ANNUAL REPORT 2019 Queensland State School Reporting
Every student succeeding State Schools Strategy Department of Education
Contact information
Postal address PO Box 3504, Newmarket 4051
Phone (07) 3552 7111
Fax NA
Email [email protected]
Webpages Additional information about Brisbane Urban Environmental Education Centre can be found at https://brisbaneurbaneec.eq.edu.au/
Contact person Melanie Davis (Acting Principal)
2019 Annual Report 1 Brisbane Urban Environmental Education Centre
From the Principal
Brisbane Urban Environmental Education Centre Overview Centre Profile Brisbane Urban Environmental Education Centre is a day visit centre committed to creating connected global citizens who possess the knowledge and skills necessary to respond to the challenges we all face on our journey towards a more sustainable future.
Our committed, inspiring and responsive staff operate from our centre, at Newmarket State School, and a variety of locations in and around our beautiful river city. By making meaningful connections between the natural and built environments found in our diverse locality, we hope to bring learning to life and encourage students, parents, the community and our collaborative partners to develop an appreciation of what makes our place so special.
The City of Brisbane has a rich, sometimes hidden, history and a wide variety of urban, marine and bush environments which are well suited to our programs that focus on the curriculum areas of Geography, History and Science. Innovative and engaging programs and a passionate staff help to connect these varied settings to curriculum in a uniquely relevant way that makes the most of our natural curiosity.
We are especially proud of the relationships we have developed with local schools, students and the community, as these lie at the very heart of what we do and what we value as a centre.
Brisbane Urban Environmental Education Centre (BUEEC) is a learning hub within our community that enables mutually beneficial partnerships between schools, universities and industry to enhance students’ learning experiences.
Our programs are delivered and supported by a variety of groups such as The Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland (RNA), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), University of Queensland (UQ) and Lend Lease. The expertise contributed by these groups strengthens the authenticity and depth of centre programs, along with bridging the gap between primary, secondary and tertiary education and industry.
The Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland (RNA) The RNA has been a vital and treasured partner of BUEEC for over 25 years. The Centre, on behalf of the Department of Education, conducts the annual Show Camp, a residential program currently focusing on newswriting, which is conducted in association with the Ekka. The partnership between the Department of Education and the RNA, to conduct an educational camp based on the activities of the Show, commenced in 1928 and a camp has been held every year for most of that 90-year period. The Ekka, which is the largest community event in Queensland each year, brings together the country and the city and showcases Queensland. The partnership with the RNA brings together a select group of Year Six students from across the state to live and learn together as they experience this unique event.
Queensland University of Technology (QUT) QUT is a valued partner of BUEEC and is involved with both our Senior Geography and STEM planning and programs. The expertise, resources and support offered by a range of both lecturers and students from the university has allowed BUEEC to provide exceptional and authentic learning experiences.
University of Queensland (UQ) BUECC has recently established a partnership with Dr Anthony Romilio, a University of Queensland palaeontology researcher. Having Dr Romilio work with students in our Year 6 STEM Horizons “Rediscovering Dinosaurs” program has brought the subject to life and provided an opportunity to explore with and be inspired by a practicing palaeontologist. His enthusiasm and extensive knowledge also encourages students to consider STEM careers.
2019 Annual Report 2 Brisbane Urban Environmental Education Centre
Vision, Mission and Values
Our Vision Creating meaningful connections between people and places.
Our Mission To create supportive, inspiring and engaging environments in which every student has the opportunity to extend their learning beyond the classroom and make connections between people and places.
