By Dominique Tassell
Local schools have been commended for their excellent work in Queensland’s 2022 Showcase Awards for Excellence in Schools.
The Summit State School received a commendation in the Network 10 Showcase Award for Excellence in the Early and Primary Years category for its Visible Learning program.
The Summit State School Principal, Will Ashburn, said “the commendation is a testament to the fantastic work all of our staff do in the classrooms every day”.
He said the school’s Visible Learning approach began four years ago, after teachers wanted to collect and use their data more purposefully.
Teachers co-constructed a whole school data wall, including all 34 students, for their reading with every student on the ‘wall.’
Will said this provided valuable information about where every student in the school was, what their next steps in reading were, and what teachers’ next steps in teaching were.
“It was also data that we could use five minutes later or in the very next lesson,” he said.
“From here, we moved our visible learning approach into the classrooms and together, teachers and students set reading goals.”
Over the past few years, teachers and students have co-constructed and deconstructed learning intentions and success criteria in English, Maths and Science.
They have also unpacked strong exemplars of work, making learning more purposeful for students.
‘Learning walls’ and ‘Bump it up walls’ were then created.
Students use these walls as a ‘third teacher’ and in conjunction with their teachers, literally move ‘their face’ to where their learning is at and more importantly, what their next steps in learning are.
Will said Visible Learning enables students to become ‘the teachers’ and teachers to become ‘the learners.’
Students say they are enjoying the program.
Mieke said that “the learning wall has helped me figure out the progress I have made and what my next steps are in writing or in Maths.”
“It helped my learning to write my story,” said Riley. “It tells me what I have and what I need to work on.”
Cody said that “I go up and I read what is on the learning and bump it up wall and I see what more I need to add”.
Now in its 23rd year, Education Minister Grace Grace said the Showcase Awards are widely regarded as the most prestigious educational awards in Queensland, showcasing excellence in education, innovation, and leadership.
“One of the privileges of my job as Education Minister is to meet the outstanding teachers and educators delivering innovative and world-class opportunities for our young Queenslanders,” Ms Grace said.
“The Showcase Awards allow us to recognise and celebrate the great work that our schools are doing day-to-day to ensure that Queensland continues to innovate and develop new education practices.
“The quality of submissions for this year’s awards was once again exceptional and extremely competitive, making the task of selecting award winners all the more difficult for the regional judging teams.
“To be named as one of the 27 regional winners, or as one of the 24 to receive a commendation, is a significant accolade for these schools. It’s an important recognition of their contribution to the state’s education system.
“I congratulate each and every one of them, and wish them all the best in the next rounds which will determine our state finalists, and ultimately our state winners.”
Warwick State High School also received a commendation in the TUH Health Fund Showcase Award for Excellence in Inclusive Education category for its inclusion journey program.
