springwood High
School an enjoyable place to learn and a hard
place to forget. We look forward to the rest of the
year.
Attendance rates were slightly below state and
regional averages but this is influenced by the fact
that over 83% of our students rely on bus
transport and travel significant distances. If the
bus is missed it is very difficult to travel to school.
Caitlin West, Benjamin Seaman – School
Captains
Management of non-attendance
Emma Adams,
Captains
Angus
Molyneux
–
There is constant monitoring of attendance, and
this, together with the support and early
intervention by the Home School Liaison Officer
has led to an improvement on 2008 figures. This
in turn supports student engagement in learning.
Vice
School context
3
Twenty (36.5%) of the fifty-five university offers
were from the University of Western Sydney,
twenty-five (45.5%) from other metropolitan
universities and ten (18%) of the offers were from
universities outside the Sydney Metropolitan Area,
including one interstate university.
Retention to Year 12
This school has a consistently higher or equal
retention rate with similar schools (SEG) for
students from the School Certificate cohorts
completing their HSC.
School
SEG
State
SC03HSC05
SC04HSC06
SC05HSC07
SC06HSC08
SC07 HSC09
66.4
60.9
61.0
67.7
64.9
61.1
64.5
59.5
60.8
75.2
59.2
60.3
60.4
58.8
61.0
Year 12 students attaining HSC or
equivalent
vocational
educational
qualification
Year 12 students who undertook vocational or
trade training as part of their HSC accounted for
twenty-six of the ninety-six students (27%) of the
HSC candidates. This included courses delivered
at school and TAFE.
Proportion Staying On (SC to HSC)
Year 12 students attaining the HSC or equivalent
vocational educational qualification totalled 96 or
100% of the HSC candidates.
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Staff information
It is a requirement that the reporting of information
for all staff must be consistent with privacy and
personal information policies.
SC03- SC04- SC05- SC06HSC05 HSC06 HSC07 HSC08
School
SEG
The staff members of the school are very
experienced and highly talented and are
considered to be our most valuable educational
resource.
SC07 HSC09
Staff establishment
State
Position
Post-school destinations
Principal
Deputy Principal(s)
Head Teachers
Classroom Teachers
Support Teacher Learning Assistance
Teacher Librarian
Librarian
Counsellor
School Administrative & Support Staff
(SASS)
Total
Year 10 school leavers totalled thirty-nine. Of
these students 56% went to other schools, 15%
gained employment, 5% went to TAFE, 3% were
seeking employment whilst the destinations of
21% of the students were unknown.
Year 11 school leavers totalled 19. Of these
students, 26% left for full-time employment, 16%
enrolled at TAFE, 11% enrolled at another tertiary
institution, 16% enrolled in another school and
11% left to seek employment. The destinations of
20% of the students were unknown.
Year 12 school leavers before the HSC totalled
one student (1%) whose destination is unknown.
Number
1
2
9
37.6
0.5
1
1
1
10
63.1
In 2009 no staff member identified as being of an
Indigenous background.
Year 12 school leavers totalled ninety-six. Of the
total number of Year 12 students, fifty-five (57%)
were offered places at university, fifteen (16%) are
studying at TAFE, and twenty-three (24%) are
employed. One of the remaining two (3%)
students is currently seeking employment, the
other is residing overseas.
Teacher qualifications
All teaching staff meet the professional
requirements for teaching in NSW public schools.
Qualifications
Degree or Diploma
Postgraduate
Of the fifty-five students offered places at
university, twelve (22%) have planned to defer
their studies to work or travel.
4
% of staff
100
9.3%
Financial summary
Achievements
This summary covers funds for operating costs
and does not involve expenditure areas such as
permanent
salaries,
building
and
major
maintenance.
Date of financial summary:
2009 was once again a big year for the Creative
and Performing Arts with great successes and
opportunities through the efforts of staff and
students in the Springwood High School Theatre
Company, the Dance Ensemble, the Band
Ensemble, the drama groups and the many
performances of our talented students.
Our Rock Eisteddfod dance group totalling 95
students was a State Finalist for the fifth year
in a row. This year we achieved the distinction
of being placed THIRD in the State Grand
Finals of the Open Division, Special mention
must be made of the exceptional parent
support in fundraising, logistic support and
encouragement.
30/11/2009
Income
Balance brought forward
Global funds
Tied funds
School & community sources
Interest
Trust receipts
Canteen
Total income
Arts
$
380 407.19
422 454.71
237 064.08
234 046.89
13 818.30
101 635.25
Nil
1 009 019.23
Expenditure
Teaching & learning
Key learning areas
Excursions
Extracurricular dissections
Library
Training & development
Tied funds
Casual relief teachers
Administration & office
School-operated canteen
Utilities
Maintenance
Trust accounts
Capital programs
Total expenditure
Balance carried forward
93 783.00
34 720.46
66 806.53
9 285.80
1 323.91
250 512.47
169 256.83
123 598.69
Nil
116 694.36
47 818.56
88 831.31
1 365.62
1 030 753.72
358 672.70
30 students were invited to participate in the
very valuable Fred Street Opera Ed program
and received valuable training and treated to
the
Sydney Opera
House
company
performances of “Madama Butterfly” and
“Aida”.
