Department of Education and Children’s Services T/A South Australian Government Schools CRICOS Provider No: 00018A

Contents

Annual Report 2009

Mitc

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Girl

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Scho

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Context Statement ................................................................................................................ 1 Foreword ................................................................................................................................2 2009 Key Focus Areas...........................................................................................................4 Middle Schooling ...................................................................................................................6 Enrolments .......................................................................................................................................7 Attendance.......................................................................................................................................7 Results of Naplan ..................................................................................................................8 Naplan Results.................................................................................................................................9 Proficiency Bands ..........................................................................................................................10 Grammar ........................................................................................................................................11 Reading..........................................................................................................................................11 Spelling ..........................................................................................................................................12 Writing............................................................................................................................................12 Numeracy.......................................................................................................................................13 Middle School Well-Being Programs .................................................................................14 Year 8 Camp..................................................................................................................................15 Swimming Carnival ........................................................................................................................16 International Women’s Day ............................................................................................................17 Bush Fire Appeal Assembly ...........................................................................................................17 Sports Day .....................................................................................................................................18 Harmony Day .................................................................................................................................19 Specific Achievements ...................................................................................................................20 Senior Schooling .................................................................................................................21 School Data for MGHS Stage 1 – Pattern Completion by Year .....................................................22 School Data for MGHS Stage 1 – School Average Results by Year .............................................23 School Data for MGHS Stage 2 – School Average Achievement Score by Year ..........................24 School Data for MGHS Stage 2 – School Average Achievement Score Distribution.....................25 Year 12 Students’ Destination Data ...............................................................................................26 Senior School Well-Being Programs..................................................................................27 Year 10 Risky Business .................................................................................................................28 Year 12 Retreat..............................................................................................................................28 Year 12 Formal ..............................................................................................................................28 Girls Surfing Day............................................................................................................................29 Senior School Ski Trip....................................................................................................................29 Leadership Programs..........................................................................................................30 Peer Leaders..................................................................................................................................31 House Captains..............................................................................................................................31 Leaders in Mathematics .................................................................................................................31 Global Young Leaders Conference (GYLC)...................................................................................31 Other Achievements............................................................................................................32 Debating.........................................................................................................................................33 Interschool Swimming Carnival .....................................................................................................33 School Aerobics State Finals .........................................................................................................34 Awards ...........................................................................................................................................35 Council of International Schools (CIS)...............................................................................36 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................37 The School’s Strengths ..................................................................................................................37 Areas Needing Attention ................................................................................................................38 Satisfaction Surveys.......................................................................................................................39

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Context Statement Mitcham Girls High School was established in 1960 under the leadership of Ms Margaret Ward. It is located in the suburb of Kingswood, just 10 minutes from the city, and is easily accessible by public transport. As one of two single sex state schools, it is not zoned and many girls travel considerable distances, from all suburbs across Adelaide and near country towns, to come to a school where they can be successful. The school is proud of its history and, in particular, it is very proud of the achievements of all students. It encourages excellence at all levels, provides numerous leadership opportunities to students and develops an awareness of the changing choices available to women in our society. In a single sex environment: • Girls achieve significantly stronger academic results than any other group in Australia

• Girls-centred learning leaves no doubt as to who receives the teacher’s full attention, or who will be taking maths, science and technology classes

• There is a greater sense of connectedness - listening, helping and accepting others’ points of view

• All the leadership roles are filled by girls: from the captain of the touch football team to the head of the student body; from the first violin in the school orchestra to the main part in the school play; and from all the committee chairs in every organization to the leaders of every school club

• Girls see strong female role models and understand that they too can achieve successful outcomes from their own efforts

• All activities are open to girls: they participate, influence and lead

• Girls take on all the roles in the group, providing an atmosphere where students take the risks necessary for genuine achievement

• Girls thrive and excel in collaborative teams

• Teachers can match their teaching to the way girls learn and develop their courses to suit girls’ needs

• Girls can work through the challenges of adolescence without fear of embarrassment or harassment

