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.
Aquinas Catholic College Menai takes responsibility for the planning, implementing, evaluating and tracking of its staff’s professional learning, and individual staff members take responsibility for their ongoing professional development.
All our teachers are involved in professional learning opportunities reflected in our overarching Professional Growth in Action framework. This includes teachers participating in instructional rounds, peer observations, and reflecting with colleagues about improvements to student learning outcomes.
Linked to our ASPIRE learning framework, this unique point of difference allows our staff to actively and continuously seek their best as both educators and learners who can and do make a quantifiable difference in the classroom.
At least ten hours of school-based professional learning is registered each year, enabling teachers to ensure that their practice is contemporary and their accreditation is maintained. We provide a supportive environment for teachers seeking to consolidate their practice when undertaking accreditation at Proficient, Highly Accomplished, or Lead levels.