The education sector is dedicated to providing high-quality academic experiences that promote student achievement, personal growth and social responsibility. This framework equips new learners to tackle the challenges of a changing world. By focusing on the holistic development of each student, educational institutions enhance academic skills as well as instill the values necessary for success in life. This commitment lays a strong foundation for students to excel both academically and socially in increasingly complex environments.

Joseph Banks Secondary College adopts a student-centered approach, prioritizing the needs and aspirations of every learner. By acknowledging the diverse backgrounds and learning styles within its community, the college fosters inclusivity and equity, creating an environment where all students can succeed.

To attain this vision, the college emphasizes comprehensive development, focusing on academic achievement along with the social, emotional and physical well-being of students. Learning environments are designed to be flexible and adaptable encouraging collaboration, creativity and critical thinking.

Strategic initiatives involve data-driven decision-making, using assessment information to inform teaching strategies and tailor interventions to meet individual student needs. Furthermore, professional learning communities promote collaboration among staff, cultivating a culture of continuous improvement in instructional practices.

Joseph Banks Secondary College embraces innovative thinking, integrating new technologies and promoting sustainability while preparing students for global citizenship. By actively engaging with contemporary educational developments, the college remains responsive to pedagogical advancements and societal changes. This comprehensive approach ensures that the institution meets and exceeds the standards of academic excellence in Australia.

Building a Community of Curious Learners

Joseph Banks Secondary College commenced its inaugural academic year in 2015, welcoming its first cohort of students to a premier educational facility that offers exceptional learning opportunities. Since then, the College has maintained a stable student body of approximately 1,500 with an annual intake of 250 students in Year 7 and an additional 30+ students joining existing cohorts.

Named in honor of the esteemed botanist Joseph Banks, the College places a strong emphasis on scientific inquiry, reflecting its namesake’s legacy. In its founding year, the college developed the “Joseph Banks Secondary College Professional Learning Communities: Building Curious Learners Business Plan 2015–2018,” which set the groundwork for the commitment to developing an environment of curiosity and academic excellence.

Implementing Effective Academic Support Programs

Joseph Banks Secondary College adopts a holistic approach to support the well-being and academic success of its students through a range of tailored initiatives and programs. The college offers extension opportunities, such as the ASPIRE program for academically talented students, alongside support initiatives like the Learning Hub for those needing extra assistance.

In addition to General and Blended Pathways, the college provides a wide selection of ATAR courses, consistently achieving a median ATAR above that of comparable schools. The highest-achieving students rank in the top 2% statewide.

Since 2022, over 95% of Year 12 students have obtained the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE), significantly exceeding the state average. The robust Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs enhance employability, with 100% of Year 12 students completing a VET certificate in 2020. From 2021 to 2023, more than 97% completed at least one Certificate II course and over 40% achieved a Certificate III in fields like Business and Music Performance.

Focused efforts to improve literacy and numeracy are evident through targeted intervention programs, OLNA preparation and regular assessments, with all Year 12 students meeting OLNA requirements. This comprehensive approach, which includes engaging families in resource utilization, has led to a significant increase in completion rates from 40% in Year 10 to over 90% in Year 12.

The balance of well-being and academic achievement is central to its practices. Students benefit from support services, including counseling and mindfulness workshops. Extracurricular programs, such as Soccer, Rugby and Creative Arts Academies, further encourage participation in physical and creative activities, essential for holistic development. Collectively, these initiatives ensure that students at Joseph Banks Secondary College receive comprehensive support to excel academically and personally.

A Commitment to Sustainability in Education

Joseph Banks Secondary College is dedicated to developing robust community engagement through various programs and initiatives designed to strengthen connections with the local community and enrich students’ educational experiences.

Community Programs

• SCIScope: This outreach initiative engages primary school students in Years 4 to 6 with hands-on STEM activities, promoting critical and creative thinking.
• P&C Association: The Parents’ and Citizens’ Association supports the school by organizing events and contributing resources, enhancing the educational environment.
• Facility Hire: The college’s facilities, including courts and performance theaters, are available for hire, developing connections with local organizations.

Community Events

• College Tours and Information Evenings: These events welcome prospective families, offering insights into the college’s offerings and achievements.
• Student Performances: Showcasing student talents, these events invite community members to celebrate achievements and contributions.

Partnerships and Collaborations

• Local Business Partnerships: Collaborations provide real-world learning opportunities for students.
• Community Service Projects: Encouraging student involvement promotes a sense of responsibility.
• Industry Partnerships: Collaboration and shared knowledge of industry ensures students are industry-ready for their selected career pathway.

Cultural and Environmental Initiatives

• Acknowledgement of Traditional Custodians: The college honors the Wadjuk people of the Noongar nation, integrating cultural awareness into activities.
• Sustainability Programs: Initiatives encourage environmental stewardship among students.

Through these efforts, the college strengthens its bond with the wider community while enriching the student’s experience.

Promoting Collaboration Among Educators

In response to underperformance data from 2019, Joseph Banks Secondary College implemented strategic measures to enhance student outcomes, resulting in recognition as the most improved public school for Year 12 data in 2020. The comprehensive approach ensured a robust framework for continuous improvement.