Our Values
• To create authentic learning experiences that allow students to explore, inquire, investigate, appreciate and inspire others. • To enliven and enhance the Australian Curriculum through programs delivered by passionate, innovative and responsive teachers. • To establish and maintain collaborative and authentic partnerships which are mutually supportive and beneficial. • To foster a sense of stewardship for our natural and built environments and empower communities to contribute to a sustainable future
2019 Annual Report 3 Brisbane Urban Environmental Education Centre
Principal’s foreword
The focus for centre improvement as documented in the 2019 Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) and supported by the 2017 – 2020 Strategic Plan remained on four key elements: • Teaching and Learning
o Goal: Use data collected during 2018 that was focused on the effectiveness of teaching strategies, teaching skills and program alignment to curriculum to inform the refinement of the pedagogical framework that is relevant to the centre’s vision and priorities. • Evidence Based Decision Making
o Goal: Analyse 2018 results and continue to collect meaningful data through the utilisation of a suite of techniques to enhance student engagement and assess the effectiveness of programs and the acquisition of knowledge and skills. • Community
o Goal: Throughout 2019 the centre will continue to pursue its role as a learning hub in the community through the consolidation of existing partnerships and exploration of new opportunities to ensure programs remain relevant and engaging. • Management
o Goal: Throughout 2019 the centre will provide the best possible facilities to support the AIP priorities and the Centre’s value of place.
Brisbane Urban EEC, along with Moreton Bay and Toohey Forest EEC’s, were recipients of the Peter Doherty STEM Education Partnership Award in 2019 for STEM Horizons for High Achievers. As a teaching staff, we travelled to the World Environmental Education Congress in Bangkok where we attended a variety of influential sessions that allowed us to expand our professional education around best practice that is being employed around the world. Networking during the conference allowed for relationships to be fostered and opportunities to be created for our students upon return to the Centre. Our continuing work with building partnerships is evident as we work closely with our client schools, universities and the wider community to improve our centre and learning outcomes for all.
2019 Annual Report 4 Brisbane Urban Environmental Education Centre
Our school at a glance
Centre profile
Coeducational or single sex Coeducational Independent public school No Programs offered in 2019 Prep – Year 12
Centre Analysis
Centre visitation data, instructional hours and feedback from both staff and visiting teachers included in the following section of the report.
Overview The visitation data from the last three years has shown: • An increase in student numbers visiting the centre. (Refer to Table One) • Consistent engagement in upper secondary programs at BUEEC, especially with the introduction of ATAR in 2019. • Largest student groups visiting the centre are from State Schools from Years 3-6. (Refer to Graph One & Two)
Table One: Student Visitation
Year Student Visitation Instructional Hours
2017 5125 29 056
2018 7902 31 093 2019 7508 23 106
2019 Annual Report 5 Brisbane Urban Environmental Education Centre
Graph One: Students visiting the centre by learning phase in 2019
Graph Two: Students visiting the centre by school type in 2019
2019 Annual Report 6 Brisbane Urban Environmental Education Centre
Curriculum delivery
Brisbane Urban Environmental Education Centre’s pedagogical model is based on: • Inquiry-based learning • Use of experiential learning experiences in authentic natural and built sites in and around Brisbane City • Critical thinking • Place responsive pedagogy
Social climate
2019 Headline Indicators Headline Indicators for BUEEC in 2019 are listed in Table Two below. Feedback survey results indicate that the centre offered engaging, curriculum aligned programs that allow students to achieve identified learning outcomes in an effective learning environment. Table Two: Headline Indicators (Responses measured on a 6-point Likert Scale (1 = Strongly Disagree to 6 = Strongly Agree)
Mean Headline Indicator Teacher Survey Questions Response
The centre was explicit about the alignment of the program to the Australian and QLD curriculums. 5.7
Students achieved the learining outcomes identified for this program. 5.8
Students received quality teaching from the centre staff. 5.9
Students were highly engaged in the program. 5.8
The centre has positively contributed to the overall education of students. 5.9
Student safety was well managed by the staff at this centre. 6.0
Student behaviour was well managed by the staff at this centre. 5.9
The centre is well organised. 6.0 The centre is well resourced. 6.0
The centre is well maintained. 6.0
School Opinion Survey
The table below shows results from the 2019 Staff School Opinion Survey. Table Three: School Opinion Survey
Percentage of school staff who agree that: 2017 2018 2019
• they enjoy working at their school (S2069) 100% 100% 100%
• they feel that their school is a safe place in which to work (S2070) 100% 100% 100%
• they receive useful feedback about their work at their school (S2071) 100% 100% 100% • they feel confident embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 100% 100% 100% perspectives across the learning areas (S2114)
• students are encouraged to do their best at their school (S2072) 100% 100% 100%
• students are treated fairly at their school (S2073) 100% 100% 100%
• student behaviour is well managed at their school (S2074) 100% 100% 100%
2019 Annual Report 7 Brisbane Urban Environmental Education Centre
Percentage of school staff who agree that: 2017 2018 2019
• staff are well supported at their school (S2075) 100% 100% 100% • their school takes staff opinions seriously (S2076) 100% 100% 100%
• their school looks for ways to improve (S2077) 100% 100% 100%
• their school is well maintained (S2078) 100% 100% 100%
• their school gives them opportunities to do interesting things (S2079) 100% 100% 100%
Student feedback
The results collected from the students who attended BUEEC’s STEM Horizons program for high achievers (Year 6 = 96 students, Year 7 = 100 students, Year 9 = 101 students) can be found in the table below. Table Four: STEM Student feedback results Feedback Year 6 Year 7 Year 9
I found the activities interesting and engaging. 96% 96% 84%
I extended my STEM knowledge and skills during these activities. 94% 91% 84%
The range of activities extended my skills and knowledge beyond those offered 92% 87% 86% in school.
