How to Make the Right Educational Choices for Your Child

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017

How to make the right educational choices for your child

ᔡ The co-ed debate ᔡ Schools bursting at the seams ᔡ Do rankings matter? ᔡ Global classrooms THE WEST AUSTRALIAN • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017 THE WEST AUSTRALIAN • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017 2 CHOOSING A SCHOOL CHOOSING A SCHOOL 3

CONTENTS New schools ...... 4 Pre-kindy programs ...... 5 Co-ed debate ...... 10 Needs of child the Global classroom ...... 14 Students’ view ...... 16

THE TEAM Editor foremost criteria Jenni Storey, [email protected]; ᔡ Bethany Hiatt cultural interest? Last but not area where most families are Education Editor EDUCATION EDITOR least, what is going to fit your fairly well off, then be aware Bethany Hiatt, budget? its results may have less to do bethany.hiatt@ t is the decision many While there is far more with the school and more to wanews.com.au; parents agonise over. information available now do with the fact all the Advertising Where you plan to send about schools’ performances parents have read books to Raj Kulkarni, 9482 3567, I your child to school is a topic on tests such as NAPLAN, their offspring from birth. rajesh.kulkarni@ that crops up regularly at choosing a school based But if a school in a wanews.com.au barbecues and in playgroups. solely on results found on a disadvantaged area can show And it could be one of the website is not wise. its students are improving at COVER IMAGE Students enjoy the great most important choices you Just because a group of a greater rate than those in outdoors at Serpentine will ever make on your child’s students from one year group similar schools, that is a far Jarrahdale Grammar behalf. performs well does not more significant School. Given that children spend a necessarily mean all children achievement. substantial proportion of from the same school will However, looking up sets of their childhood at school, achieve at that level. graphs and figures on the choosing the right one is And parents need to internet is no replacement for important. remember that results from physically walking around a But how should you go NAPLAN or Year 12 exams school to see how welcoming about it? are only one measure of a it feels, how enthusiastic its There are so many different school’s success. students are and how they aspects to consider – public or One of the biggest relate to their teachers. private? Mixed gender classes predictors of student No school will ever be or single-sex? Religious or achievement is the perfect, but parents cannot go secular? background they come too far wrong if they focus on A standard school or one from. choosing a school they believe focusing on a particular So if you’re looking at a suits their child, not sporting, academic or high-achieving school in an themselves.

START BALANCING LIFE Working parents ﬁnd St Hilda’s Junior School is the ideal solution for combining a busy career and growing family.

That’s because our highly regarded educational Qualified St Hilda’s staff care for your children To find out how St Hilda’s can help program is supported by after school care that outside school hours and make sure they are always starts at 7am and finishes at 6pm. involved in fun learning activities within our secure you better balance work and family life, We open the hours that matter to modern parents grounds. Older students also get homework support contact Kate Parker on 9285 4100 to suit either early starts or later finishes. if you or they want it. or [email protected] A nutritious breakfast is provided for early starters, while those who stay later enjoy an afternoon tea. STHILDAS.WA.EDU.AU THE WEST AUSTRALIAN • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017 THE WEST AUSTRALIAN • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017 2 CHOOSING A SCHOOL CHOOSING A SCHOOL 3

TOP 30 MEDIAN ATAR 2016 1 Perth Modern School 95.55 2 Presbyterian Ladies’ College 92.90 3 Penrhos College 92.65 4 Christ Church Grammar School 92.50 5 Santa Maria College 91.85 6 St Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls 91.40 7 Perth College 90.55 8 St Mary's Anglican Girls’ School 90.40 9 Methodist Ladies' College 90.30 10 Shenton College 90.00 11 Hale School 89.80 12 Carmel 89.35 13 John XXIII College 88.60 14 Willetton Senior High School 88.05 15 Rossmoyne Senior High School 87.35 16 Scotch College 87.30 17 Iona Presentation College 86.70 18 Margaret River Senior High School 86.40 19 Corpus Christi 86.35 19 Sacred Heart College 86.35 21 Trinity College 85.70 22 Lake Joondalup Baptist College 85.40 23 Mercedes College 85.35 24 Applecross Senior High School 85.10 24 St Stephen’s School - Carramar 85.10 26 All Saints’ College 85.00 27 Guildford Grammar School 84.85 28 Churchlands Senior High School 84.70 29 St Mary MacKillop College 84.65 30 St Norbert College 84.55 Perth Modern School students (from left) Daniel Ho, Alex Chi, Giulia Villa, Radheya Jegatheva, Elizabeth Knight Calculated from all Year 12 students in the and Alex Roh. Picture: Trevor Collens school who enrolled in four or more ATAR courses. SOURCE: SCSA

START BALANCING LIFE Working parents ﬁnd St Hilda’s Junior School is the ideal solution for combining a busy career and growing family.