Development of the ‘Targets 2020’ Plan

The ‘Targets 2020’ document was collaboratively developed by college staff, outlining specific improvement goals in attendance, NAPLAN, OLNA and ATAR achievements. This strategic roadmap facilitated progress tracking and accountability.

A thorough curriculum review evaluated teaching, learning and assessment practices, aligning courses with student needs and aspirations while incorporating effective teaching strategies. Additionally, professional development programs were introduced to enhance teaching methods, emphasizing collaborative learning and best practice sharing among staff.

Supporting Student Well-being

Recognizing the importance of student well-being, various initiatives were implemented to support mental health and resilience, equipping students to manage academic pressures. Targeted support included tutoring sessions, homework clubs and personalized learning plans for students at risk of not meeting academic standards. Regular assessments monitored progress and informed teaching practices, enabling timely interventions.

The principal and Senior Leadership Team led a collaborative process to identify specific improvement areas, regularly reviewing the “Targets 2020” document to ensure responsiveness to emerging needs. This approach developed a culture of continuous improvement.

Collaboration among leadership, teachers and administrative staff was vital for successful implementation, supported by established professional learning communities. Celebrating milestones and successes reinforced motivation among students and staff, with progress updates communicated to the school community.

A Roadmap to Success

The structured approach outlined in the “Targets 2020” document significantly contributed to Joseph Banks Secondary College’s remarkable progress, solidifying its reputation for excellence in student achievement.

Developing Robust Online Education Strategies

Joseph Banks Secondary College adeptly navigated the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to its established Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program and extensive use of technology in the classroom. Since its inception, students and teachers have been accustomed to integrating technology and learning management systems into their daily routines. This foundation enabled a seamless transition to online teaching and learning during the pandemic.

In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the College swiftly adapted by implementing comprehensive online education strategies. The staff developed and deployed robust online programs, ensuring that educational continuity was maintained despite the shift to remote learning. Regular communication with students was prioritized to support their engagement and progress.

The establishment utilized advanced digital tools such as WebEx and Microsoft Teams to facilitate virtual classes, allowing for real-time interaction and collaboration. These platforms were instrumental in keeping students connected and engaged with their learning experiences, underscoring its commitment to delivering high-quality education even in challenging circumstances.

The successful adaptation to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic exemplifies Joseph Banks Secondary College’s resilience and innovation in maintaining educational excellence through technology.

The Power of Community in Educational Achievement

The recognition of Joseph Banks Secondary College as the most improved public secondary school reflects the unified effort of the entire school community—families, staff and students. Each group contributed significantly to this achievement, creating an environment of support and collaboration that propelled the college forward.

Family Engagement as a Pillar of Support

Families played a crucial role in this success, offering outstanding support through active participation in school events and initiatives. Their involvement fostered a nurturing and encouraging environment, greatly benefiting student performance and well-being.

The Role of the Parent and Citizen (P&C) Association

The P&C Association was key to this progress, organizing fundraisers, providing resources, and promoting a strong sense of community. Their efforts enhanced the College’s ability to implement strategic initiatives and further supported student growth and development.

Dedication of Staff through Challenging Times

Staff members showed remarkable dedication, especially during the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic. Teachers and administrative staff worked together to craft and execute the “Targets 2020” document, which outlined clear improvement goals across both academic and operational areas. Their commitment to professional growth and innovative teaching methods allowed the school to adapt effectively to new challenges, significantly improving student outcomes.

Student Resilience and Achievement

Students, particularly the Year 12 cohort, demonstrated impressive resilience and focus on their academic goals, even in the face of pandemic-related disruptions. Their dedication to meeting high standards contributed directly to the College’s enhanced ATAR and WACE performance, playing a pivotal role in the school’s overall progress.

Building a Supportive Environment

The combined efforts of families, staff and students established a dynamic and nurturing environment that made significant improvement possible. This collaborative approach set a new benchmark for public secondary education, showcasing what can be achieved through community commitment and shared goals.

A Commitment to Continuous Improvement

The key priorities include:

Student Learning

• Literacy and Numeracy: Joseph Banks Secondary College is dedicated to developing students who are not only literate and numerate but also curious. Targeted programs will enhance these fundamental skills.
• STEM Education: The college will continue to excel in STEM education, featuring initiatives like the Western Australian Space Science Education Centre (WASSEC) and the Pathways in Technology (P-Tech) program to prepare students for future opportunities.

Staff Development

• Professional Learning Communities: The college prioritizes collaborative staff development, ensuring educators are equipped to deliver high-quality education.
• Leadership Development: Encouraging staff to take on leadership roles develops growth within the college and the broader educational community.

Community Engagement

• Building Strong Partnerships: Strengthening connections with parents, local businesses and community organizations is essential for supporting student learning and well-being.
• Inclusive Environment: The college promotes an inclusive and supportive environment for all students, including those with special educational needs.

Aspirations

• Innovative Learning Environments: Developing state-of-the-art facilities and integrating technology to enhance learning experiences.
• Holistic Education: Emphasizing social, emotional and physical well-being through a whole-child approach and expanded extracurricular opportunities.
• Sustainability and Global Citizenship: Promoting environmental stewardship and encouraging a global outlook among students.
• Building on Success: The college commits to continuous improvement, data-driven decision-making and celebrating achievements to create a positive and motivating environment. These priorities reflect the college’s dedication to providing a high-quality, future-focused education.