Of the $358 672.70 carried forward into 2010,
$127 008.01 is in tied funds and $59 421.90 is in
trust funds. Tied funds can only be spent on
designated activities. Trust funds are funds that
the school receives to which the school does not
have access for normal expenditure. A portion of
the remaining balance carried forward is to cover
unpaid orders, invoices and casual salaries for
December. Further details concerning the
statement can be obtained by contacting the
school.
Students regularly perform at
assemblies and Performance nights.
A full copy of the school's 2009 financial
statement is tabled at the annual general
meetings of the School Council and/or the parent
body. Further details concerning the statement
can be obtained by contacting the school.
special
School performance 2009
The school ran a very successful Acoustics
night where the exceptional talent of our
students was showcased. This raised
valuable funds to support Drama in the
school,
Springwood High School Students have had an
exceptional year in 2009. The following indicates
many of these outstanding performances.
A number of very successful Art Exhibitions
featured works from Year 7-Year 12 and were
visited by local primary school students.
5
Year 10 Dance, Year 11 & 12 Dance and
the SH Dance Ensemble all participated in
performances that included the Blue
Mountains Dance Festival and the
Springwood Foundation Day celebrations.
The School’s Brazilian Drumming Band gave
outstanding performances at the Foundation
Day Parade, the Western Sydney Region
Concert and various school performances.
Seven Year 9 & 10 students received
Certificates of Merit in the Ilford National
Photographic competition for secondary
students.
Sport
Sport also continues to be another area in the life
of the school where our students have excelled.
Sport achievements included:
Zach Timms-Williams was selected in the
Western Sydney Regional Hockey team.
Our much sought after Soccer Academy has
ensured future soccer success to build on the
excellent results of 2009.
Other 2009 Successes include:
Outstanding Drama Productions of “After
Juliet” by Year 10 and two productions
from Year 11 demonstrated exceptional
acting skills.
Our Open Girls’ Soccer team was Regional
Champions and won through to the last 16 in
the state. This is four times as Regional
Champions in the last 5 years.
Year 11 Drama performed in the annual Q
Theatre Drama Festival’s Flannofest.
Brendon Dennis, Genevieve Hearn,
Georgina Love and Caitlin West were
selected for the Sydney West Drama
Company.
Samantha Knutsen of Year 12 selected as
a member of the Sydney Youth Orchestra
and made the reserve list for the Australian
Youth Orchestra.
Alix Coffa, Zoe Coffa and Jack Galluzzi
were selected in the NSW DET Millennium
Marching Band and performed at the
Schools Spectacular.
Our Open Boys’ Hockey team was also
Western Sydney Regional Champions for
2009.
Robert Billing, Jesse Luscombe and
Mitchell McWhirter of Year 12 organised a
fund raising concert and also performed at
the Lawson Community Festival.
Katherine Mudge an extremely talented
flautist was selected as a featured artist
Pulse 2009 concert at the Sydney Opera
House.
Zoe Maguire and Katherine Mudge were
selected in the regional concert band to
tour China as members of the Western
Sydney Region Pulse Tour.
Lachlan McDougall and Shae Elliott of
Year 11 selected to participate in the
National Art School
Springwood High School Grade Teams were
Zone Champion in Girls’ Soccer & Boys’
Hockey competitions.
Seven students selected to participate at
the HSC Extension course at the National
Art School in Sydney.
Our students had wide participation in State
Sport Knock Out competitions.
Students in all areas of sport continue to show
their loyalty and pride in their school by
6
students. This year’s very committed and
enthusiastic student projects included:
always striving to do their best. Our students
and staff intend to continue to demonstrate
the Springwood High School spirit and work
towards continuing this success in sport.
Our Deputy Principal Ms Wilson was selected
by AFS for a fully funded two week visit to
Japan. This visit help helped to build very
positive community cultural understanding
and international friendship.
Clare Cullen represented to state carnival
level in swimming.
Linda O’Neill selected in the Australian U19
Matildas Girls Soccer team.
The P&C ran a very successful artisan market
called “Celebrating Design. This raised
valuable funds to support all students.
Over 30 of our Year 10 students underwent
Peer Support Training and supported our
incoming Year 7 students for 2010 to ensure a
smooth transition to high school.
This year we enhanced our enrichment
program partnership with Faulconbridge,
Hazelbrook, Lawson and Springwood Public
Schools. We ran a Gifted and Talented Day,
Technology Day, Science Day and a Creative
Arts Day for up to 40 primary students each
day. Our students also visited primary schools
for the development of both primary and high
school students.
Our students performed well in the major
carnivals of swimming, cross country and
athletics at Zone, Regional and Sate level.
Student participation
There were many opportunities to promote
student participation and achievement.
nd
On Saturday 22 August the school held its
annual Working Bee. A small enthusiastic and
hard working band of 21 volunteers turned up
to raise a sweat and work hard in improving
the school environment for the benefit of all
students.
We invited local primary schools to our very
successful Student and Parents Expo Day in
March.
The exceptional commitment and support of
our parents and community was also
demonstrated by over 90 volunteers who
rd
assisted in our very successful 33 Annual Art
Show, which was organised by our dedicated
P&C.
Our talented hospitality and food technology
classes catered for many school and
community functions.
The school installed a 98,000lt rainwater tank
as part of a $50,000 Water Conservation
grant to recycle & conserve water.