ᔡ Bethany Hiatt Public schools cannot refuse to take in pupils who s if contemplating live in their local catchment, educational choices was but improvements that have Anot hard enough, boosted the reputations of parents in some areas are many public schools have facing increased uncertainty also meant that some are about the options available. struggling to meet the Western suburbs parents increased demand. wanting to send their Many public schools on the children to a public northern and southern outer secondary school still do not edges of Perth are dealing know if a recently announced with big numbers of pupils, new school will go ahead. as young families move into The State Government new housing subdivisions. eventually revealed late last To cope, some schools year that it would open have added extra another high school, in City transportable classrooms or Beach, after Churchlands Illustration: Don Lindsay staggered their recess Senior High School became breaks. one of the biggest schools in enrolments at Churchlands academically-gifted children school intake boundaries. Inner-city schools are also the State with more than are likely to reach 3000 by in the city in 2020. City Beach is in the safe affected by rapid enrolment 2400 pupils. the time the new school If elected in March, Liberal seat of Churchlands, growth, as urban infill has led Education Minister Peter opens, with Shenton not far Opposition Leader Mark but Labor is focused on the to more people moving Collier announced in behind. McGowan said Perth Modern electorates of Perth and Mt closer to the city. September that the former Parents who were relieved School would be refurbished Lawley, which it needs to win This has resulted in City Beach high school, that a decision had finally to become a regular local to claim power. increased complaints from which closed 11 years ago, been made were swiftly secondary school. He said he Many parents in other parents at some public would reopen in 2020 to returned to limbo this month would dump the Liberal areas are also contending schools that the need for ease crowding at after Labor announced it government’s plan to build a with the issue of school size more classrooms has resulted Churchlands and Shenton would open a new high-rise school at City Beach. when deciding where to in a reduction in play space College. In the meantime, secondary school for Labor would also change educate their children. for their children. Youngsters are enjoying St Brigid’s pre-kindy program. THE WEST AUSTRALIAN • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017 THE WEST AUSTRALIAN • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017 4 CHOOSING A SCHOOL CHOOSING A SCHOOL 5 Politics on schools puts parents in limbo Early learning pays Public schools cannot refuse to take in pupils who ᔡ Maureen Eppen governments investigate “We highly encourage live in their local catchment, national implementation of their sense of agency and but improvements that have hree-year-olds are a three-year-old program, to uniqueness through their boosted the reputations of thriving in the pre-kindy bring Australia into line with interactions with each other,” many public schools have Tprogram at St Brigid’s the two years of preschool she said. also meant that some are College, Lesmurdie, where provided in most developed The aim was to keep struggling to meet the they are introduced to countries. children from pre-kindy in increased demand. playing and learning in a safe St Brigid’s junior school the same room with the same Many public schools on the school environment — and head Nicola Lee said the teacher for their northern and southern outer parents are encouraged to optional program ran for two kindergarten year, to help edges of Perth are dealing join in. full days each week, from 9am with their self-confidence and with big numbers of pupils, The pre-kindy program, to 3pm. allow families to form as young families move into which started in 2011, feeds “Initially, the program ran relationships. new housing subdivisions. into the school’s play-based, for two hours, twice a week, “Our three and four-year- To cope, some schools inquiry-focused Early but due to parent requests old programs work hand in have added extra Learning Centre and and our observations of the hand very well,” Mrs Lee transportable classrooms or accommodates up to 20 children, we realised they said. staggered their recess children in two classes. could benefit from the longer “Having the same teacher breaks. The success of the St hours — and we haven’t over the two years ensures Inner-city schools are also Brigid’s program reinforces looked back,” Mrs Lee said. interests and inquiries can be affected by rapid enrolment the findings of a report by The program was launched continued and extended, to growth, as urban infill has led the Mitchell Institute at following discussions with enhance the growth and to more people moving Victoria University, which parents, many of whom development of the child. closer to the city. recommends all children already had children “We believe our students This has resulted in should be able to attend attending St Brigid’s. are clever and capable. increased complaints from preschool from the age of Mrs Lee said the pre- “ We encourage parents at some public three, and complete two kindy children learned independence through play, schools that the need for years of early education independence and social social interactions with other more classrooms has resulted before compulsory skills through investigations adults and other children, in a reduction in play space schooling. and provocations in a and through extending their for their children. The report recommends beautiful indoor-outdoor inquiries relating to their that Federal and State environment. individual interests.” Youngsters are enjoying St Brigid’s pre-kindy program.

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Wellbeing a key factor to Year 12, and identifying ᔡ Maureen Eppen that we live in a world where indfulness, meditation we’ve been educating and motivation are cognitively, physically and Mtaught alongside the spiritually, but the emotional “three Rs” at Christ Church wellbeing of the individual Grammar School, where boys hasn’t really been a priority are being educated for for the better part of success in life, as well as in education history,” Mr their chosen careers. Morrissy said. Director of planning and “We need to provide co-curricular Mark Morrissy individuals with the ability to said incorporating wellness deal with the emotional into a school’s education nature of the world, and to program gave students have a robustness around important life skills and the their ability to deal with the capacity to deal with emotional rollercoaster we go day-to-day challenges, and to through every day as cope with the bigger individuals.” challenges a person might Using approaches including face. mindfulness, meditation and The Wynne Centre for yoga, motivational and Health and Wellbeing at inspirational guest speakers, Christ Church has been and analysing potential designed as a focal point for scenarios they might face, the teaching boys vital life skills. boys develop skills that help MORE ON It is run by former keep them on an emotional CHOICES AT Fremantle Dockers player even keel. chooseaschool. manager Liam Casson. “If you can inform people thewest. “The Wynne Centre is about how to deal with the com.au looking at the overall ups and downs of normal wellbeing of the young man, daily life, and skill them in Christ Church students at the school’s Kooringal camp, which is used for outdoor education. effectively from pre-primary that sense, then they are

‘Knowing the boy’ guides everything we do at Scotch College.

We know young boys are tactile learners who need to investigate how everything works, so we develop reading, writing, spelling and maths skills through inquiry-based activities.

We know boys with positive self-esteem are more resilient and open to challenges, so we offer a broad range of co-curricular DFWLYLWLHVDOORZLQJHYHU\ER\WRÀQGDQDUHDZKHUHKHVKLQHV

We know every boy is different, so our teachers invest the time to fully understand the academic and emotional needs of your son and offer support or extension when needed.

