1 Murdoch University

Schools as text Secondary School

Describe the school in terms of
its demographics, appearance
and resources (be general here
and do not name the school).
A large school built in 1996 serving two catchment
areas and situated in a low socio economic area.
Approximately 1500 students
Lower and upper school educational support buildings
Excellent Arts department good facilities and
resources (photography, media, visual arts, dance and
drama studios)
Three specialist programs (CASP Creative arts
specialist, ADREC Adventure recreation, ATAD
Technology and design)






What were the roles and
responsibilities of the teaching
staff you observed?
Roles and responsibilities of mentor Visual Arts teacher
Home group teacher
Pastoral care program
Bush ranger leader
Responsible for developing and creating art curriculum
Responsible for meeting needs of all students including
educational support students.
Creating a safe nurturing learning environment
Forging relationships with students, staff and the
community
Catering for all needs of students social and emotional
Working in a three way partnership with parent,
student and teacher
Liaising with pastoral care team and year coordinator
Implementing IEPs and BMPs
Recess and dinner duty
Liaising with student support officer
Giving students access to PBS (Positive behaviour
system). A short film played each week over semester
reinforcing school policy. Teachers are responsible for
making these films with students whereby students
and teachers model correct behaviour. Teacher takes a
one hour lesson after film to reinforce rules (uniform)

2 Murdoch University

What did you observe non-
teaching staff doing to
support teaching and
learning in the school?

Educational assistants support to educational support
students who have either, emotional, behavioural or low ability
needs.
Observed a year 8 autistic student and a hearing impaired
student with a special needs educational support assistant.
Year 10 class 7 educational support students working with 2
education assistants.



Students

You will have observed the
diverse nature of your
classes. How was this
diversity supported?

Teacher gives the Education assistant a copy of the program at
the beginning of the semester. The special needs EA looking
after the autistic student took photographs during session and
modelled engagement to aid the student.
I observed several students support by EAs:
Special needs EA supporting a student with ADHD
EA supporting educational support students
Special needs EA supporting an autistic student
EA supporting student with confidence issues (social
and emotional)
The teacher is supported by the EAs to support those students
who have additional needs whether that is social, emotional,
low ability or a disability. All the students within the classroom
were made to feel included and valued during the sessions. The
teacher treated all students equally and consistently.
The art syllabus supports and acknowledges cultural diversity
and this was very evident by the variety of work displayed on
the walls.


Function of Schools


Did you observe the connection
of your schools with the broader
community? How did this
happen?


The art department had an exhibition of cultural masks in the
school community library which is open to the public.

What do you think the function
of school is?

To educate and meet the needs of all students including
those from a low socio economic area.
Attract high levels of students to the specialist programs
available at the school
3 Murdoch University
To offer a wide range of subject choice
Teaching expected behaviours and reinforcing with PBS
programs.
Reinforce positive behaviour in school school committee.
To have high expectations Mutual respect, appreciation,
participation/right to pass and listening. Known as four
tribe agreements.
Install the 3 Bs Be responsible, be respectful and be your
best in correlation with the tribe agreements.
Provide a safe, nurturing environment where positive
relationships between students, teachers, parents and the
community can be forged.
An environment that is firm but fair and always consistent.