An exclusive college on the Sunshine Coast has been recognised with a national honour.
St Andrew’s Anglican College, at Peregian Springs, was acknowledged as the Secondary School of the Year (non-government) at the Australian Education Awards.
The awards, now in their seventh year, celebrate the outstanding achievements of the country’s top-performing schools, principals, department heads and teachers.
St Andrew’s principal the Reverend Chris Ivey said the achievement reflected the college’s reputation as a leading independent co-educational school from Prep to Year 12, known for its excellence and community spirit.
The college’s strategic plan undertook a significant revamp last year, crafted with input from stakeholders. The plan charts an ambitious course, focusing on the building of staff and student personal capacity.
“Our college seeks to continually improve and be on the cutting edge of providing a future-focused educational experience,” Mr Ivey said.
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“Our focus on building personal capacity is the central pillar and is the key to our strategic plan and point of difference for our school.
“This focus ensures every part of each child’s educational journey is based around equipping them to be the best they can be, to find purpose and move confidently into their futures.”
Key to this has been the development and implementation of a Personal Capacity Transcript, which captures and reports on the holistic growth of every student and sits alongside academic reporting.
All secondary students provide evidence and self-reflections on their involvement, learning and growth from activities inside and outside the college.
Once the evidence for one of the credit outcomes is submitted, these are ‘endorsed’ by their mentor teacher through a coaching conversation.
It can be used for job applications, university entry portfolios and celebrating the learning that takes place due to each child’s unique gifts and passions.
“We are one of the first schools in the country to implement a self-evidenced and teacher-endorsed learner profile, and we believe it will be the driver for celebrating the whole child and their growth in personal capacity,” Mr Ivey said.
Nomination evidence for the award comprised the college’s academic achievements, diverse opportunities, the Personal Capacity Transcript tracking students’ holistic growth, and a dedication to lifelong learning via co-curricular and global service activities.
Upcoming infrastructure developments include a cultural precinct and a future learning building, reflecting its holistic approach to education.
Winning Secondary School of the Year also made the college an excellence awardee in the Australian School of the Year category.
St Andrew’s has been a regular finalist in the awards, including winning Best Co-Curricular Program in 2019 and 2020 for its Global and Service-Learning Program.
The college has also been awarded a ‘five-star innovative school’ every year since 2021, highlighting its desire to provide a future focused educational experience for its students.