To learn more about the difference ‘knowing the boy’ makes, see Scotch in action at our 2SHQ'D\7RÀQGRXWPRUHFDOO$GPLVVLRQV on 9383 6809 or visit scotch.wa.edu.au

OPEN DAY - FRIDAY 10 MARCH, 2017

Preparing boys for life bcells36606 THE WEST AUSTRALIAN • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017 THE WEST AUSTRALIAN • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017 6 CHOOSING A SCHOOL CHOOSING A SCHOOL 7

ᔡ Maureen Eppen to Year 12, and identifying better able to cope with those control the normal, everyday that we live in a world where ups and downs,” Mr Morrissy emotional journey that you indfulness, meditation we’ve been educating said. have — it’s about being on the and motivation are cognitively, physically and “Of course, if there’s an positive or proactive side of Mtaught alongside the spiritually, but the emotional absolute tragedy or that emotional journey, “three Rs” at Christ Church wellbeing of the individual catastrophe in your life, it’s rather than the reactive side.” Grammar School, where boys hasn’t really been a priority going to be an emotional The Wynne Centre is also a are being educated for for the better part of down — you can’t fix some of base for educating boys in success in life, as well as in education history,” Mr other health areas, such as their chosen careers. Morrissy said. drugs and alcohol, stranger Director of planning and “We need to provide ‘We need to provide danger, depression, positive co-curricular Mark Morrissy individuals with the ability to mental health, and driver said incorporating wellness deal with the emotional individuals with the awareness. The Choices and Yoga is part of the health and wellbeing program. into a school’s education nature of the world, and to emotional nature of Challenges course in Year 10 program gave students have a robustness around is about making good choices important life skills and the their ability to deal with the the world.’ in terms of life experiences. capacity to deal with emotional rollercoaster we go Director of planning and “Liam will work through day-to-day challenges, and to through every day as co-curricular Mark Morrissy specific scenarios with the cope with the bigger individuals.” boys, allowing them to talk challenges a person might Using approaches including them. But society thinks that about what they could be face. mindfulness, meditation and you should feel good all the feeling and how they might The Wynne Centre for yoga, motivational and time, and that’s not a reality. deal with those scenarios, and Health and Wellbeing at inspirational guest speakers, “The reality is that he looks at the importance of Christ Church has been and analysing potential sometimes you feel good and relationships in an designed as a focal point for scenarios they might face, the sometimes you feel not so individual’s life, including teaching boys vital life skills. boys develop skills that help good. relationships with parents, It is run by former keep them on an emotional “Sometimes you are elated, siblings and key mentors, as Fremantle Dockers player even keel. and sometimes you are not. well as friendships and manager Liam Casson. “If you can inform people “It’s about understanding romantic relationships,” he “The Wynne Centre is about how to deal with the what those things mean to said. “It’s about educating looking at the overall ups and downs of normal you as an individual, and people for life, as opposed to wellbeing of the young man, daily life, and skill them in realising that you have the educating them just for effectively from pre-primary that sense, then they are ability, to a certain extent, to careers.” Students practise meditation and mindfulness.

‘Knowing the boy’ guides everything we do at Scotch College.

We know young boys are tactile learners who need to investigate how everything works, so we develop reading, writing, spelling and maths skills through inquiry-based activities.

We know boys with positive self-esteem are more resilient and open to challenges, so we offer a broad range of co-curricular DFWLYLWLHVDOORZLQJHYHU\ER\WRÀQGDQDUHDZKHUHKHVKLQHV

We know every boy is different, so our teachers invest the time to fully understand the academic and emotional needs of your son and offer support or extension when needed.

To learn more about the difference ‘knowing the boy’ makes, see Scotch in action at our 2SHQ'D\7RÀQGRXWPRUHFDOO$GPLVVLRQV on 9383 6809 or visit scotch.wa.edu.au

OPEN DAY - FRIDAY 10 MARCH, 2017

Preparing boys for life bcells36606 THE WEST AUSTRALIAN • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017 THE WEST AUSTRALIAN • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017 8 CHOOSING A SCHOOL CHOOSING A SCHOOL 9 Nature

down, and another at the play-based learning plays heart of the primary school approach in our primary was designed by the school.” students to include monkey Children also benefit from bars, balance beams, smaller class sizes of 18-27 focus climbing ropes, a sand pit, students. large pipes to crawl through Head of curriculum Brad and seating. Krokosz said smaller classes The three areas gave led to more individual on risk children an understanding of learning, catered more risk-taking and taught them successfully for student the environment had a diversity, and led students to ᔡ Maureen Eppen function apart from that of develop a greater level of human content, she said. independence in their very day, children at “Many kids have never learning. Serpentine-Jarrahdale climbed a tree, built a cubby “Smaller class sizes also EGrammar School relish house or a fairy house, or had mean a greater focus on being outdoors, learning such freedom when it comes pastoral care, and a more about their environment as to play,” Mrs McLean said. holistic approach for they spend time in a “Children are natural developing students’ ability dedicated “wild space” and inquirers who happily to set individual learning nature play areas. engage in understanding the goals,” Mr Krokosz said. Head of primary school world around them, including “With smaller class sizes, Lisa McLean said the wild the flora and fauna. children know everyone in space was a corner of “Students develop their year group or class, and bushland inhabited by co-operative learning create lifelong friendships spiders and lizards, with pig strategies, and work that extend outside the melons, gum trees and independently to develop classroom. With the world . . . pineapple bushes. rules to work together. changing so rapidly, a smaller One nature play area in the “The nature theme brings school with small class sizes early learning centre has a wonder into the learning has the capacity to cater to mud pie kitchen and a grass environment and ties in with the needs of the 21st century mound for children to roll the investigational learner.” A student gets to grips with nature. Children in one of Serpentine Jarrahdale Grammar School’s nature play areas. Excellence in Co-Education John XXIII College Mt Claremont offers a co-educational learning environment where all our students (Pre- Kindy – Year 12) are supported to reach their goals, both academically and in their personal and spiritual development. At John XXIII College we are passionate about nurturing young minds and bringing out the best in our students.