Our elected Student Representative Council
also had leadership training and initiated
many positive programs.
Under the leadership of the SRC, our students
have made generous contributions to
community charities. Here at Springwood
High School we are proud of the generosity
and responsible attitudes shown by our
Collections for Red Shield Appeal,
Prevention of Youth Suicide, Amnesty
International & Legacy.
7
Springwood High School was supported by a
very successful Quilt Show that was of an
excellent standard and raised valuable funds
for textile equipment.
Year 9 Food Technology class organised
the very successful Toys & Tucker Appeal
for less fortunate families.
The school raised over $1121 for the Red
Cross Victorian Bush Fire Appeal to
demonstrate their concern for others.
The school was strengthened by enthusiastic
school swimming carnival and athletics
carnival participation.
Elizabeth Carletti, Amelia Wethereld,
Kimberly Stuart, Rhianna Reid, Stacey
Romanowski and Jasmin Weir of Year 9 &
10 raised a further $884 independently of
the above school collection.
The Red Cross Blood Donor bus visited
our school where donors from Years 10,
11 and 12 students were enthusiastic in
their support to give blood. As usual our
students have continually demonstrated
their concern for others in the best
traditions of Australian community values.
Our students demonstrated their community
pride by participation in the Springwood
Anzac Day march and ceremony.
Year 10 brought credit to the school through
their highly successful Work Experience
Program
where
valuable
vocational
experiences were gained. Some were offered
part-time work and even apprenticeships for
next year.
Student Welfare
The school gives a high priority to welfare and is a
leader in providing for the welfare needs of
students. The school has many programs that
assist students with the development of important
life skills.
The SRC organised our outstanding
participation in the 2009 Springwood
Foundation Day Parade where over 60
students, staff and parents participated. We
look forward to this as an annual contribution
to our community.
Our school captains were MC’s at important
assemblies and represented SHS at
numerous community functions
2009 saw the consolidation of our “Personal
Best Program” where students are focusing
on achieving their best as SAFE,
RESPECTFUL, LEARNERS.
Year 7 and Year 11 programs were run to
provide excellent orientation and focus for
these important years.
The SHS World Vision/Amnesty Group
promoted human rights and real support for
underprivileged
peoples.
28
students
participated in the World Vision 40 Hour
Famine to raise $ 2,544 to help feed and care
for poverty burdened children. They also
sponsor a child in Lesotho in Africa through
the Child Sponsorship Program.
Our senior hospitality students were
outstanding in catering for numerous school
functions. The professional presentation and
provision of food has greatly enhanced their
Vocation Education course.
Year 10 and Year 12 Formals and Graduation
Ceremonies were provided to celebrate these
significant educational milestones.
8
extensive professional development training
for staff.
The school celebrated NAIDOC Day to further
develop understanding of Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander heritage.
The Springwood High School Tournament of
the Minds team made it to the State Finals as
the Western Sydney Regional Champions for
2009 in the Language and Literature category.
Programs like our Peer Reading Program and
Peer Support Program are strengthening
student life skills and providing very valuable
leadership and social skills.
The Staff Academic Mentoring program to
support Year 12 has continued to assist
students.
30 Year 10 students were very successful
Year 10 mentors to Year 6 into Year 7
students.
The staff is committed to providing clear
guidelines and behaviour expectations so that
effective learning takes place in a safe and
secure environment where students are
valued and encouraged.
Student participation and leadership opportunities
were increased through our effective and
dedicated SRC and our Senior Leaders were
excellent leaders and role models for all students.
Excellence in Teaching and Learning
This has been demonstrated by the following
selection of programs and activities.
The school provided two very well attended
Parent Teacher Evenings in May and August
for all students and Subject Selection
Evenings at the end of the first half-year to
continue developing our parent and teacher
partnership to assist students.
The
school’s
Recognition
Ceremonies
continue to be celebrations of student
academic performances and positive features
of our learning programs.
Our TAS students designed and built their
excellent billycart and entered the “NRMA
PushKart Challenge”.
The Year 8 Debating Team was Zone
Champions in 2009.
There has been continued participation in
state-wide competitions in mathematics and
two teams of Year 7 students attended the
Western Sydney Mathematics Challenge Day
with both teams finishing in the top 10 in the
Region.
The school had an extensive excursion
program
to
give
students
additional
educational opportunities like visit to theatres,
museums, fieldwork excursions and many
other educational visits.
Year 12 mathematics extension 2 students
attended workshops at Macquarie University
in preparations for the HSC.
Year 7 Technology Challenge projects
including our “Send a SAO” assignment and
many others.
The school ran barista courses to accredit
many students with TAFE qualifications.
Under the Commonwealth Digital Education
Revolution program all of Year 9 students
were issued with their personal laptop
computers. This has been supported by
Our Year 11 engineering science class had
great success in the Solar Boat Challenge.
9
These results are hard evidence that when
students, teachers and parents work together we
can achieve outstanding results. It also
demonstrates that students who continue their
education at Springwood High School are well
placed to maximise their potential and achieve
results that stand tall against any school in the
state.
