Enhancing Teaching Practices: A Year of Professional Development at Arndell
Throughout the year, our teaching staff have engaged in a wide range of experiences aimed at improving classroom practices and enhancing student outcomes. With a strong focus on professional development, our educators have continued to grow in their roles, adapting new strategies to uplift our students' learning journeys. Below is a recap of the major highlights from our staff's Professional Development (PD) sessions throughout 2024.
Termly Professional Development Days
At Arndell, the first day of every school term is dedicated to professional development, providing our teachers with the opportunity to engage with specific ideas and practices. This has allowed them to apply innovative teaching strategies to the classroom.
Term 1 & 2: Enhancing Literacy and the Science of Reading
In the first two terms of the year, our PD focus was on literacy and how students learn to read. Mrs Sarah Robinson, Head of English, led the way by creating a comprehensive range of resources to support our teachers in improving literacy rates at the College. We were fortunate to have Lorraine Hammond from Edith Cowan University join us as well. She introduced the Science of Reading program, giving our staff practical tools and strategies to boost reading proficiency among our students.
Term 3: First Nations Education
During our Term 3 PD day, Ms Adam from our English Department facilitated an engaging session on First Nations Education. As a staff team, we collaborated on ways to better support and educate First Nations students, while also exploring how we can engage with First Nations culture and language in a respectful and enriching manner. It was an invaluable experience that encouraged reflective teaching and a deeper understanding of cultural inclusion in our classrooms.
Term 4: Exploring Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom
At the most recent PD Day in Term 4, we shifted focus to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how it can be integrated into the classroom. Teachers explored various AI tools and their potential applications in education, making the session highly practical and relevant to modern teaching environments. The introduction of AI opens up exciting possibilities for personalised learning and innovative classroom management.
Growth Teams: Focused Learning Throughout the Year
In addition to termly PD days, our staff have been part of Growth Teams, where teachers come together to delve into specific areas of interest. Some teachers have completed a Harvard course on Visible Thinking, while others have focused on First Nations Education, Literacy, and other important topics. These teams have met several times during the year, exploring research and reflecting on how to apply these teaching methodologies in the classroom to create impactful change.
During the Term 4 PD day, each Growth Team shared their findings, allowing us to collaboratively build our collective knowledge and refine best teaching practices at Arndell.
Moving Forward Together
It has been an enriching year for our teaching staff, and their commitment to professional growth is evident in the continuous improvement of student outcomes. By sharing insights and learning from one another, we aim to maintain a vibrant learning community, ensuring our students receive the best possible education.
God bless,
Ian Finn
Director of Professional Learning