• Girls can develop their relationships in a supportive environment

• There is no obstacle preventing girls from exploring a career in any area

• Girls’ achievements are celebrated

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Foreword I present to you the 2009 Annual Report. It contains statistical information, as required by the Department of Education and Children Services, as well as the Commonwealth Government, on: • Student Attendance • Student Progression Ratios • Student Achievement • Financial Reports (At the time of writing this report, DECS had not provided the Staff Attendance Report). The above information is reported on in the context of the Mitcham Girls High School Statement of Direction 2005 - 2010 and the school’s 2009 Key Focus Areas. I am delighted to report that, by all accounts, 2009 has been an exciting and successful year. During 2009 we focused on maintaining our excellent reputation for the delivery of quality education to all students, further strengthening our position as leaders in the field of girls’ education. Our Literacy and Numeracy Data, the Attendance Data and our Year 11 and 12 SSABSA results confirm not only our academic excellence, but also the care and support afforded to our students. Student well-being is at the heart of everything we do. Our pastoral care programs, as well as extensive co-curriculum programs, support our students in the development of self-esteem, respect, positive working relationships, social responsibilities, leadership skills, resilience, study skills and care for self and others. I thank all staff and support staff for their commitment to girls’ education. Without their support, dedication and goodwill we would never be able to offer the array of programs and activities our students enjoy. In particular I thank Penny Tranter, Tony Sims, Marcus Kerr and Margaret Neumann for their dedication and their leadership. The Student Representative Council also plays a major role in the school; their input is valued and it has assisted the school in bringing about significant improvements. The guidance and advice of the Mitcham Girls High School Governing Council is of paramount significance. The school is thankful for the willingness of all members to undertake a very demanding role and for their commitment to maintaining the unique qualities of the school. I wish to acknowledge all the students who attend Mitcham Girls High School. Their talents, their commitment, their behaviour, their friendliness, their leadership and their love of learning make us proud. Last but not least, we thank Alana Girvin, Assistant Regional Director, and all staff at the Southern Adelaide Region for their generous and very timely support. Please join me in thanking and congratulating all staff and students for their successes in 2009. I am sure you will agree with me that the achievements and co-curricular activities listed below are impressive. Key achievements and highlights for 2009 • Year 12 students achieve a total of 9 Merit Awards • 93% of Stage 2 students achieve their SACE • 52.5% of all Year 12 results are As and Bs • 87% of students are offered courses from tertiary institutions • Year 11 students achieve results above state average • 93.5% of Year 9 students are at level 6 or above in Grammar • 95.4% of Year 9 students are at level 6 or above in Reading • 90.7% of Year 9 students are at level 6 or above in Spelling • 93.5% of Year 9 students are at level 6 or above in Writing • 95.5% of Year 9 students are at level 6 or above in Numeracy • Mitcham Girls High School wins the Interschool Swimming Competition (Division F) • The MGHS “Bollywood Bombshells” win third place in the School Aerobics State Finals

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• Zone Sport premiers: ° Year 8 / 9 Tennis ° Open Tennis team ° Open Indoor Soccer ° Open Volleyball ° 8/9 Netball - Mitcham C1, Mitcham B2, Mitcham C2 ° Open Soccer ° Year 8 / 9 Basketball

• Kelly Boots awarded the Australian Vocational Student Prize • Maud Bennett-Hol wins the Pierre De Coubertin Award • Laura Evans represents MGHS and Australia at the Global Young Leaders Conference in Washington

DC • Saffron Ronson and Hyun-Jeong Kim chosen to attend the South Australian Space School • Two Year 8 students and one Year 9 student are prize winners of the Oliphant Science State Awards • Four Year 11 Students receive distinctions in the RACI National Chemistry Quiz • The Year 10 Debating Team are State Champions • The long awaited refurbishment of the Science Centre becomes reality • Three computer rooms refurbished Co-curricular Activities • Year 8 Camp • Year 9 Camp • SHIP Camp • Activate8 Program • Duke of Edinburgh Award • Year 8-12 Debating • Australian English Competition • Young Writers Award • Plain English Speaking Competition • Spring Poetry Competition • MS Read-a-Thon • Premiers Reading Challenge • Oliphant Science Award Competition • RIO Tinto Chemistry Competition • RACI National Chemistry Quiz • Italian Language Competition • Petanque Competition • Australian Mathematics Competition • Australian Science Competition • Science Summer School • Senior School Ski Trip • Risky Business • Year 11 Reflection Day • SACE Day • Year 12 Retreat • Year 12 Formal • Bridge Building Competition • Sports Day • Swimming Carnival • Interschool Swimming

• Open Day • International Women’s Day • Community Service Activities • Quiz Night • Dance Nights • Music Nights • Aerobics Competition • Year 11 Drama Production • Year 12 Drama production • Harmony Day • Cultural Exchange Programs • Languages Exchange Programs • School responds to Victorian Bush Fire Appeal • School Magazine • Beach Volleyball • Girls Surfing Day • European Handball Carnival • Environment Group • Zone Sport (Netball, Badminton, Soccer,

Volleyball, Indoor Soccer, Basketball, Football, Tennis)

• House Sport • Primary School Visits • Leadership Conferences (SRC) • Peer Support • Mentoring Program • Presentation Night • Science Week • Grey Water Project

Mitcham Girls High School 2009 Key Focus Areas

Middle Schooling Promote academic excellence and engagement • Provide opportunities for

teachers to engage in professional learning.

