Professional Learning to Pursue Purpose and Build Capacity

Students are not the only ones learning in a school setting. At Norwest, all staff carry out their role under the umbrella of our Building Purposeful Lives (BPL) framework.

The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) states “There is clear evidence that purposeful professional learning for teachers and school leaders is one of the most effective strategies for improving student outcomes in our schools.

At Norwest, professional learning for our teachers and staff from across the College is a considered, intentional and highly supported endeavor, focused around our Building Purposeful Lives framework.

Engage in an Authentic Faith

Our staff seek to Love God through an authentic faith in Jesus. They teach through personal interactions and unpack prescribed content through the lens of a Biblical truth. Through mentor groups, wrestling with contemporary issues during class discussions, service opportunities, and chapel services, teachers consistently create opportunities for students to know and participate in Gods better story.

Each year, all staff at the College focus on one quadrant of the BPL framework. This year we have deepened our understanding of what it means to have an authentic faith. Our whole-staff devotions, yearlong vision and direction from the Principal, messages from College Chaplain, and visiting speakers throughout the year are all aimed at growing an authentic faith in our staff and students.

Manage with Excellence and Virtue

Teachers and school leaders at Norwest expect to be active learners, to reflect on, receive feedback on, and improve their practice, through lesson observations, instructional coaching, and explicit learning around best and evolving practice. Each teacher at Norwest is involved in a professional learning cycle, where they are observed, given feedforward strategies, and collaborative reflection time with their supervisors. Teachers are also privileged to have both national and international leaders of education present during our January and July PD weeks.

Create with Confidence and Wisdom

We are a constantly growing community and so as part of ensuring BPL remains central to all we do, all new employees at the College participate in a yearlong induction that unpacks the quadrants of the BPL framework and the impact this has on their role at the College. Teachers are observed, as they integrate the dispositions into their lessons, stretching and growing each student’s understanding of how learning is happening and the skills needed to equip them in the future.

Alongside section specific collaborative meetings, staff are also involved in professional learning communities – Learning Hubs. These Learning Hubs meet regularly and dive deeply into current and emerging practices in education. This collaborative approach allows staff to build collective efficacy, deepen understanding, and share ideas and frustrations learning from each other.

Relate to our Community Through Service

Staff are not only committed to their own ongoing growth but have a vision to share our knowledge and understanding with the wider education community. Many teachers are members of professional networks, involved in postgraduate study or contribute to the growth of the next generation of teachers through mentoring interns or supervising prac students. The Network of Powerful Learning Communities is one such space where schools meet to encourage, challenge, and learn from each other.

Nicole Smith
Director of Professional Learning and Accreditation