As part of Sydney Catholic Schools, we employ highly qualified and competent teachers who are accredited by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). To continuously improve our practice, teachers also work towards the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers, from proficient teacher to lead teacher level.
The delivery of quality curriculum, pedagogy (teaching methods) and assessment is ensured by our system of schools through the provision of contemporary NESA accredited professional learning in a range of modes. Our Centres of Excellence offer online learning and external face-to-face courses, and timely, collaborative and relevant in-situ learning take place within the context of each classroom. Sydney Catholic Schools’ teachers are strongly committed to their ongoing learning, with many having completed, or are currently undertaking, postgraduate studies in areas related to curriculum, student wellbeing, special education, theology, pastoral care and leadership.
Teacher professional learning is school based and built into the day-to-day work of teaching. The most potent and meaningful learning experiences occur in the school, where our teachers address the immediate problems and challenges of learning and teaching. Being situated close to the classroom and their colleagues enables teachers to work together to identify problems, find solutions and apply them. External learning opportunities complement school-based professional learning.
Professional learning teams are operational at Holy Innocents’ to develop a culture of collaboration and collective responsibility in our school. During professional learning opportunities, teachers remain accountable for the learning of all students. They also take responsibility collectively for improving instructional practices to achieve gains in learning for all their students.