I would recommend the STEM Horizons experience at BUEEC to others. 92% 85% 84%
2019 Annual Report 8 Brisbane Urban Environmental Education Centre
Our staff profile
2019 Staffing
• Band 6 Teaching Principal • 3 Teachers (across 2 FTE teaching positions, 0.4 Centre funded) • Business Manager (0.85 FTE with 0.15 Centre funded) • Unit Support Officer (2 staff across 1 FTE position)
Professional development
Expenditure on and teacher participation in professional development The total funds expended on teacher professional development in 2019 was $13 069.
The major professional development initiatives were as follows: • Visible Learning Symposium Brisbane • Principals’ Symposium • BM Learning Circle • Aspiring Thinkers with Peter Ellerton (IMPACT Centre) • World Environmental Education Congress, Bangkok • Connected Teachers, Pullenvale Environmental Education Centre • Professional development workshop presented at the Cluster Conference, Windsor State School • First aid and CPR updates • Anaphylaxis training The proportion of the teaching staff involved in professional development activities during 2019 was 100%.
Staff attendance and retention
Staff attendance
Table Five: Staff attendance
Description 2017 2018 2019
Staff attendance for permanent and temporary staff and school leaders. 91% 81.8% 83.7%
Proportion of staff retained from the previous school year
From the end of the previous school year, 100% of staff were retained by the school for the entire year of 2019.
2019 Annual Report 9 Brisbane Urban Environmental Education Centre
Towards 2020…
The following key planning tools guided activities completed in 2019 that contributed to the centre’s explicit improvement agenda: • Strategic plan from 2017 – 2020 • Annual implementation plan, 2019 • Investing for Success, 2019 • Annual Report, 2018 • Data Plan • Professional Learning Plan
Moving into 2020 provides further opportunity to build on achievements of the previous year for Brisbane Urban Environmental Education Centre. With program bookings continuing to increase it is essential for the centre to explore new ways to meet the growing needs of client schools whilst ensuring relevant, connected and rich learning experiences for our students.
Brisbane Urban Environmental Education Centre is committed to the following in 2020: • Teaching and Learning
o Goal: Use data collected and professional development undertaken during 2019 to inform improvements to increase the effectiveness of pedagogy and curriculum alignment to the Australian Curriculum and the Senior Assessment and Tertiary Entrance (SATE) systems, ultimately enhancing students’ learning experiences. • Evidence Based Decision Making
o Goal: Utilise data collection and analysis to enhance student engagement and assess the effectiveness of programs and the acquisition of knowledge and skills. • Community
o Goal: Throughout 2020 the centre will continue to pursue its role as a learning hub in the community through the consolidation of existing partnerships and exploration of new opportunities to ensure programs remain relevant and engaging. • Management
o Goal: Throughout 2020 the centre will provide the best possible facilities to support the AIP priorities and the centre’s value of place.
2019 Annual Report 10 Brisbane Urban Environmental Education Centre