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Name of school: Bowen State High School

1. Description “Aim High”

Bowen State High School: Preparing students for al l things.

Bowen State High School is empowering students to lead their own learning development. By setting high expectations for all senior students and staff, our school has created a senior secondary environment where quality learning and teaching can flourish. Through the vibrant Trade Training and Independent Learning Centre senior students have access to multiple subjects, VET courses, careers development sessions, tours and traineeships which prepare students for all things post schooling. Student-Led conferences are student led with a focus on the students’ educational and future goals. Using quality feedback from teachers, senior students AIM HIGH to set improvement targets in order to achieve at their highest level. These conferences have opened the door to families sharing in their child’s education and as a result Bowen High has seen a substantial increase in parent engagement. These strong partnerships have also contributed to student engagement and learning outcomes. A reform in SET Plan processes, pathways program, s ubject offerings and targeted resources was essential to increase the academic outcomes of our senior students. As a result, our senior school now has an array of Authority, Authority Registered and Vocational subjects leading to post-schooling pathways, including University, TAFE, apprenticeships and employment. Significant changes have also been made in Year 10 creating a ‘Pathways’ program that provides workplace experience opportunities and career advice to students to assist them in making pathway decisions. The ‘Pathways’ program is formalised by the review of students’ Senior Education and Training (SET) Plans. 2. Statement: Every Student succeeding: State Schools Strategy 2014 – 2018

At Bowen State High School our aim is to ensure all students are Successful Learners and are able to attain their educational goals by the end of Year 12. Each student we believe needs; assistance, help, encouragement and above all, to be challenged, in order to fulfil their potential during the senior years of education. Our aim is that all students will graduate from their senior years with a minimum of a Vocational Certificate, Queensland Certificate of Education, OP, or Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement.

Through the establishment of strong, innovate and sustainable p artnerships , (State School Strategy, 2014-2018) we have created multiple pathways for students to explore and achieve qualifications and training that aligns with their career goals and aspirations.

Principal leadership and performance is imperative to deliver a whole school improvement agenda. The arrival of a new Principal in 2011 and new Senior School Deputy Principal in 2013 provided a new energetic vision through which practices and processes where examined. The key strategic focus for Senior School was to improve the QCE, OP and VET attainment of students before they transition to future education or work.

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3. Outcomes and supporting evidence:

Trade Training and Independent Learning Centre

Bowen High, like many small rural schools continue to struggle with students who choose varied pathways to education and training. Our challenge is to provide rich and sustainable pathways that will lead to retention and attainment. At Bowen State High, the establishment of a Trade Training and Independent Learning Centre, managed by a Trade Training and Independent Learning Centre Co-ordinator and Senior School Deputy Principal has led to success in this area. The development of the Independent Learning Centre was achieved by renovating an old computer room, providing a space for students to engage in flexible learning pathways. The facility is staffed by the Trade Training and Independent Learning Centre Co-ordinator (1.0 FTE Teacher Aide) whose dedication and innovation has seen the development of a highly successful Independent Learning Centre delivering Distance Education subjects, a well-established work experience and tour program, a school-based Careers Expo and strong partnerships with Registered Training Providers to deliver Certificate II and above qualifications. The Co-ordinator liaises with local, regional and state businesses and a range of department stakeholders to secure work experiences and school-based traineeship/apprenticeships for senior students (See Appendix). The Trade Training and Independent Learning Centre currently has over 140 students accessing this fantastic facility. It provides for students accessing subjects via Distance Education and flexible learning for SATS and TAFE learners. Eleven (11) Distance Education subjects are studies through the centre as well as over 15 Certificate II and III Courses (See Table 1: Courses of Study)

Bowen State High School prides itself in its establishment of a Career Pathway Tour Program . This program commenced in 2011 with a one day tour to the Australian Defence Force, Lavarack Barracks. In late 2011 a group of students attended Aurizon Maintenance Depot where they completed a workshop to assist them through the application and interview process for Apprenticeships. The Career Pathway Tour Program is now an integral part of our Senior Schooling program taking place annually. In 2014, the program boasted 16 tours, which showcased multiple business and companies from throughout North Queensland and the Whitsunday’s. The purpose of the tours varied. For example, Abbot Point, Aurizon and Wilmar Sugar cater for year 12 students who are interested in applying for Apprenticeships. Students tour the plant, undertake a site induction and study the application, aptitude and interview processes. Whereas, tours such as those conducted at James Cook University, Police Academy, Nursing, Defence Force, Fire and Rescue, CAT-Hastings Deering and the Magistrate Court are designed for students in Years 10-12 who are exploring interest and potential careers in these fields. (See Appendix)

Another partnership initiative Bowen SHS has been involved with is the Aurizon Work Experience Programs; Ladies as Tradies and Railway to Rewards. This program was introduced in 2013 in partnership with Aurizon. The program is designed for Year 10 female students considering a career in the trade industry and challenges the male gender stereotypes associated with many trades. The students attend a Launch and Tour of the site followed by work experience. A total of sixteen (16) girls have participated in this program with two students now enrolled in the VETiS program through TAFE North completing a Certificate II Diesel Fitting. In, 2015 will see this program move to Glencore – Abbot Point Bulk Coal Terminal 1.

