A note from Kate
As Term 2 gets underway we hope that everyone is finding their rhythm and feeling energised. Here at the QT Academy, we’re ramping up our organisation of the QTiP conference, continuing to build resources for you (such as a guide to QTR Digital, and supporting SLSO involvement in Rounds), refining workshop content, and preparing for a wonderfully busy May!
For my part, I have been thoroughly enjoying working with teachers from diverse educational contexts around Australia. It has been exciting to see the increasing number of registrations in QTR workshops from teachers in the Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia. We’re looking forward to running face-to-face workshops in all these states in May and June, as well as an online workshop operating on Australian Western Standard Time. We also have May workshops running in Brisbane and Melbourne, and QT tutorials here at the University of Newcastle for fourth year Bachelor of Education students.
A reminder that our annual two-day QTiP conference at Sydney Olympic Park on the 3-4 June is just around the corner! There is still time to purchase tickets, registrations close on 28 May. I can’t wait to hear from the many schools who will be presenting their QT stories and I encourage you to look at our fabulous line up of guest speakers and workshops. Whether you are new to QT or well advanced on your QT journey, the conference has something to offer for everyone.
Wishing you all the best for Term 2,
Kate Shorland
QTR Adviser
Launch of the Thriving Schools project
Twenty-five NSW government schools in communities with the least access to socio-educational advantage will benefit from a new research partnership project with the University of Newcastle’s Teachers and Teaching Research Centre (TTRC).
Seizing on the latest compelling research findings, the Paul Ramsay Foundation is eager to see how QTR can help ensure that people and places have what they need to thrive.
A four-year partnership beginning in late 2020 between the University and Cessnock High School, one of the most socio-educationally disadvantaged schools in the Hunter region, provided a model for the new Thriving Schools project.
In 2023, Cessnock High School ranked first in the Hunter region and 11th overall in the state for their growth in NAPLAN results from Year 7 to 9. Cessnock students’ HSC results also improved by more than 50 per cent in 2022, a result that was replicated in 2023.
Student attendance and engagement grew by seven per cent – triple the average across the state. Positive behaviour referrals were up 130 per cent in 2023 while negative behaviours significantly decreased.
This incredible success was profiled in a special report by the ABC, which you can watch here.
QTiP24 sneak peak
With less than a month to go before the 2024 Quality Teaching in Practice conference, we’re excitedly finalising the agenda. You can see the full list of speakers here.
Below you’ll find details of the two interactive sessions our QTR Advisers will be facilitating to deepen your QT knowledge.
Interactive sessions
1. Introduction to the Quality Teaching Model
This 90-minute interactive session is designed to familiarise you with the QT Model as it relates to classroom practice. Our QTR Advisers will walk you through the Model’s dimensions and elements, ideal for those who haven’t engaged with it for a while or are coming to QT for the first time. We’ll use an abbreviated form of the QTR process to analyse a short lesson extract through the lens of the Model. This session offers an intense burst of information while providing a taste of the powerful QTR conversations that can shift thinking about classroom practice.
2. Rethinking assessment and programming through the lens of the QT Model
This 90-minute interactive session is ideal for those wanting to know more about embedding the QT Model in assessment or programming practice. While familiarity with the Model will be useful, anyone seeking to gain valuable insights into collaboratively analysing assessment tasks/activities or programs/units of work through the lens of the Model will find the practical activities relevant. Drawing on powerful, collaborative QTR processes, you’ll experience a taste of how the QT Model supports high quality assessment and programming practice. The processes and concepts addressed are applicable to all grades and subjects. You can choose either assessment or programming as your focus.
If you’re after more information, head to the QTiP24: Evidence for impact webpage or send us an email at [email protected].
Free webinar: Quality teaching in Australian Schools
The five-year Building Capacity for Quality Teaching in Australian Schools project remains unprecedented in the Australian education research landscape for its investment, scope, and ambition.
In a free one-hour webinar, Laureate Professor Jenny Gore will unpack the research findings, explore important lessons for teachers and school leaders, and consider wider implications for education in Australia.
Quality teaching resources and support
The QT Academy team is here to support you plan, implement and evaluate QT professional development (PD) in your school. Our latest set of resources and supports will help ensure you are getting the most out of engaging in QT PD.
Click the buttons below to access our database of planning, implementation and evaluation resources and support. Alternatively, you can contact our friendly team by email: [email protected] or phone: (02) 4055 7579.
School stories revisited: Hambledon Public School
As a beginning teacher at Hambledon Public School in Sydney’s Quakers Hill, Adrian Kuswendi was “excited” but “nervous” about taking part in Quality Teaching Rounds professional development.
Although the Stage 1 teacher was hesitant about being observed in the classroom by more experienced teachers, he says the process made him more confident.
“Sometimes, as a beginner teacher, you don’t know if you’re doing anything properly,” Adrian said.
“Quality Teaching Rounds gives you motivation and gives you the sense that you can do it. You’re doing a good job in the field by yourself, in a room by yourself.”
Upcoming workshops and webinars
Recent media
- It’s common to ‘stream’ maths classes. But grouping students by ability can lead to ‘massive disadvantage’ – Elena Prieto-Rodriguez; The Conversation
- Our research has found a way to help the teacher shortage and boost student learning – Laureate Professor Jenny Gore AM, Dr Drew Miller; The Conversation
- Want quality teaching? Here’s the model – Dr Drew Miller; AARE Blog
- Teachers once feared working at Cessnock High, now it’s a model for best practice – Conor Duffy; ABC News
- Cessnock High School blueprint for million-dollar teaching model – Alanna Tomazin; Newcastle Herald
- New project to lift student learning in needy schools – The Educator
- University-school partnership project seeks to lift student outcomes – UON Newsroom