Join us at our Open Day from 9:00am to 12:00pm on Saturday 11 March 2017 Tours every half hour from 9:00 to 11:30am Visit our website to book your place

For enrolment enquiries, please call 9383 0449. www.johnxxiii.edu.au THE WEST AUSTRALIAN • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017 THE WEST AUSTRALIAN • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017 8 CHOOSING A SCHOOL CHOOSING A SCHOOL 9

‘The nature theme brings wonder into the learning environment’ play-based learning Lisa McLean approach in our primary school.” Children also benefit from smaller class sizes of 18-27 students. Head of curriculum Brad Krokosz said smaller classes led to more individual learning, catered more successfully for student diversity, and led students to develop a greater level of independence in their learning. “Smaller class sizes also mean a greater focus on pastoral care, and a more holistic approach for developing students’ ability to set individual learning goals,” Mr Krokosz said. “With smaller class sizes, children know everyone in their year group or class, and create lifelong friendships that extend outside the classroom. With the world . . . changing so rapidly, a smaller school with small class sizes has the capacity to cater to the needs of the 21st century learner.” Children in one of Serpentine Jarrahdale Grammar School’s nature play areas. Excellence in Co-Education John XXIII College Mt Claremont offers a co-educational learning environment where all our students (Pre- Kindy – Year 12) are supported to reach their goals, both academically and in their personal and spiritual development. At John XXIII College we are passionate about nurturing young minds and bringing out the best in our students.

Join us at our Open Day from 9:00am to 12:00pm on Saturday 11 March 2017 Tours every half hour from 9:00 to 11:30am Visit our website to book your place

For enrolment enquiries, please call 9383 0449. www.johnxxiii.edu.au THE WEST AUSTRALIAN • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017 THE WEST AUSTRALIAN • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017 10 CHOOSING A SCHOOL CHOOSING A SCHOOL 11

Co-ed debate rages on ᔡ Bethany Hiatt gate. Guildford will start Surrounding boys’ schools more single-sex schools. integrating girls into the received dozens of calls from Executive officer Loren he debate over the merits school from next year and parents inquiring about Bridge said research and of single-sex schooling boarding facilities will open enrolments. international trends did not Tversus co-education is to senior schoolgirls by 2020. While Guildford is the first support the perception that back in the headlines after About 100 girls currently single-gender school in WA to single-sex schooling was prestigious boys’ college attend the preparatory school make a complete shift to detrimental to students. Guildford Grammar School up to Year 6, and Mr Webber co-education, several boys’ She said parents chose revealed it would start said many parents were keen schools in other parts of girls’ schools for their safe, enrolling girls in the for their daughters to be able Australia and the UK have nurturing environment and secondary years. to continue there. made a similar transition in access to strong role models. On the last day of the Many parents responded to recent years. “Sadly we do not live in a school year, headmaster the news by requesting balanced, co-ed world,” she Stephen Webber announced enrolment information, ‘The case for said. to students and staff that including Heidi McAtee, who “Gender equality still Guildford would become fully has a son in Year 10 and a single-sex schools is eludes us. Men still earn co-educational by 2019 after daughter in Year 3. strong.’ more than women, women more than 100 years of She said she was delighted still remain unrepresented in boys-only secondary nine-year-old Isabella would Loren Bridge senior leadership, board and education. be able to follow her brother government positions, and After reviewing research Callum, 15, into the senior The Alliance of Girls’ women still experience into the benefits and school. Schools Australasia said even discrimination in disadvantages of single-sex But other parents who said though several boys’ schools professional settings. Heidi and Glenn McAtee and schooling, Mr Webber said they had opted for Guildford had chosen to include girls “The case for single-sex children, Callum and the school board had decided because they wanted a recently, it was very rare for schools is strong, and vitally, Isabella at Guildford co-education would better boys-only education for their girls’ schools to move to a should not be based solely on Grammar School. prepare boys and girls for sons took to Facebook to vent co-ed model and countries academic achievements and Picture: Nic Ellis their lives beyond the school their frustration. such as the US were opening interests.”