Academic
Exceptional HSC Results Celebrated
Springwood High School Year 12 of 2009 has
achieved outstanding Higher School Certificate
results. We are proud to be a Year 7 to 12
comprehensive high school accepting students of
all ability from our local community. Our Year 12
only numbered 96 students who sat for the HSC
but have far outperformed much larger schools
with similar students.
Our 2009 Higher School Certificate students
sat for 473 externally tested HSC exams and
achieved 47 mentions on the State-wide
honour role. This lists all students in the state
who achieved Band 6 which is 90 or above in
a subject in these state-wide examinations.
This means 9.9% of our students’ results
achieved 90 or above. We also had 152 exam
results in the Band 5. This means that 199
exam results or 42.07% of all exams sat by
our students achieved a mark of 80 or above.
Another 139 exam results were Band 4 or in
the 70’s. This means that 71.46% of all exam
results were 70 or above. This is a truly
wonderful result for any school to have
achieved.
In the National Assessment Program, the results
across the Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 literacy and
numeracy assessments are reported on a scale
from Band 1 to Band 10.
The achievement scale represents increasing
levels of skills and understandings demonstrated
in the assessments.
Year 7: from Band 4 (lowest) to Band 9 (highest
for Year 7)
Year 9: from Band 5 (lowest) to Band 10 (highest
for Year 9)
In the School Certificate the performance of
students is reported in performance bands
ranging from Performance Band 1 (lowest) to
Performance Band 6 (highest).
Literacy – NAPLAN Year 7
The 47 Band 6 results were achieved over 16
subjects and two of our students were proud
placements on the State Top All-Rounders
List for 2009. This list celebrates the students
who scored 90 or above in 10 or more units in
the HSC. They were overjoyed to be included
on this list. We therefore congratulate August
Lantay-Lefkovich and Anna-Jane West for this
outstanding achievement.
Percentage of students in bands:
Year 7 reading
Percentage of students
35
August Lantay-Lefkovich was the HSC Dux
with a very impressive ATAR of 96.95.
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
4
5
6
7
8
9
Band
Our Year 12 students have had truly
outstanding success as 11 of our 96 students
have achieved an ATAR of over 90. This
result would be the envy of any similar school.
Percentage in band 2009
School average 2007 - 2009
State average 2009
57% of Year 12 students were offered places
in a university.
Percentage of students in bands:
Year 7 writing
The school also celebrates outstanding
results in the performance and projects results
of our HSC students. Students who have
been recognised as best ion state in these
HSC projects or performance include:
40
Percentage of students
35
Alex Hayden selected in ArtExpress and
exhibited in Sydney,
Drew Frost and Luke Robertson both
selected in InTech Exhibition of HSC
Industrial Technology Wood projects.
Katie Carroll, Christine Gordon and Emily
Stuart were pre-selected for CALLBACK
Dance Performance.
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
4
5
6
7
8
9
Band
Percentage in band 2009
State average 2009
10
School average 2007 - 2009
The incoming Year 7 group is significantly above
state average for reading, grammar and
punctuation and numeracy but only slightly above
average in writing and spelling. This diagnostic
information has been incorporated into teaching
programs and learning support programs to
encourage growth of all students.
Percentage of students in bands:
Year 7 spelling
35
Percentage of students
30
25
20
15
10
5
Literacy – NAPLAN Year 9
0
4
5
6
7
Band
Percentage in band 2009
8
9
Percentage of students in bands:
Year 9 reading
45
State average 2009
Percentage of students
40
Percentage of students in bands:
Year 7 grammar and punctuation
50
Percentage of students
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
35
10
30
5
25
0
20
5
6
15
7
8
9
10
Band
10
Percentage in band 2009
5
State average 2009
0
4
5
6
7
8
9
Band
Percentage in band 2009
State average 2009
Percentage of students in bands:
Year 9 writing
Numeracy – NAPLAN Year 7
35
Percentage of students
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
5
6
7
8
9
10
Band
Percentage in band 2009
11
State average 2009
The Year 9 NAPLAN results revealed that this
group is significantly above state average in
reading, writing, grammar and punctuation and
above state average in numeracy but slightly
below state average in spelling. This diagnostic
information has initiated some changes to
teaching programs and our learning support
programs to strengthen areas of performance for
the year group.
Percentage of students in bands:
Year 9 spelling
30
Percentage of students
25
20
15
10
5
School Certificate
0
5
6
7
8
9
English
10
Band
Percentage in band 2009
The School Certificate results in English Literacy
this year were most pleasing. All students who sat
for the test achieved a Band 3 or higher. 45% of
students achieved a Band 4 which was 3.5%
higher than the state average. 36% of students
achieved Bands 5 & 6.
State average 2009
Percentage of students in bands:
Year 9 grammar and punctuation
35
Percentage of students
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
5
6
7
8
9
10
Band
Percentage in band 2009
State average 2009
Numeracy – NAPLAN Year 9
Maths
Percentage of students in bands:
Year 9 numeracy
Students achieved a commendable standard of
performance with 20% achieving results in the
bands 5 and 6. School Certificate results in
Mathematics were in line with State average. The
value added data shows significant gains made by
the students at Springwood High School.
40
Percentage of students
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
5
6
7
8
9
10
Band
Percentage in band 2009
State average 2009
12
30
History results were again outstanding for 2009.
