From the Acting Principal

School data

Dear Auburn community,

I would like to take this opportunity to outline the importance we place on information the school gathers each day, week, term and year.  Auburn High School is a product of community consultation and from its very inception the leadership, School Council and teaching staff have sought evidence of world best practice to guide our decisions.

Attendance data

Each day the attendance of our 620 students is recorded.  These records provide a great indication of a particular student’s engagement in the program and management of life outside of school.  Overall, our students attend more than 95% of classes.  Even in remote learning the students are maintaining high attendance rates.  Studies show that a huge factor in student progress is consistent attendance.  Auburn High has the best chance to support our students when they are in class and interacting with peers and teachers.  We also know that school refusal is a growing issue and that it only takes four school days for a student to be at significant risk.

Learning behaviour data

Every term our teachers assess our students on their general behaviours and skills related to the routine of school.  In the past, students have been told to turn up, be quiet and keep up with the work.  This has changed for the better and teachers are now giving students targeted feedback on organisation, teamwork, level of enquiry, meeting deadlines and respecting the rights of others to learn.  Attitudes drive behaviour, behaviour drives habits and habits are the foundation of achievement.  This data in some ways is the most important measure of the students’ character.

Student Attitudes to School data

Each year students from all year levels complete a survey rating the overall school environment they see, hear and experience.  It is not based on specific classroom experiences but more around aspects of a safe school environment, tolerant and accepting student body, appropriate support structures and high expectations . Last term the students completed this survey and the highest statements were:

Pivot survey data

Three times a year the opportunity for student voice is in the form of a class-based survey regarding the learning environment provided by each teacher.  This is a very important measure of what exactly the students are looking for from their teachers and the courses they are providing.  Auburn High has a well-established teaching method in the GANAG structure. Teaching staff spend countless hours preparing lessons and engaging students in learning activities that are matched with the individual needs of students.  The Pivot survey is a measure in time as to whether the classes are effective in meeting their goals.  The response to the data is comprehensive.  Students present to a staff meeting in a Teach the Teacher session.  They outline teaching strategies, create good learning opportunities, and they give specific examples of teaching techniques that add value to our already outstanding program.  From personal experience, the feedback from students is respectful, proactive and very useful in improving teaching and adding strategies to each teacher’s repertoire.

These are four examples of ways in which we get feedback about our School.  We value student voice, parent input, staff contributions and provide lots of forums where genuine, honest and productive conversations are heard.  The school is based on community feedback and the programs are targeted to local needs and the aspirations of our students and parents.  The success we continue to have is based on a shared vision, collaboration and a spirit of lifelong learning.  Despite the separation from normal campus life, we continue to collect information relevant to our school vision and convert the learnings into action plans that have impact.

Thank you for being part of this wonderful school community.