Getting to know your school
Before applying for teaching positions and entering schools, it is imperative that teachers perform research in order to gain an understanding of the school’s philosophies, environment, demographics, programs, policies, areas of expertise, academic results and funding. The following section will provide a list of helpful advice on how to gain this valuable information.
My school website
The My School website was developed by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) to provide up-to-date data on schools Australia wide. It is a tool for both teachers to use when choosing a school to work, and parents to use when choosing a school to send their children. The data allows users to compare particular schools in terms of their students’ literacy and numeracy progress, as well as their student population demographics (LBOTE, ATSI, total enrolments), staff population and total school budget as an indicator of funding. The website provides a helpful overview of the school in comparison to other institutions and can be accessed via the icon below.
individual school websites
School websites provide useful information regarding the location, values and beliefs, rules and policies, staff, curriculum priorities, extra-curricula programs, excursions, specific resources and facilities of particular schools. In most cases they also offer insights into the day-to-day events of the school via the school newsletter and information about the schools P&C organisation.
Click here for an example school website.
Click here for an example school website.
Visiting the school
Arranging a meeting with the school’s administrative staff or Principal over the phone is another way teachers can gain important information about schools. A short conversation or tour of the school can orientate the teacher before they apply for or begin casual work at a new school. Asking questions regarding the school’s priority areas, strengths, student population, broader community ties, initiatives, events and facilities can establish an overview of the school that is important for teachers to know in order to apply for a position.