67% of students achieved a result in Band 4 or
above compared to 49% of all students across the
state. Value added data indicates that Springwood
High students achieved, on average, an additional
4.67 marks when compared to B.S.T. results.
20
Australian Geography, Civics and Citizenship
Percentage of students in
performance bands:
School Certificate Mathematics
Percentage of students
40
Percentage of students in performance
bands: Australian Geography, Civics and
Citizenship
10
45
0
2
3
4
Performance band
Percentage in band 2009
5
40
6
Percentage of students
1
School Average 2005 - 2009
State average 2009
Science
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
Over 75% of students received band 4, 5 or 6,
with marks over 70% in the 2009 science School
Certificate.
0
1
2
3
4
Performance band
Percentage in band 2009
Percentage of students in
performance bands:
School Certificate Science
5
6
School Average 2005 - 2009
State average 2009
50
Percentage of students
45
Students received very pleasing results with 60%
of students achieving band 4 or above. The
number of students in the lower bands was well
below the state average.
40
35
30
25
20
Computing Skills
15
10
5
0
1
2
3
4
Performance band
Percentage in band 2009
5
6
School Average 2005 - 2009
State average 2009
Australian History, Civics and Citizenship
Percentage of students in
performance bands: Australian History, Civics
and Citizenship
Percentage of students
50
40
30
20
10
Results in the Computing Skills Test have shown
a massive seven fold growth in value added from
Year 5. More than two-thirds of students have
achieved the top band of “highly competent” with
slightly less than a third regarded as being
“competent”. Computing Skills results for 2009
demonstrate another outstanding result.
0
1
2
3
4
Performance band
Percentage in band 2009
5
6
School Average 2005 - 2009
State average 2009
13
School Certificate relative performance
comparison to Year 5 (value-adding)
Business Studies
62% of students achieved a HSC result in the top
three bands. Overall results were significantly
above state average and a positive value added
result was achieved by the cohort as a whole
School Certificate: Relative growth from Year 5
(value-added)
5.0
Dance
4.5
The HSC dance results were excellent. In
particular, three of the seven candidates were
preselected for “Callback”, the showcase of
exemplary performances and compositions by
HSC students of dance.
4.0
Relative growth
3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
Drama
1.0
Once again, outstanding results were achieved by
the drama students. Seven students, 50% of the
course candidates, received band 6. The state
average was 12.3%. The remaining seven
students earned a band 4 or 5.
0.5
Computer skills
AGC&C
AHC&C
Mathematics
English
School 2009
Science
0.0
Engineering Studies
School Average 2005 - 2009
With 30.12% of the state achieving bands 5 and 6,
students more than doubled the average result
with 66.66%. All students achieved band 3 or
above.
Higher School Certificate
Course
Ancient History
Biology
Business Studies
Chemistry
Drama
English (Standard)
English (Advanced)
Information Processes
and Technology
Legal Studies
General Mathematics
Mathematics
Modern History
Personal Development,
Health and Physical
Education
Visual Arts
Hospitality Examination
English
75.9
73.2
80.2
73.6
85.1
66.8
84.2
School
2005 2009
73.5
78.0
73.0
72.6
80.0
65.9
76.3
79.8
71.9
72.3
67.4
82.2
73.0
74.1
71.5
66.7
79.8
72.9
72.0
67.1
74.3
74.1
68.8
83.9
72.9
75.4
82.6
72.0
70.7
78.4
73.0
School
2009
The Standard English results were above state
average with 83.5% of students achieving bands 3
to 5. The advanced English results were
outstanding with all students achieving band 4 or
above. 13% achieved band 6, which was 2%
above the state average and 74% achieved a
band 5, which was 33% above the state average.
State
2009
70.7
72.1
72.6
73.9
75.7
63.3
78.6
The extension 1 and extension 2 results were
solid with the majority of students achieving band
E3.
History Extension
73% of students completing this course were
placed in the highest two bands. The cohort as a
whole achieved a positive value added result.
Hospitality
Results in hospitality this year were pleasing. Of
the 23 students who completed the hospitality
course, 16 students sat the exam. 57% of these
students achieved Band 4 and 13% achieved
Band 3.
Ancient History
Fifty-three students completed HSC ancient
history in 2009. Nine students achieved a band 6
and 18 students achieved a band 5. This meant
that 51% of students achieved in the top two
bands compared to a state result of 36%. The
cohort as a whole achieved a positive value
added
result
when
compared
to
SC
performances.
French Beginners
The 3 students who completed the HSC French
Beginners’ Course all achieved excellent results
which were well above state average, with two
students achieving a band 6 and one achieving a
band 5.
14
Industrial Technology
Society and Culture
With 10.64% of the state achieving bands 6,
students more than tripled the average result with
37.5%. One student achieved a HSC mark of 96.
Two students were nominated for INTECH
exhibitions, “Best in the State”.
Seven students successfully completed this HSC
course and submitted the Personal Interest
Project for external marking. Combined project
and exam marks resulted in 3 students achieving
a band 5 result.
Information Processes and Technology
Textiles and Design
With 23.37% of the state achieving bands 5 and 6,
students almost doubled the average result with
41.66%. All students gained band 4 or above.
With 31.9% of the state achieving bands 5 and 6,
all students obtained this.