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3412869LVNRK01272017 For further information on test preparation please see: www.academicassessment.com.au THE WEST AUSTRALIAN • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017 THE WEST AUSTRALIAN • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017 12 CHOOSING A SCHOOL CHOOSING A SCHOOL 13 Balancing vision with values

ᔡ Maureen Eppen English as a Second Language (ESL) and eveloping community Continuing Education spirit and encouraging students. Dservice to others PLC students also took part provide the perfect balance to in the Leukaemia aspirations of academic Foundation’s World’s excellence and sporting Greatest Shave fundraising achievement for the girls at activity, enlisting boys from Presbyterian Ladies’ College. neighbouring Scotch College With the school’s vision to become the event’s highest and values reflecting a fundraising team in WA, with commitment for its girls to sponsorship and donations grow into considerate, caring totalling more than $89,000. young women who are willing Co-ordinator of the school’s and able to “make a gifted and talented program difference in the world”, there Erica Walker said the Writing are many opportunities for for Life competition, through PLC students to demonstrate DonateLife WA, was open to empathy, compassion and all PLC girls from Years 7 to inclusiveness. 12 with an interest in writing, ‘Giving students the In 2016, this included the in keeping with the chance for students to enter a International Baccalaureate opportunity to statewide writing contest to (IB) study program at the experience and be promote awareness and school. understanding of the “Inclusiveness and service involved in service importance of organ donation are part of the IB, so the makes them more — with PLC girlsPing Yap and opportunity to enter this sisters Eva and Elizabeth competition was available to aware of other Marsh winning three out of all the girls, not just those people’s situations.’ the four categories. The identified as gifted and fourth category was open to talented, and they were able Erica Walker PLC Writing for Life winners Ping Yap, left, and sisters Eva and Elizabeth Marsh.

YOUR FUTURE…

CLAREMONT T E W THE WEST AUSTRALIAN • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017 THE WEST AUSTRALIAN • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017 12 CHOOSING A SCHOOL CHOOSING A SCHOOL 13 Balancing vision with values

English as a Second to use it as part of their PLC girls were inspired to Language (ESL) and service, which meant there raise funds for the Leukaemia Continuing Education was plenty of interest,” Ms Foundation when they learnt students. Walker said. that student Kate Sinclair had PLC students also took part The girls’ entries also been diagnosed with the in the Leukaemia reflected their personal disease. Foundation’s World’s responses to conversations Kate’s friends organised for Greatest Shave fundraising with staff member and more than 100 PLC and activity, enlisting boys from double lung transplant Scotch College students and neighbouring Scotch College recipient John Stillitano, who staff to shave or cut their hair to become the event’s highest has since moved to another for the cause. fundraising team in WA, with school. Other ways that girls at sponsorship and donations “When I was told about the PLC participate in totalling more than $89,000. competition, I got him to talk community service and Co-ordinator of the school’s to the girls about his develop a spirit of empathy gifted and talented program experience, so they really include visits to the Erica Walker said the Writing became aware of his situation Mowanjum community, in for Life competition, through and the importance of organ the Kimberley, travel to DonateLife WA, was open to donation,” she said. Cambodia to help build all PLC girls from Years 7 to “His daughter spoke at the houses for disadvantaged 12 with an interest in writing, awards night about what his villagers, and taking part in in keeping with the transplant meant for her.” MORE ON bread and soup runs for International Baccalaureate Another staff member, SOME GREAT Perth’s homeless. (IB) study program at the author Luciana Cavallaro, WA SCHOOLS “Giving students the school. talked to the girls about AT opportunity to experience “Inclusiveness and service the importance of reading chooseaschool. and be involved in service are part of the IB, so the and addressing the makes them more aware of opportunity to enter this competition criteria. thewest. other people’s situations and competition was available to “We often arrange com.au ensures they are going to all the girls, not just those mentors for the girls, and become compassionate, identified as gifted and having staff members who empathetic young women in PLC Writing for Life winners Ping Yap, left, and sisters Eva and Elizabeth Marsh. talented, and they were able can be mentors is fortunate.” Students take part in the World’s Greatest Shave. the future,” Ms Walker said.

YOUR FUTURE…

WA s Leading Girls School and proud of it

IB Diploma IGSSA WACE Median Overall Median ATAR Sport & ATAR Rowing 94.6 Champions 92.9

Become a PLC Girl today

CLAREMONT plc.wa.edu.au T E W THE WEST AUSTRALIAN • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017 THE WEST AUSTRALIAN • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017 Transforming 14 CHOOSING A SCHOOL CHOOSING A SCHOOL 15 learning for all. Global take on class learning A Catholic education focusses ᔡ Maureen Eppen Using Google Classroom, on the unique potential of Google Hangouts and Google each individual student – nline opportunities to Translate, the Perth College supporting their development collaborate on science girls and their overseas peers academically, spiritually, Oprojects with students conducted a variety of in rural Thailand and Spain experiments and tasks, socially, and physically. are helping Perth College including growing vegetables students appreciate cultural from seed, then analysed and Catholic Education Western diversity, enhance their compared the results online. Australia’s growing network understanding of the internet The students also explored of 163 schools and colleges and develop an international elements of engineering delivers extraordinary perspective on learning. design process and problem- The “global classroom” based learning through other opportunities, inspiring a concept was introduced at projects and tasks. passion for learning, discovery Perth College several years Google Translate helped and excellence from the early ago through mystery Skyping students overcome language classes, during which challenges and Google years right through to Year 12. students “visited” overseas Classroom allowed groups of Inspired by Gospel values, classrooms via Skype, asking students to work on the same questions to try to determine document at the same time. our schools support young where in the world each class This approach to study people to ﬂ ourish with the was located. covered a number of learning knowledge, skills and hope to As part of her PhD studies, areas, including English, enrich their local communities teacher Bek Duyckers further science, geography, explored the global concept in technology and maths. and the wider world. ceo.wa.edu.au her Year 6 class, and visited Beyond the classroom, the the overseas schools during use of social media and Perth College Year 6 student Claire chats online with students in Spain, as part of an international approach to education. her holiday breaks. websites allowed people to

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W y Coeducational College is rc d e om M Justice

A Rich History. A Lasting Future.