• Common assessment tasks will be given in each year level to monitor standards.

• Moderation of work will take place within and across faculties to monitor standards.

Who? Assistant Principal Middle School Curriculum Leaders Subject Teachers Targets Maintain attendance at 90% + Maintain literacy standards Improve numeracy standards Data Used Attendance Apparent Progression Naplan

Accomplishments • Attendance remains at

90%. • Literacy and Numeracy

standards remain similar to the 2008 results.

Social Responsibilities • Pastoral Care programs will

encourage students to connect with agencies in the local community with a view to increasing community service.

• Introduce the Ambassador Badge.

• The home learning grid will be implemented at Year 8 level and reviewed towards the end of the year.

Who? Assistant Principal Middle School Year Level Managers Care Group Teachers Counsellors Data used Number of students involved in community service Number of students receiving Ambassador Badge

•ll Year 8 and Year 9 students participate in community service activities.

• 36 Students Receive

Ambassador Badge.

Senior Schooling SACE • Implementation of the SACE. • Raise awareness about

National Curriculum. • Work closely with Quality

LinCs, TRADE Schools For The Future and other providers to increase range of pathways offered to students.

• rofessional development on: o Performance standards,

assessment and moderation

o New and revised SACE subjects

o Research Project

Who? Principal Deputy Principal Assistant Principal Year 10 All Staff ICT Committee Who? APs, DP, Year Level Managers, Coordinators

• All staff attended professional development workshops on the New SACE.

• Year 11 Assessment

Plans developed, issued to students and are ready to be implemented.

• Research Project

introduced to Year 11 students.

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Mitcham Girls High School

2009 Key Focus Areas

Whole School Development Curriculum

• Continue the process of becoming an Internationally Accredited School.

Who? All Staff

• Preliminary visit by Council of

International School took place in Semester One. School has begun self studies.

Development of Physical Resources • Redevelop the quadrangle

into a courtyard. • Move forward with the

refurbishment of the Physics and Biology Laboratories (subject to funding).

• Move forward with the development of the new Visual Arts Centre (subject to funding).

Who? Principal Physical Resources Committee

• Plans for Stage One of the

redevelopment finalised. Materials purchased.

• Work on Science labs has

begun. • Feasibility study conducted on

Visual Arts Centre.

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MIDDLE SCHOOLING • Enrolments • Attendance

ENROLMENTS

Year Level 2009 2009 2009 2009 School Region DECS Index Year 8 91.8 90.5 89.2 91.7 Year 9 89.3 88.5 86.8 89.6 Year 10 88.9 87.3 85.2 88.5 Year 11 88.5 86.3 84.9 88.1 Year 12 90.0 87.7 86.3 89.2 Secondary Total 89.9 88.1 86.6 89.4 Total All Year Levels 89.9 90.9 90.0 91.7 Total ACARA 1 TO 10 90.2 91.5 90.6 92.2

The year started with 161 Year 8 students, taking our total average enrolments to 585 students. The gradual increase in overall enrolments is pleasing given that enrolments in South Australian Government Schools are projected to decline between 2008-2012. (Australian Institute of Social Research, 2008).

The high percentage of students from non English Speaking Backgrounds reflects the many cultures that make up Mitcham Girls High School.

The school has been committed to improving attendance. For the past three years the attendance rates have been above state average. Our accessible curriculum, well-being programs and monitoring of absences have all contributed to our successes.

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RESULTS OF NAPLAN TESTS

NAPLAN RESULTS

The NAPLAN results for Grammar, Reading and Writing are well above the State average, well above the district (region) average and slightly above the National Average. In 2010 our aim will be to improve in all areas, paying particular attention to Numeracy and Spelling.

The data over the page gives the reader detailed information about the performance of our students in each of the aspects. The results pertaining to our school (Site) can be compared with the results of all students in Australia (National), students in the Southern Areas (Region), students attending Education Department Schools (DECS) and South Australian Schools (Index). In Year 9, students are expected to perform at Proficiency Band 6. The same data is presented in graph form on pages 11-13.