Legal Studies
Six students out of 24 HSC Visual Art candidates
were in band 6. Fifteen students, 60% of the
candidature, scored in band 5
Visual Arts
Sixteen students successfully completed this
course. 56 % of students in this course achieved a
band 4 or above.
Higher School Certificate relative performance
comparison to School Certificate (valueadding)
Mathematics
Students sat for all 4 levels of mathematics at the
HSC. All students performed well at all levels with
63% of Extension 1 students achieving in the top
3 bands. Our General Mathematics results were
again very pleasing with 65% of students
achieving band 4 or above compared with 49% in
the state.
Performance band
School 2009
School Average 2005 - 2009
Low
-3.9
-0.7
Middle
2.5
-0.4
High
0.1
-0.5
Minimum standards
The Commonwealth Government sets minimum
standards for reading, writing, grammar and
punctuation, spelling and numeracy for years 3, 5,
7 and 9.
Modern History
The modern history cohort achieved above state
average results.
64% of students achieved
results in the top two bands compared to the state
result of 41%. Value added data indicated that, as
a cohort, an average of 4.93 points above state
average was achieved by students.
The performance of the students in our school in
the National Assessment Program – Literacy and
Numeracy is compared to these minimum
standards. The percentages of our students
achieving at or above these standards are
reported below.
Music
Percentage of Year 7 students in our school
achieving at or above the minimum standard
in 2009
An excellent result where 75% of students in the
course achieved a rank of 80 or above.
Personal Development, Health and Physical
Education
Percentage of Year 7 students achieving at
and above minimum standard
The 2009 PDHPE HSC results were mixed.
Although the class mean was slightly lower than
the state mean, from a candidature of 27, 2
students achieved a Band 6 result and a further 2
students gained a Band 5 result.
Reading
Writing
Spelling
Punctuation and grammar
Numeracy
95.7
93.1
91.4
94.8
97.4
Percentage of Year 9 students in our school
achieving at or above the minimum standard
in 2009
Sciences
In the 2009 HSC, 17 students completed the
biology 2 unit course, 10 completed the chemistry
course and 5 completed the physics course.
Results were solid across all three courses but
particularly strong in physics and chemistry. The
percentage of students receiving band 4, 5 or 6 in
biology, chemistry and physics was 47%, 90%
and 100% respectively.
Percentage of Year 9 students achieving
at and above minimum standard
Reading
95.8
Writing
92.2
Spelling
92.1
Punctuation and grammar
94.3
Numeracy
96.4
15
Aboriginal education
Students are also actively encouraged to be
contributing members of our community with the
undertaking of voluntary community service
activities and fundraising for special purposes.
Our task is to develop this spirit of community
service and provide a variety of opportunities
where students can demonstrate a responsible
and “other-centred” focus.
There were 18 Aboriginal students at the school in
2009. The school aimed to assist these students
to improve their academic performance and take
pride in their cultural background. It also promoted
an understanding and appreciation of the
significance of Aboriginal culture with all students.
Of the 19 students, one student, Jared Field in
Year 12 completed his Higher School Certificate
with an ATAR of 96.25 and is a model to all
students. Two students are in Year 11, three are
in Year 10 and completing the School Certificate,
two are in Year 9, six are in Year eight and four
students are in Year 7. Indigenous students at
Springwood High achieved commendable results
in the NAPLAN tests with all students achieving
over the benchmark standard.
Learning Support
Naplan reporting program and feedback was
published to the wider community by the
STLA. She visited the local primary schools
as well as school in-service.
Increased numbers of students receiving
support for literacy and numeracy skills.
Tracking sheets used to account for students
receiving support.
Among the opportunities offered to students in
2009 are:
Celebration of NAIDOC week with a whole
school assembly celebrating aboriginal
culture.
Koori Cup and
opportunities
other
various
STLA accompanied the incoming Year 7
advisor for 6/7 transition program visiting local
schools.
Increase in the number of students receiving
special provisions in 2009.
sporting
Organised guest speakers to assist students
and parents about Autism.
University Indigenous programs offered by
UWS and the UNSW for senior students such
as taster days and Winter School.
Worked
on
literacy
strategies
and
communication between Learning Support.
Patrick White Young Indigenous Writers’
competition.
Progress on 2009 targets
RTA Aboriginal secondary scholarships.
Target 1
Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship Scheme.
To increase the number of students receiving
positive recognition.
Youth Scholarships Housing NSW
The student welfare system was evaluated and
changes were implemented. The merit accord
scheme was part of this evaluation process.
Multicultural education
A survey of students with language background
other than English showed that in 2009 they
comprised 5.9% of our student population.
Multicultural perspectives are embedded into the
curriculum. The values of tolerance and
acceptance of diversity are reinforced through the
PB Program and through teacher attitudes and
programs.
Our achievements include:
Increasing the number of positive levels for
students from one to four.
Significantly increasing the number of merit
certificates being awarded by staff.
Introducing the award “Personal Best” to allow
staff to respond to positive behaviour in the
classroom and playground.
Respect and responsibility
SHS has consistently promoted the values of
respect and responsibility. Much of this occurs
within the refinement and enrichment of the
present learning and welfare programs. The
consolidation of the PBL program has intricately
linked these values into a program to proactively
develop positive behaviour standards and
expectations. Core values are emphasised
throughout this program in addition to the teaching
and promotion of these values throughout the
curriculum at the school.
