Academic standards in NSW are up there with the best in the world. The OECD’s 2004 Programme for International Student Achievement shows the reading skills of NSW 15-year-olds rank second only to Finnish students. In the latest international Trends in Mathematics and Science Study, NSW was ranked first in Australia in Year 8 maths and science.
Students in public schools benefit from regular testing. Teachers have access to computerised data to help diagnose learning problems and extend students. Parents are provided with new plain English student reports twice each year as well as an annual school report with key performance information.
Values and discipline
Nine core values are taught in NSW public schools every day – Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Excellence, Co-operation, Participation, Care, Fairness and Democracy. These values are reinforced in all school activities, including community service programs.
Rules based on the core values are incorporated into the discipline policy of each school. The discipline policy sets out clear expectations of students and the consequences of unacceptable behaviour.
Smaller classes in the early years
NSW public schools have been successful in reducing class sizes, in the early years of schooling. The goal of reducing class sizes on average to 20 for Kindergarten, 22 for Year 1 and 24 for Year 2 has been achieved. Teachers have reported significant improvements in student learning as a result of these reduced class sizes and parents have supported the class size reduction program as a great success.
1500 extra teaching positions and more than 600 new classrooms have been provided for the class size reduction program, an important part of lifting standards by allowing teachers to spend more time with individual students in the vital early years.
Strong support for students
As a parent of a student in a NSW public school you can be confident that the teacher of your child is qualified and receiving ongoing professional development to ensure they have relevant up-to-date skills and expertise to foster the best in learning.
Many teachers hold post-graduate qualifications including qualifications in areas such as special education and education for gifted and talented students.
NSW public schools implement the syllabuses developed by the NSW Board of Studies across six Key Learning Areas (KLAs) in Kindergarten to Year 6 and eight KLAs in Years 7 to 12, using curriculum support materials and professional development for teachers.
Extension opportunities in public schools
NSW public schools lead the way in providing a range of opportunities for students of all abilities and interests, including opportunities for gifted and talented students in all comprehensive secondary schools.
Selective schools and selective classes are an integral part of the public schools system in NSW. Along with sports, performing arts and technology high schools, students now have the possibility of attending a trade school.
Each year, thousands of students participate in events such as the Schools Spectacular – an experience unique to NSW public schools. Students gain skills and confidence through participation in major events, in sport and performing arts at world-class venues such as the Olympic Stadium, Sydney Opera House and the Entertainment Centre.
Connected classrooms program: the digital learning revolution
NSW public schools are being provided with a suite of new information services to give students access to the most advanced classroom technology available. These services cover interactive whiteboards and videoconferencing facilities connecting classrooms around the state and overseas. The services will include online work spaces where students can securely receive and post their homework at any time from anywhere and will enable them to retain their work in their own secure space.
This technology will enable parental access to student reports and the ability to communicate electronically with teachers and with their school.
The ‘Connected Classrooms’ initiative, supported by a student to computer ratio of 1:6 in schools and high speed broadband connections, will expand subject choice for all students, enhance teaching standards and give parents more opportunities to be involved in the education of their children.
Improving the learning environment
As a parent you want the best education facilities for your child or children.
Schools are benefiting from the largest education capital works program ever undertaken, with a $2 billion investment over four years, to deliver the best learning environment for NSW public school students.
There is a lot to be proud of in NSW public schools with highly skilled and dedicated teachers and support staff who are continuing to build a culture of excellence.
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