Introduction

“Commitment To Success For All”
Our school vision drives a strong focus on success for the individual, both as a learner and a member of the whole school community.  The achievements evidenced at Beachmere State School in 2007 can be attributed to many significant factors, resulting in positive outcomes for our students.

Future Outlook

2007 was a time of vitality at our school with a number of new staff members joining the team and the school and its community involved in a Triennial School Review. The TSR was an ongoing process through 2007 which focused on gathering an interpreting key data (including student, parent and staff surveys) on the performance of Beachmere over the last three years. From this review the main strategic direction of the school for the next three years has been collaboratively developed.
 

Learning:

• Literacy and Numeracy
• Implementation of the 5 point scale Education Queensland report card with the development of standards for all KLAs to ensure consistency and accountability
• ICTs across all Key Learning Areas
• Continued development of strategies to engage and meet the needs of all learners

Schools:

• Triennial School Review
• Major work to extend and develop the Undercover area to become a multi-function learning area with capacity to support our growing Performing Arts Program
• Introduction of the Preparatory Year

Workforce:

• Professional Standards for Teachers
• Professional Development for staff with emphasis on literacy, numeracy, assessment and reporting
• Extension of pastoral care programs in our school through the introduction of a School Chaplain.

 

School Profile

Beachmere State School was established in 1986.  It is located in the Caboolture Shire and is part of the Sunshine Coast South District of Education Queensland. It has remained a relatively small school but recent development has seen a steady increase in the school population, a trend which gives every indication of continuing. The school is co-educational with children attending from Preschool to Year 7.  In 2007 there were 418 children in Prep to year 7, accommodated in seventeen classes comprised of   single classrooms, double teaching spaces and modular classrooms. Students come from a broad range of backgrounds.  While our community is predominantly Caucasian, 5% of our students identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait background and a smaller percentage have a Non English Speaking background.  Cultures represented at our school  include Philippine, Indonesian, Thai and Papuan
All of these add to the rich fabric of our school and make it a most exciting place in which to work and learn; a special place where we focus on a “Commitment to Success For All”.

Curriculum Offerings

Beachmere State School offers both range and balance within its curriculum.  These are designed to meet the particular needs of our school and its students and afford all students the opportunity to realize their learning potential in an engaging though challenging environment.

While our school has strong core programs especially in the areas of literacy and numeracy, teachers also employ an integrated approach to program planning, devising units that reflect the needs and interests of the students as well as core learnings in the Key learning areas.

A Focus on The Arts:

A broad program that incorporates all children across all Year levels and includes:

• Activities developed through the school Arts Program – drama, music, visual arts and media
• Extended focus on drama and dance lessons in the Early Years
• Senior Dance Troupe  which provides entertainment both in the school context and also in broader community displays and performances
• An expanding and balanced Multi Instrumental Program which saw increased numbers in 2007. 
• Further development of the School Concert Band and the opportunity to participate in district wide workshopping to improve playing skills and team cooperation
• Continuation and expansion of the School Strings Program which is offered to students in Years 3, 4 and 5
• School Choir which performs at both in-school activities and community functions
  
  

A Focus on Environmental Education

Given the unique geographic location of Beachmere State School it is not unusual that a high priority should be given to environmental issues.  This has  been  developed through:

• Integrated units in which each year level investigates and studies one aspect of the local environment
• Focus and strong work in maintaining school environment including a rain forest area, a vegetable patch, plant greenhouse
• The development of our chicken coop with students taking on the responsibility of caring for the chickens (and 1 duck) and maintenance of this area.

A Focus on Thinking

The effective teaching that occurs at Beachmere State School has been further developed through the incorporation of a range of thinking techniques which provide a means for all students to develop their higher order thinking skills. In addition to underpinning curriculum with an inquiry or investigative approach, frameworks are taught to the children in all year levels and incorporated into unit plans.  These included:

• Multiple Intelligences
• Bloom’s Taxonomy
• De Bono’s Thinking Hats
• Decision Making Matrix 

Extra Curricular Activities

Our school offers a range of extra curricula activities which allows for the development of the whole child.  In addition to some of the activities mentioned  above, the following activities are available:

• A full range of sporting activities including participation in recreational sport activities, interschool sport competition, school sports day and ensuing district competition, school cross country.
• Our school also accessed skills sessions and development programs implemented by outside local, district and state sporting bodies and in 2007 included AFL, rugby league, rugby union and  softball
• A School Camping Program in which students in Years 5 to 7 visit different camping environments through a three year cycle. 
• A Lunchtime Activities program is also offered where children can access a range of ‘interest’ activities hosted by teachers.  Some of these include chess and board games, Latin dancing, minor games, craft based activities and fitness activities.
• Annual Wheelathon which incorporates fun, fitness and fundraising

 

Computers are available in classrooms to allow for individual and small group learning integrated with literacy, numeracy and other subject areas. Students also undertake ICT lessons in the school computer HUB which allows for innovative learning experiences using multi-media programs. The majority of the computers in the school are networked which enables all students to access the internet, email and school based programs when required. Students are also taught the basics of word processing programs to ensure their skill level is appropriate for their stage of computer literacy and this is mapped on a school developed ICT continua.

Beachmere State School also accesses the Learning Engagement Online (LEO) program where students work on line with mentors via teleconferencing with district coordinators. This is an intensive semester program which is designed to engage students and promote learning through technology.  This program also plays an important part in developing student self esteem and communication with others.
Currently there are 75 computers located across the school. The number of computers is constantly being improved upon and complemented by other technology including digital cameras, data projectors and interactive whiteboards.

School Climate

Beachmere provides a personalised and stimulating learning environment that fosters academic achievement and nurtures sporting, creative, moral and social development.  Individual student needs are considered and children are supported at all stages of the learning journey by a dedicated, professional and caring staff.  A tolerant and disciplined learning environment is developed encouraging our students to become responsible and respectful, with a disposition to life long learning.  Our school is responsive to community needs and our welcoming policy encourages families to participate actively in all aspects of school life.

Specific school activities that support and contribute to  the positive school climate include:

1. An extensive range of student focussed programs
2. A Responsible Behaviour Plan which features a positive approach supporting the development of positive social and interpersonal skills
3. An effective Student Leadership program with elected school leaders and class representatives. These students form the Student Council which meets regularly to give students a voice in school decision making processes.
4. Buddy Programs which aim to enhance the supportive environment within the school by encouraging responsible interaction between different age groups.
5. A voluntary Religious Education Program that offers instruction to children across all year levels through volunteers from local church groups. 
6. Links with a wide range of community organizations including the Beachmere RSL, Beachmere Lions Club, the local Seniors organization, local businesses and other coalition schools.  Strong support from both local and state political representatives also enhances our school community life.

The positive nature of our school climate is reflected in consistently high approval rates in formal ‘School Opinion Survey’ survey data including parent satisfaction with the discipline at our school that our school is a safe place, that the children are treated fairly and that their children are happy to go to our school.

Involving Parents in their Child’s education

There is a strong sense of community at Beachmere State School. This has developed through encouragement of parent involvement in the school. We have an active and enthusiastic P & C Association which meets on a monthly basis and contributes greatly to discussion and decisions about school issues.  A Parent Representative Group also works diligently to develop close communication between the school, specific classes and the parents of all students.

Numerous opportunities are available for parents to become involved in their children’s learning journey at Beachmere State School.  Parent/Teacher Welcome Sessions are conducted at the beginning of each year where parents can learn about the basic structures and procedures for specific classes and how they can become involved in class activity. These sessions are very well attended. 

Written reports are issued twice a year and, in all cases, are issued with an offer of a face to face interview.  In addition, we operate an ‘open door’ policy where parents are invited to make appointments with teachers and administration at any time to discuss points of importance.

Volunteers are always welcome in our classroom and many parents take up this opportunity.  They assist with many school programs including reading and writing, maths activities, art, craft, excursions and sport. Parents, under the direction of a tuckshop supervisor, also play an important role in the implementation of our new safe and healthy eating policy.  The positive involvement of volunteers in activities in the school is acknowledged and celebrated in a congratulatory ceremony at the end of each year.

Each term, each class undertakes the implementation of an integrated Unit of work.  The culmination of this learning involves parents and families being invited to attend the Celebration of learning which is presented by each class. 

Ongoing activities such as weekly Assemblies to acknowledge student and school achievements, weekly newsletters and parent surveys about relevant school issues continue to add to the vast array of opportunities available to our parent community to become involved in the life of our school.

