the 'how'
OUR STRATEGIC PLAN
These six areas of focus will help us achieve our Vision to grow the hearts and minds of our students.
TEACHING AND LEARNING
At ELTHAM College we are committed to out-standing learning practices that aim to maximise student intellectual and individual potential. We provide a challenging, innovative, inclusive and dynamic curriculum that promotes academic excellence and embraces life-long learning. Our teaching and learning practice is informed by strategic analysis of a wide range of quantitative and qualitative data to optimise student achievement and develop their creative capacity.
We will ensure:
- An explicit plan for an exciting differentiated curriculum
- College wide adoption of Understanding by Design (UbD) as the ELTHAM curriculum framework
- College wide adoption of Project Zero as our educational thinking paradigm
- A culture of inquiry and innovation in Teaching and Learning
- An Emotional Intelligence framework is embedded in all learning plans, so that student intellectual and personal potential is maximised
- An effective and accessible system of assessment, reporting and feedback
- A school where all staff aspire to the highest professional standards and performance
LEADERSHIP AND ORGANISATIONAL GROWTH
ELTHAM’S ongoing success will be measured in regards to how effectively we lead and organise our community to pursue our eight defined elements. We optimise the effectiveness of our community, programs and processes in all educational and non-educational aspects of the school. Research has determined that leadership of students by effective teachers, and leadership of schools by effective school leaders are key factors influencing student outcomes.
We will ensure:
- A responsive College improvement plan
- An innovative College-wide leadership and organisational structures that optimise student, staff and ELTHAM College community leadership opportunities and outcomes
- Exciting and effective programs, policies and procedures that inspire innovation and daring challenges
- Effective and thoughtful annual reporting processes
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
When students embrace learning opportunities, engage in activities beyond the walls of their classroom, collaborate with their peers and staff, and are supported by encouraging home environments, their capacities will be realised. At ELTHAM College the classroom extends into the community, and provides opportunities for our students to be “enabled” through challenging co-curricular activities, partnerships, mentoring, social enterprise and commitment to others. Therefore, a genuine participation in the co-curricular program at ELTHAM College is a central element of the College experience.
We will ensure:
- A fully developed and exciting co-curricular program
- A culture of outreach and environmental responsibility and action
- Challenging engineering and technology options
- An inspiring public speaking, creative and performing arts program
- Wide-ranging, expertly coached sporting programs
- Multiple exchange programs and interstate and international service opportunities
- A culture where students undertake and complete innovative and engaging online courses
- A culture of innovation enablement
ATTRACTING, RETAINING AND DEVELOPING STAFF
ELTHAM is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding staff. The College will employ and encourage adventurous and energetic educators and educational support faculty who celebrate education in all its forms. Our staff are inspired by, and supportive of, the work of global educational leaders and have a belief that everything is curriculum. A professional team of highly able teachers and educational support staff, who take an active leadership role, with shared responsibility for student learning and success, and a culture of continuous professional improvement that includes classroom-based learning, mentoring and coaching arrangements are essential to the success of ELTHAM College.
We will ensure:
- The College enjoys a reputation, both nationally and internationally, as a leading education organisation
- World class professional learning experiences to build an outstanding teaching staff
- We have an outstanding Educational Support Staff and supporting professional development
- A supportive, fulfilling and professional environment
COMMUNICATION AND CONNECTION
Effective representation of our College to the broader community is integral to our continued growth and success, as is the extended experiences, support and resources to its community of members past and present.
We will ensure:
- An effective college-wide communication process
- The extended College community (alumni, current and former families, residents of Nillumbik and friends of the College) enjoy an enhanced and supportive relationship
- A culture of philanthropy is embedded with our students, staff and the wider College community
- An effective marketing and public relations plan
- Decisions are based on robust data
PHYSICAL AND FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT
AND SUSTAINABILITY
ELTHAM College strategically utilises our physical and financial resources to meet the educational needs of our students. The Board and College prioritise long term physical and financial sustainability to further support our aim to be the preferred independent school in north east Melbourne. ELTHAM College is a not for profit entity. As such, all income is dedicated to enhancing the educational experience of students, not just today, but with a view to the future.
We will ensure:
- The provision of cutting edge school facilities
- Our financial strategy is consistent with existing and future challenges
- Planning and capital works are consistent with the College's environmental, technological and physical masterplan
