A local school teacher is one of 12 across the country to receive a $45,000 bursary towards their professional development.
Donna Harvey is deputy principal at Beenleigh State High School and has worked with potential employers to build skills among students, preparing them for life beyond school.
The Commonwealth Bank Teaching Award helps teachers develop programs for their schools, and gives them an opportunity to go on an international study tour.
Ms Harvey’s system is personalised, and ensures no child falls behind. She’s passing her research, knowledge and findings onto other teachers so they can tailor programs for all students.
“We want students to leave school and enter the workplace with a comprehensive skillset,” Ms Harvey said.
She said tailored programs would paint a holistic picture of the school’s students.
“By encouraging children to get involved, they can take responsibility for their own learning and apply it to their areas of interest, from the recycling industry to training with international chefs,” she said.
“With 70% of our students leaving school to go straight into the workforce, we’re working to build our micro-credentialling system to recognise their efforts, so its benefits can be felt right around Australia.”
Each of the 12 award winners were shortlisted from more than 400 educators contributing real change to their school and surrounding community.
“Our new approach is achieving exceptional results in integrating traditional school subjects with employment readiness,” Ms Harvey said.
“The number of students undertaking full-time school-based apprenticeships more than doubled.”
The “micro-credentialing” system recognises initiative, creativity, problem solving, collaboration and self-management, and other skills valued by employers – each on an individual level.
Ms Harvey put in place “digital badges”, which allow students to demonstrate they have achieved a skill.
She has also been involved with a rigorous approach to reading.
The school has since been named the 7th most improved school in Australia.
Also, 12% of students who are Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander have performed as well or better than others since the new reading regime began.
