Shifting Course at ENPS from 2026

In our quest for continuous school improvement and high expectations for quality learning outcomes for students, over the past 18 months as a school we have been undertaking an extensive review of our model and approach to learning and teaching; what we teach and how we teach it at ENPS. 

This internal review has come at a time where we have simultaneously navigated expansive curriculum revisions, introduced mandates and guidelines from the Department of Education (DET).

We have also used this time as an opportunity to hear from students, staff, School Council and our community into what they value and believe in at ENPS. It is without a doubt that we are all very passionate about what we do and who we are as a school and community. It is clearly evident that we are proud of our high expectations, global perspectives and focus on student learning alongside wellbeing, inclusion and international mindedness. Being brave, bold and connected is truly at the heart of everything we do; and we stand strong to that, and that will not change. 

However, with the DET curriculum changes and enhancements over the past year, as a school we have subsequently had to navigate our way through several complexities associated with our international accreditation and authorisations with the Council of International School (CIS) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Program (PYP).

The financial impact on the school to maintain our accreditation with integrity and authenticity within a declining fiscal landscape has been a significant factor. While we have valued incredibly and have seen the amazing impact of the CIS and IB PYP on us as a government school over the past 13 years, the associated costs, short and long term, cannot be overlooked as government schools continue to be impacted by current economic pressures.

Following extensive consultation, we have made a difficult yet purposeful decision to shift our focus from 2026. While we will very much maintain our pedagogical approach and commitment to inquiry learning, we will do so without our IB PYP accreditation. We will maintain our membership with the CIS as a whole school improvement framework, however, will relinquish our IB World School accreditation.

In 2026 we will continue to deliver learning and teaching at ENPS, based on the fundamentals of the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model (VTLM 2.0) and Victorian Curriculum 2.0. Our staff have worked extensively to reshape and redefine our instructional models, units of inquiry and curriculum documentation to authentically reflect who we are as a school and community, whilst strengthening alignment with the updated DET requirements. While this means a lot for our staff and how we work, ultimately we do not anticipate a huge change for what students and families experience. 

From 2026 we will unpack and communicate this with you all; every step of the way. You may notice small changes in the look (removing the IB logos) however, the feel and heart of who we are at ENPS will very much still be felt through all that we do. The Executive Team, staff and School Council, are all incredibly committed to that. As Principal, I see it as an opportunity to be rejuvenated in leading our school from ‘good to great’. I continue to be passionate and inspired by what we do, who we are and how we approach education, providing the very highest quality learning and teaching at ENPS, whilst never losing sight of what it means to maximise our potential and to be exceptional global learners and leaders, exceeding expectations. 

Kate Barletta

Principal