Sorell School - A Case Study

School profile

Sorell School is a K-10 co-educational government school. It is situated in the Sorell township, 15 minutes south-east of Hobart. The students come from the surrounding districts, which include rural and coastal areas. Sorell Municipality is the fastest growing municipality in Tasmania. There are approximately 1 000 students spread over two campuses. The two sites are divided into four sub-schools, K-2, 3-5,6-8 and 9-10.

Getting started

In term 1 1999 we had selected Health as a priority in our school. We formed a small working committee to discuss Health and Physical Education issues. This committee comprised the Principal, Assistant Principal, AST3, AST2, and teachers. We involved the Bowen Curriculum Officers, who advised us to focus on the "Big Picture". This led us into developing a Health Promoting School. A decision was made to address the teaching and learning component on a sub-school basis, however there would be a "whole-school" focus on developing a Health Promoting School.

Planning

The first step in our program was to conduct an audit on staff, parent, and student views, on Health Promoting School issues. This involved a staff awareness session, parent -discussion sessions and meetings with student groups. Issues were raised and identified by parents and students and were considered for future planning. The priority issues that needed to be addressed were Staff Health and Wellbeing and Curriculum. A half-day Professional Development session was used to establish priorities for action. The following goals were established.

Goals and Objectives

Goal A

A culture of achievement exists throughout the school community

1. To foster a climate where everyone feels valued.
2. To provide opportunities so that everyone can experience success.
3. To provide recognition and highlight achievements.

Goal B

The physical environment of the school is exemplary.

1. To establish a welcome, stimulating and internal environment.
2. To provide and maintain a pleasant and safe external environment.
3. To provide suitable teaching spaces which meet the educational needs of the group.

Goal C

Resource allocation is fair and equitable.

1. To ensure that resources are allocated to meet identified needs and programs.

1. To develop a resource process that is familiar and accessible to all in the school community.
2. To investigate ways of reducing class sizes.

Key Results

So far:
A process has begun to address Staff Health issues.
Staff members have become involved on committees, working towards achieving the identified goals.
A new curriculum is being trialed and evaluated within the K-8 sub-schools.
Middle school conducted a half day PD session on health curriculum
Students and staff are investigating a whole school "Wall of Fame" with the intention to recognise achievement.
Meetings have been conducted to clarify the resource allocation process and explore alternate options.
Plans are under investigation to improve areas of the internal environment of the school.

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