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A reform of SET Plan processes, pathways program, s ubject offerings and targeted resources

As the only Secondary School in Bowen, and the next High School 60km away in Proserpine, we constantly face the pressure from the community to provide an extensive senior curriculum. Through targeted resources and a dynamic leadership team, subject offerings have increased from 2012 to 2015. Bowen High now offers an extensive range of subjects in its senior school that prepare students for tertiary education, trade employment including Apprenticeships and full time employment when they graduate from Year 12.

Table 1: Courses of Study

Pathway 2012 2015 ENGLISH English

English Communication English English Communication

MATHEMATICS Prevocational Mathematics Maths A Mathematics B Mathematics C (Distance Ed)

Prevocational Mathematics Maths A Mathematics B Mathematics C (Distance Ed) Year 10 Maths Extension

SCIENCE Biology, Chemistry. Biology, Chemistry, Science in Practice (SAS) Physics, Certificate II Horticulture

HUMANITIES Modern History (Distance Ed) Ancient History (Distance Ed) Geography Early Childhood

Modern History (Distance Ed) Ancient History (Distance Ed) Geography Early Childhood

BUSINESS Accounting, Legal Studies, Certificate II Business (Distance Ed)

Accounting, Legal Studies, Business Certificate II (Distance Ed), Certificate II Information, Digital Media and Technology (IT)

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Recreation (SAS), Physical Education

Recreation (SAS), Physical Education Certificate III Fitness Certificate III Sport & Recreation

THE ARTS Drama, Art, Visual Art Studies (SAS) Drama, Art, Visual Art Studies (SAS)

INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY

Graphics, Hospitality (SAS), Building & Construction Studies (SAS), Engineering Studies (SAS)

Graphics, Hospitality (SAS), Building & Construction Studies (SAS), Engineering Studies (SAS)

TRADE TRAINING PROGRAM

Certificate II Engineering (TAFE) Certificate II Hospitality (TAFE) Certificate II Automotive (TAFE) Certificate III Childcare (Distance Ed)

Certificate II Engineering (TAFE) Certificate II Hospitality (TAFE) Certificate II Automotive (TAFE) Certificate III Childcare (Distance Ed) Certificate II Diesel Fitting (TAFE) Certificate II Electro-Technology (Careers Australia) Certificate II Resource & Infrastructure (TAFE) Certificate III Carpentry (SAT) Certificate III Floristry (SAT) Certificate II Retail (SAT)

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As well as expanding the scope of senior secondary curriculum offerings, specific resources have been targeted towards the Student Support Services Team to provide individualised support to students identified with significant needs. We have:

• Access to a full-time Guidance Officer (increased from 0.6 in 2014 to 1.0 in 2015) who provides counselling and academic support, including career advice to students.

• Access to a full-time Community Education Counsellor (CEC) to assist our Indigenous students to remain engaged in school and guide them to achieve their QCE, OP and/or VET qualification.

• Access to a Youth Support Coordinator (0.6) whose aim is to assist students with their Queensland Certificate of Education attainment, retention, employability skills and to secure opportunities beyond school.

In 2013, Bowen High investigated effective practices of like schools to implement a new SET Plan process. A key aspect of this reform was the establishment of two distinct pathways; ‘OP Pathway’ and ‘Negotiated Pathway’ to ensure that every student is in the correct pathway and studying a course which will help them in their future endeavours upon successful completion of Year 12.

What do we offer Senior Secondary Students?

SET Planning

OP Pathway Negotiated Pathway

• Study 6 Authority Subjects or 5 Authority Subjects & University Study or, Certificate II or above

• Must sit QCS Exam

• QCS Exam preparation – must sit all practice tests, access tutorials

• No access to school-based traineeships or apprenticeships

• Authority English and Maths A or B compulsory

• Must study 6 subjects

• English Communication (or English) and Pre-vocational Maths (or Maths A) are compulsory

• May study 2 certificate subjects at Certificate II or higher (only 1 at TAFE)

• Rank eligible and can sit QCS test

• Able to study Authority or Authority Registered subjects

University Workforce, Diploma Courses & University

In 2013, our school revamped the Year 10 Life skills Program and entitled it ‘Pathways’ . The program runs two lessons a week and explicitly educates students about the opportunities and pathways available to them as they progress through the senior school. Pathways includes sessions related to career development, employability skills, mock interviews, work experience, resume writing, subject selection and personal health and wellbeing. It is supported by Industry guest speakers, BSHS Careers website, Guidance Officer, Student support services and community stakeholders who provide a broad range of

perspectives about the importance of attendance, retention and attainment at Secondary School.

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Level of Achievement for Yr. 10 Pathways

Semester 1, 2013 Semester 1, 2014

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Student-Led Conferences The introduction of Student-Led conferences in 2013 has provided the following outcomes:

• A vehicle for students to analyse their progress over time.