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PROFICIENCY BANDS

• 95.4% of Year 9 students are at level 6 or above in Reading • 90.7% of Year 9 students are at level 6 or above in Spelling • 93.5% of Year 9 students are at level 6 or above in Writing • 95.5% of Year 9 students are at level 6 or above in Numeracy

The above data is summarised as follows: • 93.5% of Year 9 students are at level 6 or above in Grammar

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GRAMMAR

READING

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SPELLING

WRITING

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NUMERACY

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WELL-BEING PROGRAMS

At Mitcham, well-being programs are designed to promote and reinforce the principles that guide our work: • Positive and respectful relationships • Diversity and individuality • Excellence in academic achievement • Promotion of social and emotional well-being • Engagement in social and environmental action Well-being programs include: • Care Group programs • Year 8 camp • Year 9 Camp • Active8 • Swimming Carnival • Sports Day • Harmony Day • International Women’s Day • Fund raising activities • Learning Grid

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INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY Women crossing boundaries – women for change “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” (Anne Frank 1929-1945) Our breakfast for change transformed the quadrangle into a vibrant Cambodian market. Over $1500 was raised for Geraldine Cox’s Sunrise Children Village in Cambodia.

BUSH FIRE APPEAL ASSEMBLY

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Over $1600 was raised for the Victorian Bush Fire Appeal.

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Harmony Day, March 23, is another important date on our calendar. It acknowledges the many different cultures that make up Mitcham Girls Highs School. This year, at lunch time, students were treated to a variety of delicious food, followed by a concert starring an African Group called WALA who exploded into a breathtaking celebration of the Ghanaian Spirit, with teachers and students dancing to the beat of hand-made African drums.

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SPECIFIC ACHIEVEMENTS Oliphant Science State Award

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Highly commended: • Meredith Atkins – Essay • Mariam Almasri

– Models and Inventions

Prize Winners - poster entries: • Caitlin Heath • Raji Kelly • Narelle Badenoch

Saffron Ranson and Hyun-Jeong Kim chosen to attend the 12th South Australian Space School Conference

School Aerobics State Competition

Senior Funk Team – D-Ten Crew (9th position)

Dynamite (5th position)

SENIOR SCHOOLING

Mia VandenBos, winner of the University of Adelaide South

Australian Principals Scholarship 2008

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School Data for Mitcham Girls High School Stage 1 - Pattern Completion by Year The above provides information on the percentage of students who completed the Stage 1 pattern, out of those identified by their enrolments as potential completers of the pattern. The pattern refers to the groups of subjects which students are required to complete in order to achieve the SACE.

It is very evident that our students perform exceeding well in these subjects.

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School Data for Mitcham Girls High School Stage 1 – School Average Results by Year

Year Enrolments (School) % School % Like Schools % State

2005 1367 88.9 88.3 86.8

2006 1094 92.1 88.4 87.2

2007 1140 89.0 88.0 87.3

2008 1299 92.6 87.8 86.8

2009 1310 90.9 82.5 82.1

This report provides school level information on the percentage of enrolments that achieved satisfactory achievement totalled for all subjects.

The results of our Stage 1 students, in all subjects are usually above those of our like schools and all State schools’ averages.

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School Data for Mitcham Girls High School Stage 2 - School Average Achievement Score, by Year

Year Enrolments (School) % School % Like Schools % State

2005 381 13.49 13.61 13.58

2006 421 13.50 13.61 13.54

2007 303 12.93 13.56 13.55

2008 325 13.22 13.57 13.61

2009 381 13.38 13.55 13.63

The above report shows the School Average Achievement Score compared with the Like Schools Group (Like Schools) and all students in South Australia (State). It is important to note that, at Mitcham, all students are encouraged to enrol in five Year 12 Subjects. Given that we do no exclude any student from attempting Year 12, we are very proud of the above results.

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School Data for Mitcham Girls High School Stage 2 - School Average Achievement Score Distribution

Achievement Score % School % Like Schools % State

2 0.3 0.5 0.5

4 0.5 1.1 1.2

6 1.8 2.0 2.1

8 6.0 3.8 3.9

10 8.9 8.7 8.5

12 17.6 17.9 17.1

14 24.1 23.8 23.1

16 23.9 22.8 23.2

18 14.2 14.7 15.4

20 2.6 4.7 5.1

The above -report provides school level information on the percentage of results in each achievement score band. The achievement of our students in each of the score bands is compared with the achievements of students in Like Schools and the achievements of all students in South Australia.

