As part of Sydney Catholic Schools, we employ highly qualified and competent teachers who are accredited by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). To continuously improve our practice, teachers also work towards the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers, from proficient teacher to lead teacher level.
The delivery of quality curriculum, pedagogy (teaching methods) and assessment is ensured by our system of schools through the provision of contemporary NESA accredited professional learning in a range of modes. Our Centres of Excellence offer online learning and external face-to-face courses, and timely, collaborative and relevant in-situ learning take place within the context of each classroom. Sydney Catholic Schools’ teachers are strongly committed to their ongoing learning, with many having completed, or are currently undertaking, postgraduate studies in areas related to curriculum, student wellbeing, special education, theology, pastoral care and leadership.
At Villa Maria Catholic Primary School Hunters Hill our teachers are actively involved in and committed to collaborative and professional learning communities. These communities are an integral component of our practice, where ongoing professional learning is valued. Teachers’ capacity is developed according to the requirements of current syllabus documents and the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.
Our dedicated staff meet twice a term to analyse student work samples and data to identify student learning priorities. In response to this student data, teachers then modify their teaching programs to address the learning needs of their students. These scheduled sessions also provide an opportunity for teachers to work collaboratively within the classroom. This includes observations of each other in action and providing quality feedback to their colleagues.
Extending outside our school for professional learning has many benefits. Not only are teachers supported to be a part of professional networks within the school but teachers are encouraged to build networks beyond the school, including working with other teacher professionals in our neighbouring primary and secondary schools.