• Increased student awareness of and attention to criteria standards in the senior school.

• Increased focus on student improvement strategies.

• Increased parent participation in their child’s learning.

• Increased student-parent-teacher dialogue focused on learning, rather than behaviour.

These are evidenced by an improvement in student achievement results (See Appendix) and anecdotal comments from students and parents.

Parent engagement has been extremely positive with an increase in participation compared to traditional parent-teacher interviews. (See Table 2: Parent Engagement in Student-Led Conferences)

Anecdotal Feedback from Parents

“We feel that student-led conferences is a great initiative by BSHS allowing interaction between student, staff and parents. It has provided an opportunity for our daughter to set her own goals in consultation with

subject staff and to progress with achieving the targets each term. Also, it allows staff and parents to better understand student’s expectations and guide them to achieve their goals within the time frame.” (Year 12

Parent, 2014. The student achieved an OP1)

“My student is taking "ownership “for their learning. It is not about just getting a result but what the student could do about improving that result and available options were discussed with the student. This meeting

has really focused and motivated my son.” (Year 12 Parent, 2014. The student achieved an OP4)

Anecdotal Feedback from students

“The benefits of student-led conferences is that it makes students responsible for their own learning. In comparison to a lot of parent-teacher interviews, where it is just the teacher telling the parent where they are going wrong, instead students come up with strategies to improve and make us realise what we need to do in our subjects.” (Year 12 Student, 2014 OP6)

“Student-led conferences has allowed me to concentrate on specific areas and criteria to improve. It encourages me to have discussions with my teachers to identify which aspects of my learning I need to improve.” (Year 12 student 2014, OP1)

“They (SLC) help us to identify criteria we need to improve and communicate this to our parents and teachers. The feedback from teachers is really good…they explain to us what we need to do to improve.” (Year 12 student 2014, OP8)

Table 2: Parent Engagement in Student-Led Conferences

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Appendix 1- Principal and P&C Statement of Support

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Appendix 2: AIM HIGH to Improve Student Achievement

Year 9, 2011 Cohort – End of Semester 2, 2011 – Achievement Summary Year 12, 2014 Cohort – End of Semester 2, 2014 – Achievement Summary

It is evident that our student’ results have improved from Year 9, 2011 to Year 12, 2014. The number of D, E or N has decreased considerably and as a result, the number of A-C’s awarded has increased. This data has been achieved by our students through an effective case management review and tracking process, student-led conferences, guided subjects and pathway selection process and career pathways and training programs.

Year 12, 2014 Cohort – End of Semester 2, 2014 – Effort and Behaviour Summary

Our senior students lead by example. 100% A-C for Effort and 98.9% A-C’s for Behaviour Ratings were awarded to Year 12 students in 2014. This data clearly identifies that there is a direct correlation between effort and behaviour to academic success. Our students AIM HIGH demonstrating a commitment to learning to achieve outstanding results in Senior Secondary.

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Levels of Achievement Comparison 2011-2014

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Appendix 3: AIM HIGH- PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS Achievements of our Year 12, 2014 Cohort

100% Queensland Certificate of Education (Includes one (1) QCIA)

100% OP 1-15

2 OP 1’s

100% QTAC Offers

Lions Youth of the Year – Zone Winner/Regional Finalist- North Queensland

Two students attended University of Queensland Young Scholars Program

One student offered QUT’s Vice-Chancellor Scholarship

One student awarded UQ Merit Scholarship - $6 000 for the first year of study.

Two students awarded QCAA Certificate of Academic Commendation

Bowen State High School Graduates 2014

“Senior schooling at Bowen High provided me with a significant insight to various post schooling career pathways through its Careers expo, numerous excursions and my involvement in the UQ Young Scholars program. The schools’ dedicated teachers always had additional time for students and I was therefore never left confused before an exam. The support from teachers, other staff and even peers during and leading up to the QCS test was immense and certainly made an extremely stressful period much easier! As a senior student Bowen High offered me ample amounts of support academically as well as the

opportunity to partake a significant role in the school and wider Bowen community. Bowen State High acts as an excellent platform for various career pathways for senior students be it through linking them with an apprenticeship or setting them up for university.” (Aiden McConnel, Abbott Point Bursary Recipient)

“I was provided a number of opportunities for me to perform well in academic, sporting and community activities throughout my senior years. From the JCU University experience and Interschool netball matches to community fundraising events such as the Red shield Appeal, the school didn’t fall short of helping me strive to my full potential. BSHS gave the best platform and extended help in order for me to pursue my academic career.” (Arania Sivasubramaniam, BSHS Co-Dux 2014)

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Yr 12 QTAC Offers

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Appendix 4: AIM HIGH- Year 12 Outcomes 2011-2014 (Information from School Data Profile, 2015)

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Yr. 12 Students OP 1-15

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Yr 12 Students awarded at least 1

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Bowen State

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)Yr 12 Students awarded a QCE

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Yr 12 students with a Cert III or

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Yr 12 Students with a Cert II or

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