Qualifications of all teachers

Highest level of Attainment %

Doctorate            0
Masters              4
Bachelor Degree   89
Diploma              7
Certificate           0

Expenditure on and teacher participation in professional development

The total funds expended on teacher professional development in 2007 were $18,500 which constituted 34.6% the school grant budget. The total funds expended on teacher professional development as per the AGQTP definition.  The figure for teachers and school leaders can be extracted from SMS Finance through a Detailed Transaction List report, specifying TR Part 3 code ‘DA’ (Teachers & School Leaders) or Part 4 transaction codes related to PD expenditure.  The major whole school professional development initiatives were as follows:

1. The teaching of Reading and Spelling
2. Thinking Skills and Enrichment Strategies
3. Differentiation of teaching to cater for all children
4. Early Phase of learning, including the implementation of the Preparatory Year
5. Numeracy and Maths program development
6. Implementation of new syllabi – English and Mathematics

In addition to the above, teachers extended their expertise by accessing additional professional development opportunities in their own time based on nominated areas of interest and need.Details regarding in-kind professional development activities undertaken (e.g. mentoring or peer learning circles) can also be included. Outline in dot point form.

Average staff attendance

For permanent and temporary staff and school leaders, the staff attendance rate was 96% in 2007.

Proportion of staff retained from the previous school year

From the end of the 2006 school year, 63% of staff were retained by the school for the entire 2007 school year.

Student Attendance

The average attendance rate as a percentage in 2007 was 93%

Results in the Year 2 Diagnostic Net

Percentage of students not requiring additional support 

Reading

78%

Writing

94%

Number

81%

Our reading, writing and numeracy results for the Queensland Years 3, 5 and 7 Literacy and Numeracy Tests

Yr 3

Yr 5

Yr 7

Reading

Average score for the school

494

Average score for Queensland

527

Percentage of students at the school above the national benchmark

2007

85%

2006

94%

Writing

Average score for the school

505

Average score for Queensland

523

Percentage of students at the school above the national benchmark

2007

85%

2006

92%

Numeracy

Average score for the school

480

Average score for Queensland

521

Percentage of students at the school above the national benchmark

2007

89%

2006

78%

Value Added

The dedicated and caring staff at Beachmere State School are committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for the children at our school.

In identifying recent challenges in the Numeracy area, a school based mathematics program was developed and this was couple with extensive staff professional development around the teaching of mathematics. This will bring new and exciting ideas aimed to increase our students’ competency particularly in the area of Number.

 In 2007 our school implemented an innovative approach to early intervention Years 1 and 2 which saw improvement in the Year 2 Net data.  Adoption of a similar approach in the middle and upper sectors of the school continue to be developed to give focussed support to children requiring additional instruction in all areas.

The strong School Writing Program and Spelling Program have achieved impressive results in all year levels in the field of writing.  These programs will be continually reviewed and enhanced to maintain these strong results.

Beachmere has established and nurtured strong links with other schools in our local area.  The Coalition of schools has developed a Middle Phase of learning policy,  and is committed to developing alliances and programs across the schools to provide students in the middle years i.e. Years 5 to 9 with meaningful and relevant activities and experiences design to increase engagement  and improve levels of achievement.

Support for student learning is addressed through numerous other personnel including:

• Support Teacher: Learning Difficulties –junior and senior
• Teacher – Students with Disabilities
• Speech Language Pathologist
• Services from Advisory Visiting Teachers – ESL, ASD, PI, Behaviour, Early Childhood
• Reading Recovery teacher
• Learning Engagement On-line Project (LEO)
• Guidance Officer
• Teacher Aides in areas of literacy, numeracy and disability

Parent, student and teacher satisfaction with the school

Beachmere State School is committed to improving the educational outcomes for our students.  This report has outlined the multi-faceted nature of the work that has underpinned our efforts to continually strive toward this goal.  We believe that learning is a joint process involving both school and home.

We greatly value the partnerships that have been developed and this is reflected again in Parent Opinion Survey data which indicates that 88 % of our parents consider that their children receive a good education at Beachmere State School and 88% parents believe Beachmere is a good school.  Staff also feel that the programs provided and the community support contribute to an effective workplace with 88% regarding Beachmere as having good morale.

We look forward to the ongoing development of school programs and processes and continued involvement of staff and community to build on the very strong foundations that have been established in making Beachmere State School a school where the focus will continue to be