OPEN MORNING Mercedes is an innovator in girls’ education with a rich history 14 March 9am - 12noon and tradition. The College is Please join us for a personalised committed to a high quality tour of the College. Bookings Catholic education offering a are essential and can be made wide range of spiritual, academic, by visiting the College website. cultural and sporting programs.

A Ministry of Mercy Education Ltd ‘Lake Joondalup Baptist College, big enough to be well resourced, small enough to always care’

www.ljbc.wa.edu.au Kennedya Drive [email protected] Joondalup, Western Australia T: 9323 1323 • www.mercedes.wa.edu.au THE WEST AUSTRALIAN • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017 THE WEST AUSTRALIAN • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017 14 CHOOSING A SCHOOL CHOOSING A SCHOOL 15

create businesses that could reach a local, global and national audience, Ms Duyckers said. Global take on “In a world where technology is changing at a rapid rate, I wondered how we could prepare our students to class learning use this enterprise and see the big picture for their own ventures in the future,” she Using Google Classroom, said. Google Hangouts and Google “This might be in the form Translate, the Perth College of their own business, or girls and their overseas peers using these resources to conducted a variety of create positive change in the experiments and tasks, world. including growing vegetables “The ability to be successful from seed, then analysed and requires awareness and compared the results online. respect for cultural The students also explored differences when elements of engineering communicating, and our own design process and problem- country is increasingly based learning through other diverse in culture. projects and tasks. “I wondered how we could Google Translate helped teach, explore and provide students overcome language rich opportunities for our challenges and Google students to learn about and Classroom allowed groups of ‘This is an exciting develop these cultural students to work on the same area of education capabilities in a real context document at the same time. — to afford them future This approach to study that is being further success. covered a number of learning explored in the “This is an exciting area of areas, including English, future. . .’ education that is being further science, geography, explored in the future, technology and maths. Bek Duyckers creating rich discussions Beyond the classroom, the between students, teachers use of social media and Perth College Year 6 student Claire chats online with students in Spain, as part of an international approach to education. and families.” websites allowed people to

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W y Coeducational College is rc d e om M Justice

A Rich History. A Lasting Future.

A Ministry of Mercy Education Ltd ‘Lake Joondalup Baptist College, big enough to be well resourced, small enough to always care’

it’s central to everything. It’s Jorja Edens, close to the beach and the Esperance Residential The shopping centre, and it’s safe College. Picture: Dan Paris to walk to town or just go for a jog. There’s no crazy traffic or the need to worry about time of your safety as much as when you’re in the city. Geraldton Residential College also offers a lot of activities and her life excursions. We often go to the beach ᔡ Ninke Coetzer and Ellendale pool and take bike rides around town. I’ve was recently asked why I also gone on camping trips decided to board in the to nearby towns and to Perth Icountry and not in Perth. to watch the football. I gave my usual response: Geraldton Residential “It’s closer to home.” But I College is my first found myself asking why did recommendation for a I really choose this option. boarding school to anyone I am 16 years old and from Ninke Coetzer boarded at Geraldton Residential College. considering living away from the small town of home for school. It has a Pannawonica, 1000km It was a very scary and towns, including farming and great community and you north-east of Geraldton. intimidating time but I was mining communities. build great friendships along There is only one primary one of the lucky few who had We all have something in the way. It’s a place with a school and about 200 an older sibling who went to common and everyone gets great country environment houses, so there are not a lot boarding school and she was along really well. At dinner that stays in your heart of options for secondary here for my first year to show time we sit together like a forever. school. me the ropes. small family. The college I chose Geraldton to be By the time I graduated I chose Geraldton, not encourages us to be safer, cosier and to have Year 7 it was time to choose because my sister attended independent and offers more freedom and grow where to board. I decided on but because of the culture privacy as you have your own memories. It sure has lived Geraldton Residential and environment. A country room and don’t have to up to my expectations since I College and at the age of 13 boarding college has a worry about sharing with a walked through the door on I moved to Geraldton to live variety of children who messy roommate. my first day, and I won’t ever and start Year 8. attend from lots of regional I chose Geraldton because forget it.

Your child’s ASC schools promote: Scholarships Excellence Wellbeing Apply now for 2018... future Service Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School are now seeking applications for Scholarship starts here Diversity entry into Years 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11 in 2018: The global century needs global thinkers. At St Stephen’s School, we empower our students Resilience Academic to explore their passions as creative, intelligent and Performing Arts Inclusion thoughtful people ready for the world of tomorrow. Sport Gospel Values Indigenous We grow people. Boarding

Register online or discover more at Our low fee, co-educational www.bcgs.wa.edu.au/scholarships schools provide outstanding School tours begin in March. Scholarships now open. St Stephen’s School teaching and learning in a Phone 08 9243 2108 or www.ststephens.wa.edu.au Kindergarten-Year 12 :: Anglican to register your interest. SERVE GOD SERVE ONE ANOTHER www.asc.wa.edu.au caring Christian environment. Co-Educational :: Day & Boarding THE WEST AUSTRALIAN • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017 THE WEST AUSTRALIAN • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017 16 CHOOSING A SCHOOL CHOOSING A SCHOOL 17 Boarding a home away from home ᔡ Jorja Edens met, the places I’ve gone, the instead of making new things I’ve done have all been friends you make a new ’m a 16-year-old student part of this whirlwind family. from the small farming experience. In the three years Like anything, boarding is Itown of Ravensthorpe, I’ve boarded at Esperance, what you make of it. If you 185km north-west of I’ve met some of the best don’t get out, your experience Esperance. people and had opportunities won’t be as enjoyable as I currently board at the I’d never have had at home. someone who takes every Esperance Residential opportunity to do what is on College and started boarding ‘Boarding offers offer. Besides the experiences when I was in Year 8. My it has to offer, it teaches you a mum and her two older the opportunity variety of lessons; lessons sisters also boarded at the to get a good that no classroom can teach residential college, so the you. It teaches independence, thought of boarding school education in leadership and resilience. was never foreign to me. a friendly These qualities are taught For children, the thought of through learning to take the living away from home can be environment.’ initiative and doing what you terrifying. From the parents’ Jorja Edens think is right — whether it’s perspective, sending children the simple task of doing your away to board can be a There are obvious laundry or more serious task difficult decision. downsides of boarding, such of studying in your own time Boarding school was as living away from home, no for an exam. Boarding offers daunting at first but, once I home-cooked meals and the opportunity to get a good settled in, it became a great missing friends and family. education in a friendly experience that has created However, when you board environment; the life lessons, some of the best memories I’ll you make a new home — the values and memories are ever have. The people I’ve cooking is still good and priceless benefits.