Implementing a system of recognising
achievement on weekly assemblies.
In consultation with staff and the community,
developing appropriate points to align with
positive behaviour.
Aligning the merit system with the structure of
formal assemblies.
Widening the range and increasing the depth
of opportunities for the recognition of student
achievement.
16
Target 2
Educational and management practice
To enhance school wide access to Digital
Education Revolution.
Parent partnerships in relation to school
culture
As part of the digital Education Revolution, the
following has been achieved:
The addition of a full time Technical Support
officer to the staff of the school.
Background
The school has a strong tradition of parent
involvement in the educational programs and
opportunities offered to students at Springwood
High School. The aim of the school is to assess,
strengthen and encourage parent cooperation and
involvement so that together with parents the
school will increase its effectiveness in meeting
the goals in our school plan 2009-2011.
The completion of twelve wireless access
points to classrooms to provide internet
access for students. This process will be
completed in early 2010.
A Digital Education Revolution Information
Night for parents with a focus on notebook
hardware, software and learning opportunities
for students.
The school has a very active P&C that has over
many years made significant contributions to the
school community. The school has also increased
our opportunities to involve and better inform our
parents and community. Our challenge is to
expand and strengthen these links to involve and
gain the support of even more parents and the
community to enhance student outcomes.
The successful distribution of a notebook to
each student in year 9.
Increased
training
opportunities for staff.
and
development
Increased use of ICT in teaching and learning.
Findings and conclusions
The Springwood High School Parents &
Citizens Association is a small but very
hardworking group who have been very
committed to the success of all students. They
have made significant contributions to the
school and community through the running of
the Annual Art Show and in 2009 a new
venture in staging the Celebrating Design
Show. These ventures while raising significant
finances that are redirected into the school,
have involved over 100 parents and
community members in working for their
success.
The formulation of school policy to support the
changes brought about by the increasing use
of technology.
Target 3
To imbed Quality Teaching Framework (QTF)
in all teaching programs and classrooms.
Our achievements include:
Increased teacher professional learning
through executive conference and Term 2
school development day.
All faculties have begun the process of
embedding the quality teaching framework
into teaching and learning programs.
The Parent organised Rock Eisteddfod
provided artistic and creative opportunities for
between 80 to 100 students each year over
many years. The parent committee is a subcommittee of the P. & C. and work tirelessly to
raise funds and ensure its successful
management of this very valuable activity.
The SHS Team were placed third in the Open
Division in 2009 which was our most
successful result yet.
Evaluation of Year 7 programs and planning
for explicit elements of the quality teaching
framework and information and computing
skills as part of the cycle of continuous
improvement.
Continued focus on the quality teaching
framework in teaching and learning programs
and evidenced by classroom practice.
In recent years the school has run two parent
teacher nights for Years 7 to 11 with a night
after Term 1 and a second after the half yearly
reports at the end of term 2. These had been
reasonably attended by parents up to 2008.
They had relied on students to arrange the
interviews between parents and teachers. In
2009 the school was able to negotiate a web
based booking system that allowed parents to
make direct bookings with teachers for these
nights. The number of interviews almost
Key evaluations
It is a requirement for all NSW public schools to
conduct at least two annual evaluations – one
related to educational and management practice
and the other related to curriculum. In 2009 our
school carried out evaluations of Parent/School
partnerships in relation to school culture and
Mathematics in the school.
17
doubled and parents and the P&C gave us
very favourable feedback.
path that is best suited to their ability. The new
SHS Mathematics teaching programs include
literacy and technology components. This has
proven to be valuable to both teachers and their
students. An access to a greater array of concrete
teaching tools has allowed students to learn in a
number of ways, catering for all learning styles.
The P&C have committed to funding this
technology based interview program at a cost
of $1,000 for 2010.
The school introduced a school Saturday
working bee in recent years that parents,
students and staff attend to enhance the
grounds and facilities of our school. This
continues to be effective in building
relationships between the school and
community.
Assessment
tasks
are
always
carefully
constructed and are a meaningful assessment of
student learning. Assessments in the junior years
are outcomes based exams where all elements of
the syllabus are covered, as per the teaching
program. This is then directly reflected on the
reports that the students receive each semester.
The faculty has worked well together to set a
common pro forma fort all exams.
The school established a significant link with
Faulconbridge Cricket Club in working with
them as contributors to the creation of our
new cricket nets. They assisted in funding and
labour and this will be another opportunity to
strengthen community partnerships.
Senior exams are carefully set, assessing the
outcomes that have been taught. The students in
stage 5 have regular non calculator and numeracy
exams, to better prepare them for the School
Certificate.
These are a few of the significant programs that
work with our community to enhance opportunities
for our students. School to parent reporting has
been more effective due to the initiatives
introduced in 2009.
The Faculty Homework Policy allows students to
constantly revise the work taught in the classroom
through homework sheets individually written for
each class.
Future directions
The school will continue to express our thanks
and encourage the strengthening of parent,
school and community partnerships.
Results at the School Certificate and Higher
School Certificate levels show the level of support
the teachers provide to the students. The value
added results indicate significant growth in all
bands.
The school will continue to support and
recognize the P & C in their very valuable
initiatives. Our intention is to increasingly use
technology to build links with the school
community.