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Year 12 Students’ Destination Data

Year 12 Students Destination Data

Tertiary institutions

87%

Employment 7%

Seeking Employment

6%Tertiary institutions

Employment

SeekingEmployment

Choices by institution

Flinders University

33%

University of SA29%

TAFE19%

Adelaide University

19%

FlindersUniversityUniversity of SA

TAFE

AdelaideUniversity

Choices by category

Health Services, 33%

Science/Engineering, 22%

Arts/Media/Law , 22%

Business, 11%

Tourism/Management, 6%

Education, 6%Health Services

Science/Engineering

Arts/Media/Law

Business

Tourism/Management

Education

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WELL-BEING PROGRAMS

• Risky Business • Year 12 Retreat • Year 12 Formal • Girls Surfing Day • Senior School Ski Trip

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Year 10 – Risky Business • Absailing • Cirkidz • Go Karting • Rock Climing • Surfing

Year 12 Retreat

Year 12 Formal

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GIRLS’ SURFING DAY

SENIOR SCHOOL SKI TRIP

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LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS SRC

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Peer Leaders Skye Battams Hayley Radford Samantha Muir Samantha Bowyer Andreia Serem Elena Nees Courtney Bridges Stacey Wolstenholme Katie Neil Melanie Dalton Hannah Evans Megan Peake Jaz Gregory Laura Evans Natasha Jones Matilda Harrison Zeena Facchin Raissa Katembwe Rebecca Jacomos Grace Goodger

House Captains Fraser: Maud Bennett-Hol Alex Charman Laura Evans Kelly Harrison Bryanna Murfitt Logan Molnar Mitchell: Hirut Murphy Tara Cowey Samantha Muir Tayler McKenzie Saffron Ronson Georgina Sulley-Beales Spence: Brooke O’Connor Claire Bowers Matilda Harrison Sherry-Rose Fombason Meg Roddy Natasha Gill

Leaders in Mathematics Barkha Bhandari Cassandra Birnie Emily Bridges Julie Cheong Aakriti Lath Meg Roddy Saffron Ronson Alison Stampke Natalie Debenham Chanelle Hof Rebecca Jacomos Raissa Katembwe Aurora Williams Annie Woodbury Bethany Woodstock

Global Young Leaders Conference (GYLC)

Laura Evans represented the school and the country

at the GYLC in Washington DC and New York City.

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OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS

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DEBATING – GRAND FINAL

South Australian Year 10 Debaters

Of The Year

1ST

MITCHAM GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL

• Saffron Ronson • Meg Roddy • Bethany Woodstock • Louise Harris

INTERSCHOOL SWIMMING CARNIVAL 2009

1ST

MITCHAM GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL

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SCHOOL AEROBICS STATE FINALS

3rd

MITCHAM GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL

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KELLY BOOTS awarded the Australian Vocational Student Prize

This prize recognises high

achieving students who complete their Year 12 studies while undertaking an Australian school-based apprenticeship.

Anna Schultz, Winner of the Southern Cross Exchange Scholarship

Maud Bennet-Hol receives the Pierre De Coubertin Award from Amber Halliday. This prestigious sporting award celebrates the Olympic spirit.

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COUNCIL OF INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS (CIS)

• Introduction • The School’s Strengths • Areas Needing Attention • Satisfaction Survey

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Introduction

Accreditation By The Council Of International Schools (CIS) The Mitcham Girls school community has decided to go through an accreditation process by reviewing every facet of school life and having these reviews, or self studies, validated by the Council of International Schools (CIS). A preliminary visit by CIS took place in May 2009 to ascertain whether the school was in a position to begin the self studies. Three CIS representatives spent four days at the school observing the operations of the school and interviewing students, staff and parents. A report, based on information and opinions supplied by the school, as well as the observations made by the Visitors while on site, was presented to the school. The overall aim of the report was to support and guide the school during the early stages of the accreditation process. The report is too long to include here, however, it can be made available to interested members of our community. Part three of the report includes the following list of strengths and key areas needing attention:

The School’s Strengths “The Visitors found many positive features at Mitcham Girls High School, of which some of the most important are: • The Visitors noted the culture of respect that is fostered throughout the school community supported by a

consistent approach to behaviour management. • The Visitors gained a very strong impression that Mitcham Girls High School is committed to

improvement. • It was evident to the Visitors that the school’s principles of: positive and respectful relationships, diversity

and individuality, excellence in academic achievement, promotion of social and emotional well-being and engagement in social and environmental action, have been inculcated into the life of the school.