Your child’s Scholarships Apply now for 2018... future Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School are now seeking applications for Scholarship starts here entry into Years 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11 in 2018: The global century needs global thinkers. At St Stephen’s School, we empower our students Academic to explore their passions as creative, intelligent and Performing Arts thoughtful people ready for the world of tomorrow. Sport Indigenous We grow people. Boarding

Register online or discover more at www.bcgs.wa.edu.au/scholarships School tours begin in March. Scholarships now open. Phone 08 9243 2108 or www.ststephens.wa.edu.au St Stephen’s School Kindergarten-Year 12 :: Anglican to register your interest. SERVE GOD SERVE ONE ANOTHER Co-Educational :: Day & Boarding THE WEST AUSTRALIAN • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017 THE WEST AUSTRALIAN • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017 18 CHOOSING A SCHOOL CHOOSING A SCHOOL 19 School “The two students we have had so far have proven to be faces committed and keen to engage at all levels. They join in at events and are fun and caring girls.” change Yalari scholarship recipients Laurelle Wright ᔡ Jenni Storey and Mareeya Pigram are MLC’s first under the new oarding schools across partnership. WA are reinventing The Year 7 students, both Bthemselves as their once from the Kimberley, agreed farming-dominated intake is that leaving their families overtaken by a rich mix of had been difficult but they cultures. had found the boarding Boarding Australia chief environment caring and executive Dan Cox said one supportive. third of all boarding students Yalari managing director were now indigenous MLC boarders Mareeya Pigram, Freya Manuel, Caitlin Day and Laurelle Wright. Llew Mullins said student VISIT Australians and residential Picture: Iain Gillespie support officers worked with chooseaschool. colleges were constantly staff at partner schools to thewest.com.au having to evolve to stay have really clear information Yalari, a not-for-profit “It’s very hard to watch ensure families and boarders FOR MORE ON relevant in a changing rural about what they are offering,” recruitment organisation, girls with so much potential were adapting. and regional economy. he said. because of its rigorous and leave when they don’t fully “As an indicator of how CHOOSING THE “While we have seen a Many boarding schools competitive selection process understand the opportunity well our students are RIGHT SCHOOL decline in some of those have changed their selection and retention record. that has been given to them,” performing, two of our FOR YOUR traditional farming or mining methods to ensure successful Yalari had 14 indigenous Ms Riley said. students are school captains, CHILD families, we’ve seen an students made the most of the scholarship students “A scholarship to a school one is a vice- captain, three increase in demand for experience. boarding in WA last year at like MLC can set them on the are prefects and many others remote indigenous students, Methodist Ladies’ College Great Southern Grammar path to success, not just for have leadership positions so it does become a challenge director of boarding Elaine School, Scotch College and them, but for generations to within their schools,” she for schools to make sure they Riley said the school engaged Methodist Ladies’ College. come. said.

Corpus Christi College

2018 ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS As way of further encouraging excellence in education and rewarding high academic achievement, St Mark’s Anglican Community School will be offering a limited number of Academic Scholarships to students entering WHAT DO YOU DO, Year 6 or Year 7 in 2018. WHEN YOU DON’T St Mark’s is particularly encouraging applications from students outside of the School community. The successful Scholarship recipients will KNOW WHAT TO DO? automatically be offered enrolment at the School. Registrations close on Friday 17 February 2017. Applications can be made online at www.stmarks.wa.edu.au. The scholarship examination will be held at St Mark’s on Saturday 25 February 2017. Testing will be administered by Academic Assessment Services. Registration fee $90. Excitingly, life can present us with new experiences every day. At All Saints’ College, we are If you would like more information regarding the 2018 Academic committed to helping prepare our young people for those uncharted moments. We believe Scholarship Program, please visit our website at www.stmarks.wa.edu.au that confidence comes with a self-efficacy that is nurtured by a clear sense of self, a strong and or email [email protected]. guiding moral compass and a suite of creative and critical thinking skills from which to draw. St Mark’s Anglican Community School We are committed to helping our students strive to be their best selves St Marks Drive – academically, socially and emotionally, spiritually and physically – so that they can make a positive difference in our world. HILLARYS WA 6025 (08) 9403 1300 “All Saints’ College has taught me to be resilient and to have www.stmarks.wa.edu.au courage through life’s ups and downs.” (Year 8 ASC student) A School of the Anglican Schools Commission Ewing Avenue, Bull Creek Western Australia 6149 I allsaints.wa.edu.au I 9313 9333 Respect Knowledge Confi dence Responsibility Community THE WEST AUSTRALIAN • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017 THE WEST AUSTRALIAN • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017 18 CHOOSING A SCHOOL CHOOSING A SCHOOL 19 Choice a great success