Future directions
There will be an ongoing evaluation of the
teaching programs devised by the staff at
Springwood High School. Regular faculty
meetings allow for the sharing of ideas and
conversations of ways to better educate the
students at our school.
The email interview booking system will
continue into 2010 and the future as long as it
continues to
enhance
reporting
and
communication.
The school also gave further support to Rock
Eisteddfod by allocation new hall storage
extensions for the use of this valuable group.
The use of technology and computers in class has
been indicated as an area for development across
different year groups, including the use of DER
notebooks as a regular classroom tool in Years 9
and 10. Many students have access to the
technology in their mathematics lessons; however
this is still an area where the staff have indicated
they wish to further develop
Curriculum Background
Mathematics
Background
Parent,
student
satisfaction
The Mathematics Faculty is an experienced group
of teachers who bring enthusiasm and dedication
to their classrooms. All levels of mathematics are
offered in the senior school with candidates
studying at all levels.
and
teacher
In 2009 the school sought the opinions of parents,
students and teachers about the school.
Their responses are presented below.
Findings and Conclusions
Parent, teacher interview and information nights
were highlighted by staff and community as
requiring review. An online booking system was
trialled and evaluated. Teachers and parents were
consulted via survey to assess the effectiveness
The Mathematics Faculty has worked hard to
produce effective learning programs in all levels.
These programs allow for all students to follow the
18
of the new process. Informal consultation took
place with students. The evaluation indicated that
the number of parent/teacher interviews was
significantly
increased
and
effective
communication between parents and teachers
significantly improved. the P&C committed $1000
to continue the online system.
The increased training of both staff and
students in accessing and implementing
technology in the teaching and learning
process.
Target 2
Professional learning
To formalise the “Personal Best Program” to
enhance the positive recognition of increased
numbers of students.
All full-time and part-time staff members
participated in a range of professional learning
opportunities provided at the school through three
school development days and also regular staff
meetings at the school. Individual teachers also
attended professional learning programs outside
the school. Specific programs were run to support
the integration of information and computing skills
(ICT) and the quality teaching framework into
teaching practice. The average expenditure
allocated to professional learning was $611 per
staff member. A variety of other areas from
syllabus development, student welfare, literacy,
career development and programs for beginning
and new scheme teachers were also covered.
To entrench the Personal Best Program
across the school.
To develop systematic positive recognition
programs to cover wider numbers of worthy
students.
Continue training of staff and students in the
high expectations of the PB program.
Our success will be measured by:
The significant increase in recognition of
larger numbers of worthy students.
Ensuring that the silent majority of well
behaved students are recognised and
encouraged.
School development 2009–2011
The SHS strategic management plan for 2010-12
has focussed on a range of areas to expand the
learning
environments,
achievements
and
outcomes for all students. Many of these are
ongoing programs over the three year cycle. In
addition to ongoing programs and targets, a
number of specific targets from this plan have
been set for 2010.
The development of significant programs and
initiatives to reward deserving students.
Continued training and promotion of the PB
program across the school community.
Targets for 2010
Target 3
Target 1
To further extend the quality teaching
framework in teaching and learning programs
and classroom practice.
Continue to modify faculty programs to
explicitly address the quality teaching
framework.
To expand the use of information
communication technology in teaching.
and
Complete the wireless network for all teaching
areas and train staff and students to enhance
the use of the extended laptop program.
Integrate the quality teaching framework into
the introduction of new technologies.
Establish a “Connected Classroom” in the
school and develop this as a teaching area for
both junior and senior curriculum.
Increase opportunities for demonstrations of
best practice and sharing strategies between
teaching staff.
Further develop the technology to expand the
use of the internet in teaching strategies.
Our success will be measured by:
Evidence of QTF and ICT in teaching and
learning programs and in classroom practice.
Our success will be measured by:
The increased availability of technology to all
staff and students.
Increased number of teachers completing
professional learning to support quality
teaching programs.
The embedding of technology in teaching and
learning programs.
The development of a culture of teachers
sharing strategies of quality teaching best
practice.
19
About this report
School contact information
In preparing this report, the self-evaluation
committee has gathered information from
evaluations conducted during the year and
analysed other information about the school's
practices and student learning outcomes. The
self-evaluation committee and school planning
committee have determined targets for the
school's future development.
Springwood High School
Paul DeBono, Head Teacher Science
James Burnitt, Deputy Principal
Kathy Dean, Head Teacher English
Peter Edwick, Head Teacher Visual Arts/Music
Sue Fisher, Head Teacher PDHPE
Jodie Hume, Head Teacher Mathematics
Peter MacDonald, Rel Head Teacher Social
Science/LOTE
Peter McSeveny, Principal
Teresa Noorbergen, Head Teacher History
Benjamin Seaman, School Captain
Robyne Stuart, Head Teacher TAS
John Van der Have, P&C President
Caitlin West, School Captain
Sandy Wilson, Deputy Principal
Wendy Yeomans, Head Teacher Music
School Code: 8446
Grose Road, Faulconbridge
Ph: 4751 2111
Fax: 4751 1677
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.springwoodhighnsw.com.au
Parents can find out more information about
Annual School Reports, how to interpret
information in the reports and have the
opportunity to provide feedback about these
reports at:
http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au/asr
20