• The Visitors were impressed by the quality of leadership that was evident at Mitcham Girls High School

and the extent to which the Principal has introduced a consultative approach to decision making. o The Visitors acknowledge the good work being completed in curriculum areas to provide

opportunities to specifically improve learning for girls. o The Visitors commend staff for the comprehensive and consistent documentation of curriculum

across the school.

• The Visitors commend the school for the initiative of sharing senior curriculum offerings across the group of ‘Alliance’ schools.

• The Visitors commend the work and high levels of support provided to students with Special Learning

Needs. • The Visitors noted that the school has a comprehensive ‘School Policy Manual’. • The Visitors recognise the difficulty that the School has faced with aging buildings and applauds the

commitment and efforts of the Principal and Business Manager to ensure that the campus facilities are conducive to effective learning.

• The Visitors commend the school on current efforts to promote intercultural awareness.

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Areas Needing Attention • The Visitors strongly suggest that as part of the proposed review of the School’s Philosophy and

Objectives, attention is paid to more specifically outlining the commitment to promoting exposure to international and intercultural experiences and understanding for students and defining ways in which this commitment can be monitored and evaluated.

• The Governing Council should investigate methods by which it can access training for its members and

develop ways to evaluate its own performance. • The Visitors strongly suggest that the school develop, document and implement a performance and

development process to more formally and rigorously assess effective teaching and learning in the school.

• The Visitors suggest that all staff are trained and encouraged to use the teaching methodologies

employed within the SHIP classes to further challenge and extend students in mainstream classes. • The Visitors suggest that the school would benefit from a comprehensive review of the SHIP program to

ensure that it continues to extend students and meet the aims of the program. • The Visitors suggest that the school supports the provision of qualified staff to document strategies that

will assist teachers to support students with Specific Language Needs in mainstream classes. The Visitors also recommend that support time is provided, where possible, to assist staff in modifying curriculum to make it more accessible to students with high ESL needs.

• The Visitors suggest that the school continues to investigate a more transdisciplinary approach to

curriculum delivery in order to further enhance learning and teaching, improve learning outcomes for students in the middle school and to better prepare students for the new SACE

• The school should explore ways of further enabling all teachers in the school to more closely match

teaching delivery with the needs and preferred learning styles of all students in order to provide the most appropriate levels of engagement and challenge.

• The Visitors recommend that the school complete a review of the extent to which school programs and

curriculum currently incorporate cultural diversity to enrich the curriculum and the ways in which this is celebrated. The Visitors also recommend that the school continues to grasp opportunities to use the cultural diversity of its community to enhance the learning of students at all levels.

• The school is encouraged to consider developing a comprehensive and well documented, performance

development program designed to ensure that the personal and professional performance of all staff is consistently monitored and evaluated, that achievements are acknowledged, good practice shared and that identified needs are supported.

• The Visitors suggest that the school ensure there is a documented and known process in place for

accessing student emergency support in situations where the designated First Aid Officer is not available. • It is strongly suggested that the proposed ICT development plan be given high priority and that long term

financial provision is identified to ensure an effective program of infrastructure upgrade as well as hardware and software replacement.

• The Visitors strongly encourage the School to develop, document and implement a comprehensive

Critical Incident Policy that gives detailed instruction on how a range of possible critical incidents will be handled. Such details should include actions, roles and responsibilities assigned to key staff.

• With the new library introduced in 2001, the Visitors suggest that it would be of value to review current

library service provision and effectiveness. It would be worth reviewing the role of the Librarian and amount of support provided in this area with a view to providing more time for increased curriculum and research education support.

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• The school should continue to explore ways to promote and document an international/global focus across all curriculum areas at the school. The Visitors recommend the school consider embedding this in the curriculum and school culture through inclusion in the school’s vision, objectives and goals.”

Satisfaction Surveys Before commencing the accreditation process the school engaged Endicott Research Center, Endicott College, to conduct a very comprehensive survey on all facets of school life. The responses processed are as follows:

381 students 46 staff 83 parents 11 members of Governing Council

Given the extensive survey conducted by The College, the school decided not to conduct the usual, yearly client satisfaction survey. A complete copy of the report can be made available to interested members of the community. It is too long to include here.