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Longneck Lagoon Environmental Education Centre Annual Report

5690

2015

Introduction The Annual Report for 2015 is provided to the community of Longneck Lagoon Environmental Education Centre as an account of the school’s operations and achievements throughout the year.

It provides a detailed account of the progress the school has made to provide high quality educational opportunities for all students, as set out in the school plan. It outlines the findings from self-assessment that reflect the impact of key school strategies for improved learning and the benefit to all students from the expenditure of resources, including equity funding.

Vicky Whitehead Principal

School contact details:

Longneck Lagoon Environmental Education Centre

Whitmore Road

Maraylya 2765

www.longneck-e.schools.nsw.edu.au

[email protected]

4573 6323

Message from the Principal I would like to acknowledge the Darug people who are the Traditional Custodians of the land on which Longneck Lagoon EEC is situated.

Longneck Lagoon Environmental Education Centre (EEC) has a long tradition of developing and delivering quality sustainability education programs for primary, secondary, tertiary students and their teachers. Ecology programs for all ages are supported by a range of leadership and gifted and talented programs focusing on a range of key learning areas. Partnerships have been forged with National Parks and Wildlife Service, Western Sydney University, other Environmental Education Centres and schools in order to enhance the learning. Longneck Lagoon EEC continues to reach beyond the local geographical borders via participation in video conferencing and events such as the Youth Eco Summit. The dedicated permanent and casual staff members bring a diverse range of highly valued skills to the Centre. The development of new programs that support current NSW Syllabus ensure that Longneck Lagoon EEC continues to play a key role in delivering sustainability and environmental education for students and teachers in the Greater Sydney area and beyond.

During 2015, Longneck Lagoon EEC has improved its on-line presence through the redevelopment of the school website and by strategic use of social media. Collaborations with other EECs has enabled the development of a biodiversity program targeting gifted and talented Stage 4 students in a joint venture with Rumbalara EEC and the delivery of ‘mega-excursions’ with Brewongle and Field of Mars EECs for Stage 4 year groups in Science and Geography.

The professional development of Longneck Lagoon EEC staff and for visiting teachers continues to be a focus for development and delivery.

I would like to thank the permanent and casual staff of Longneck Lagoon EEC for the magnificent work they do and thank all the students, teachers and parents that supported the Centre by attending excursions, events, school visits and video conferences during 2015.

Vicky Whitehead

http://www.longneck-e.schools.nsw.edu.au/

School background Longneck Lagoon EEC is one of 25 Environmental and Zoo Education Centres (EZEC) across New South Wales and the network collaborates for a range of purposes.

School vision statement

Longneck Lagoon Environmental Education Centre (LLEEC) provides experiences and resources to educate, inspire and engage students and the wider community with their world. With a focus on the natural environment and cultural heritage, students develop the knowledge, skills, values, capabilities and motivation to live more sustainably in the 21st Century.

School context Longneck Lagoon EEC is located in Scheyville National Park, 12 kilometres north of Windsor. The National Park comprises 952 hectares of Cumberland Plain Woodland, surrounding a freshwater lagoon. Scheyville National Park has a significant Aboriginal and European heritage. Aboriginal middens and camp sites can be found around the lagoon. European history dates back to 1794 when the area formed part of the Nelson Common. Impacts from this land use can be observed around the Longneck Lagoon catchment. LLEEC offers a range of high quality curriculum based excursions and school visits for students K-12. Student leadership skills are developed through team building and leadership programs. A number of enrichment programs are offered to primary and secondary students across the Western Sydney metropolitan area. Educational programs are also delivered to students from NSW TAFE. A range of teacher professional learning is offered for teaching staff both when they accompany students or in dedicated teacher professional learning programs. LLEEC supports local school communities through the development and provision of resources and activities that build the capacity of schools for a sustainable future. LLEEC engages with a wide range of collaborative partnerships with tertiary institutions, government and non-government organisations with the aim of developing and delivering quality educational programs for students and teaching staff.

Self-assessment and school achievements

Self-assessment using the School Excellence Framework This section of the Annual Report outlines the findings from self-assessment using the School Excellence Framework, our school achievements and the next steps to be pursued. The Framework supports public schools throughout NSW in the pursuit of excellence by providing a clear description of high quality practice across the three domains of Learning, Teaching and Leading.

This year, our school undertook self-assessment using the elements of the School Excellence Framework.

Professional development on the School Excellence Framework was undertaken by the Principal within the Hawkesbury Principal Network with the Director and Principal School Leadership Officers. Permanent staff at Longneck Lagoon EEC then received professional development exploring the elements of the framework prior to a staff meeting during which the strategic directions of the 2015 – 2017 School Plan were mapped against the School Excellence Framework Domains. During subsequent meetings, staff engaged in professional dialogue identifying the processes/projects for each strategic direction, progress made towards the achievement of each and the evidence available to support the decisions made. In consultation, the Principal and permanent staff also completed the School Self-Assessment online survey.

Our self-assessment process will further assist the school to refine the strategic priorities in our School Plan leading to further improvements in the delivery of education to our students.

Strategic Direction 1

Empowering learners

Purpose

Engage and empower students to effect a positive change for sustainable futures through learning experiences that are authentic and model quality teaching. Facilitate quality learning so students are informed, active and responsible citizens with the necessary 21st Century skills capable of positively influencing their future.

Overall summary of progress

During 2015, permanent and casual staff at Longneck Lagoon EEC collaborated with local schools and community agencies in the review of existing primary programs and the development of five new programs targeting primary and secondary students.

New programs were trialled with local schools with feedback from teachers and students taken into consideration. Each of the programs have been promoted within the local network and more widely through the school website. Interest in bookings for 2016 reflect the value of the programs.

