From the Deputy Principal

Engagement in learning means good outcomes

As a school we are constantly looking at ways to improve student engagement and I'm sometimes asked, 'How do you even know if students are engaged? You can't see inside their heads.'  And, it's true, we can't see inside their heads!  But, we do have a number of very reliable measures of student engagement, and some of them are surprisingly obvious.  Measures of engagement may include measures such as academic performance or attainment and we can track these through assessments in all their various forms.  This work is ongoing and you will see feedback about your child's progress and engagement in SEQTA.   Behavioural dimensions such as attendance and participation in school activities also offer us insight into how students are engaged and we can also look at affective dimensions such as enjoyment of school and relationships with teachers and peers.  Research over the last 30 years has increasingly shown that student engagement is not only an important outcome in itself but is also directly related to academic performance and future outcomes.  

Recently I spoke to our Secondary students about the importance of them maintaining high levels of attendance at school, which includes getting to school in good time to attend homeroom.  Not only does homeroom provide an opportunity for organisation and communication (what to bring, what is coming up), but it also provides excellent opportunities for students to connect with each other and their homeroom teacher, a key contact for students and parents in your child's journey through school.  We regularly review attendance rates and, if your child is experiencing reduced rates of attendance we will contact you to see what support we can offer.  We know that being at school, connected to caring adults and building friendships are all factors that support good outcomes for students.  If we can offer support to your family, please contact your child's class teacher in the Primary School, or your child's Head of House in the Secondary School.  We are always here to help.

Mrs Emma Franklin | Deputy Principal