“The two students we have ᔡ Jenne Brammer Some 12 years later, their school productions, music had so far have proven to be three daughters have concerts and the music tours committed and keen to hen Emma and Tim finished their school years at to Europe, where each of the engage at all levels. They join Lipscombe MLC. The most recent was three daughters competed in in at events and are fun and Wresearched and Clara, who graduated in 2016. the World Choir Games. caring girls.” toured schools for their three Mathilda completed year 12 “One of our great joys as Yalari scholarship daughters in 2004, they in 2012 and Miriam in 2013. parents is to listen to the girls recipients Laurelle Wright didn’t have a set idea of what Mrs Lipscombe said the harmonising and playing and Mareeya Pigram are they were looking for. school had more than met their instruments with one MLC’s first under the new They had no particular their expectations and they another and their MLC partnership. family history with schools in have never looked back on friends to this day,” she said. The Year 7 students, both their area nor any strong their decision. She also commended from the Kimberley, agreed recommendations for a “The teachers have been MLC’s focus on service in the that leaving their families particular school. outstanding. They clearly community and the had been difficult but they The Lipscombes felt that, have a passion for their work leadership opportunities this had found the boarding in addition to a strong and showed a genuine created. Students have the environment caring and academic focus, a holistic understanding of each of our opportunity to work with supportive. approach to education was daughters’ personalities and people at Nulsen Disabilities Yalari managing director important. They wanted their strengths. Our girls thrived Services, gaining important Llew Mullins said student VISIT daughters to enjoy the because of their dedication.” leadership training. support officers worked with chooseaschool. school they were attending. she said. Clara plans to study staff at partner schools to So when they visited “The facilities are also international relations at thewest.com.au Methodist Ladies College amazing but it comes down Notre Dame this year, gaining ensure families and boarders FOR MORE ON were adapting. they immediately felt it was to the teaching, which was her enthusiasm in this area “As an indicator of how CHOOSING THE right for their family. first rate.” after studying Mandarin at well our students are RIGHT SCHOOL “The academic, arts, and Mrs Lipscombe said the MLC since Year 6. performing, two of our FOR YOUR sport programs were MLC music, drama and sport Miriam will graduate from students are school captains, CHILD impressive but, what struck programs had been nursing at the end of 2017 one is a vice- captain, three us as we made our way outstanding and all three and Mathilda has finished her are prefects and many others through the magnificent MLC daughters had benefited undergraduate degree in have leadership positions grounds was how happy and from these. engineering at UWA and within their schools,” she Clara Lipscombe getting help from big sister Miriam and friendly the students all Highlights were the middle plans to do her masters in said. parents Tim and Emma. Picture: Michael O'Brien were,” Mrs Lipscombe said. years’ drama nights and environmental engineering.

Corpus Christi College

No data in ad 3422323 w:12.64cm h:16.1cm c:AISWA THE WEST AUSTRALIAN • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017 20 CHOOSING A SCHOOL Elevate plan to tap potential

ᔡ Maureen Eppen Elevate allowed the college to such as Future Problem “Elevate students will different opportunities, uses look beyond its learning Solving, Maths Mentor, explore flexible curriculum international research to igh-potential students at community and focus on Engineering in Schools and and assessment options each elevate student performance, Penrhos College will conditions that fostered Penrhos Profs@Perkins,” she day, and this means we can go and tackles teaching and Hhave the opportunity to continuous innovation for high- said. faster when students’ prior learning from a slightly develop their 21st century skills potential students. In 2017, Elevate would run as knowledge suggests we can different angle. through a program that draws “Many of the girls an exploratory program and it allows us to go deeper, “It’s something we haven’t upon the expertise of educators participating in Elevate are involving high-potential Year 8 exploring different projects done before, so it’s exciting to from around the world. already involved in the students in the MESH subjects and presenting curriculum in a try to make a difference and Penrhos is one of a small college’s extensive – maths, English, science, and different way. support these high-ability number of Australian schools co-curricular STEM activities, humanities and social sciences. “Our program provides students in reaching their taking part in the Elevate personal best.” program, which focuses on Mrs Melville said she hoped developing mindsets for Elevate would take already lifelong learning. fantastic levels of achievement Principal Meg Melville said at the college and raise them Elevate aimed to explore even further. innovative strategies to support “It’s about working and challenge high-potential holistically with students to set learners to gain more than just targets and work towards the content and skills outlined them, thus empowering them in the WA Curriculum. to strive for their highest,” she “Elevate is led by the said. Association of Independent “We need to take calculated Schools in New South Wales, in risks and explore promising conjunction with the United practices, allowing all girls to Kingdom Innovation Unit,” achieve their personal best Mrs Melville said. while providing 21st century “We are excited to improve learning opportunities that the outcomes of high potential will prepare our students for learners by engaging in their future — whatever that disciplined innovation.” Elevate students at Cassie Baron, left, Chloe Pontre and Amelie Szczecinski. might look like.”

LIVE AND LEARN IN THE COUNTRY

Your child can receive an outstanding secondary education while boarding at a country residential college.

• Choice of eight residential colleges. • Access to 15 schools. • Support from staff who love the country and understand your child’s needs.

Applications to board at residential colleges are now open for 2018.

For more information visit education.wa.edu.au.

•Albany •Broome •Esperance •Geraldton •Merredin •Moora •Narrogin •Northam

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