21 Jan 2019
It was with great pride that I read the SBS Insight news article about behavioural crisis in our schools. Written by Jonathon Sargeant, the article features Mr Dave Garlick, Head Teacher Wellbeing, from our appearance on the SBS Insight program last year.
It is very true that schools have changed greatly over recent years. It is also true that almost anybody who went to a school feels they have the expertise to comment on the effectiveness of schools – usually in a negative way. This article demonstrates best practice approaches to teaching and learning in a futures learning environment.
At Sir Joseph Banks High School, we pride ourselves on inclusivity and providing individualised pathways for every child. We act upon the philosophy that the students ‘don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care’. In this way we strive to know, value and care for every child.
Whilst educating our youth for a challenging future role that probably does not even exist, we understand that the key to success is building positive and healthy relationships. Our system is not broken, it is thriving. Our growth in learning outcomes is a testament to our success – we are the highest growth high school in NSW (growth in literacy and numeracy outcomes between Years 9-12).
Enjoy the linked article that demonstrates the changes in philosophy and approaches over the last 80 years. My favourite part is the black and white teacher instructional clip from the 1940s that shows that whilst things have changed so rapidly, the founding principles of good teaching have not changed at all!
Murray Kitteringham
Principal
Sir Joseph Banks High School
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/insight/article/2019/01/16/do-we-have-behavioural-crisis-our-schools