Edge Hill State School
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Edge Hill State School is a primary school located in Cairns, Queensland, Australia. It was established in 1940. As of 2005, the school principal is Ms. Susan Darby.
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[edit] Enrolments
The school has an enrolment of 911 students, 116 of which identify as aboriginal. The school teaches from prep to year 7. In accordance with the new Rich Task curriculum (see below) there are considerable links between year levels.
A prep year is not compulsory in Queensland, as it is in New South Wales, although the prep year will go state-wide in 2008. Edge Hill already services its community by providing a free prep class (of 100 students) with state government funding.
[edit] Rejuvenation and Innovation
Although the school has existed since 1940 it has rejuvenated itself in recent years. This change has been facilitated through extensive investment and support of teachers in the use of learning technology. To improve student outcomes the school uses only the latest computer equipment, and employs staff to support not only the maintenance but innovation of programs involving learning technology. This rejuvenation has been through actively seeking out Queensland government funding and programs.
The school is now recognised by the Federal Department of Education, Science, and Training as a school of Innovation and Best Practice.
[edit] Participation in New Programs and Using New Funding Opportunities
The school is currently using a Rich Task based curriculum. This program alters the usual Queensland School Curriculum by including real-world tasks which students must complete: for example, developing strategies to reduce litter in the local reef area.
This has been supported by the consolidation of information technologies into the curriculum. In 2002 Edge Hill State School received an ICT innovators grant of $20,000 from the state government for a video and multimedia production studio. The school also runs a digital art expo.
[edit] Teacher Training
An important aspect of these programs has been improving teacher skills. Edge Hill SS has been able to secure further training, such as in the use of new technologies, through James Cook University.
[edit] Community Input
Part of securing better outcomes for students has been involving parents in their children’s education. The Edge Hill P&C has a paid liaison officer who arranges monthly education forum. The school also has a parents network which operates to keep informed parent’s who do not attend the forums.
[edit] Principal
As of 2005, the school principal is Ms. Susan Darby. Ms Darby previously worked in distance education. She has helped lead the school through this period of change and is also leads the Cape Curriculum project.
[edit] References
- "In the Spotlight", Indigenous Education and Training Alliance
- Statstical and grants information from schools database on www.education.qld.gov.au
- Department of Education, Science, and Training, School Innovation: Pathway to the knowledge society, http://www.dest.gov.au/sectors/school_education/publications_resources/school_innovation