Progress towards achieving improvement measures Resources (annual)

Improvement measure (to be achieved over 3 years)

Progress achieved this year $6720.00

25% increase in the number of programs available for excursion and in-school visits

2014 - 13 excursion programs, 0 school visit programs 2015 - 18 excursion programs, 2 school visit programs New primary enrichment program developed and delivered Primary waste program developed and delivered Stage 4 Environmental Maths program developed and delivered NAIDOC program for primary schools developed and delivered Celebration program for primary schools developed and delivered New programs promoted at Hawkesbury Principals Network Meeting.

$6720.00

50% of new programs to include pre and/or post visit learning

2015 - 5 new programs developed, 2 with pre and/or post learning Primary waste program (Nature Needs You!) includes extensive pre and post visit learning to support class teachers Stage 4 Environmental Maths program uses a project based learning approach with LLEEC providing support early and mid-program and assists with scaffolding the student learning between visits.

Included in expenditure above

Next steps

During 2016, staff at Longneck Lagoon EEC will undertake the development of excursions addressing History outcomes in collaboration with National Parks and Wildlife Service, Scheyville Office.

Discussions with local schools has identified the need for school visit programs that will assist students to engage with the scientific and geographical processes within their school context. Longneck Lagoon EEC will develop fieldwork based workshops utilising a variety of appropriate fieldwork skills and equipment.

Feedback from Stage 6 Science teachers has identified an opportunity to develop alternate field studies to those currently delivered. During 2016, Longneck Lagoon EEC staff will collaborate with experts from Taronga Zoo and National Parks and Wildlife Service to enhance current programs and to provide alternate field study themes.


Building teacher capacity

Purpose

Engage and empower teachers to effect a positive change for sustainable futures for themselves and their learning communities. Build and enhance staff capacity as learners, teachers and leaders in education for sustainability by improving knowledge, understanding and values in sustainability content and pedagogies to enable 21st Century citizenship in students.


During 2015, four courses were developed and registered with BOSTES. Courses on Embedding Sustainability into Science and Technology K-6 were delivered in conjunction with staff from the Macquarie Park Office. A range of registered and non-registered courses were offered for teachers accompanying their students on excursions to Longneck Lagoon EEC.

Staff from Longneck Lagoon EEC also engaged in a range of professional learning in order to enhance their skills. Particular focus was given to training in Primary Connections and in Aboriginal Pedagogies. The introduction of Professional Development Plans and Lesson Observations for both permanent and casual staff has improved professional dialogue and directed the school professional learning plan.



Progress achieved this year $3780

Increased range of registered and accredited courses offered

2014 - 2 non-registered courses 2015 - 2 non registered courses and 4 registered courses Science and Technology K–6 workshops registered Fieldwork for Secondary Teachers course registered Fieldwork for Primary Teachers course registered Bandicoots Enrichment Program Teacher Training registered.

$1260

Increased number of teachers participating in professional learning courses

2014 - 13 teachers participating in PL 2015 - 133 teachers participating in PL Professional learning on Project Based Learning for school projects developed and delivered to school staff at Hawkesbury Primary Schools (40 teachers) Science and Technology K–6 workshops delivered (60 teachers) Fieldwork for Secondary Teachers professional learning delivered (8 teachers) Fieldwork for Primary Teachers professional learning delivered (25 teachers) Bandicoots Enrichment Program Teacher Training delivered (10 teachers).

$2520

Next steps

During 2016, staff at Longneck Lagoon EEC will continue to strengthen the support offered to school staff through professional learning sessions on project based learning and authentic embedding of sustainability across the curriculum. Partnerships with schools will be developed and a progression of learning will be mapped out to maximise student learning outcomes. The improvement measures will be reviewed in the 2016 update of the School Plan.

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Strong and sustainable partnerships

Purpose

Ensure innovative and strategic support to schools in learning for sustainability. Demonstrate sustainable operations through collaboration, innovation, thereby building capacity of learning communities for sustainable futures.


During 2015, Longneck Lagoon EEC continued to raise its profile and engagement with a number of partners through participation in networks, special events and programs. Staff have accessed professional learning on the use of social media tools enabling the productive use of Twitter and the redevelopment of the school website.



Progress achieved this year $2520

Improved strength and diversified range of partnerships that enhance student and teacher learning and outcomes

ClassMovie filmed and published showcasing program delivered in collaboration with Western Sydney University Participated in the National Parks World Congress through a display at Scheyville National park Preliminary discussions held with National Parks and Wildlife Service regarding joint History programs Accepted as a member of the United Nations University Regional Centre of Expertise (UNU-RCE) Hawkesbury Hawkesbury Environmental Educators Network collaborations developed.

$1260

Increased number of sustainability focused events and/or projects delivered in collaboration with DEC and non-DEC partners

2014 - 2 sustainability focussed events or projects 2015 - 4 sustainability focussed events or projects Project based learning program developed with Galston HS for Year 7 extension class with Biodiversity theme run across two terms Earth Hour program delivered to schools via video conferencing in collaboration with Brewongle EEC Additional workshops delivered at the 2015 Youth Eco Summit School of Ants citizen science program offered as part of Hawkesbury Enrichment Program.

$1260

Next steps

During 2016, staff from Longneck Lagoon EEC will collaborate further with Galston HS and Rumbalara EEC in the delivery of the Biodiversity Project with a second high school in order to allow student collaborations. The partnership with Hawkesbury AECG will be strengthened by participation in Allowah Day. Longneck Lagoon EEC will lead the development and delivery of a World Environment Day event for primary and secondary students in partnership with the University of Western Sydney and the Hawkesbury Environmental Educators Network. Engagement with local National Parks and Wildlife Service will increase through the development of History and Geography programs that be delivered across multiple sites within the National Park.

Next Steps

Key initiatives and other school focus areas

Key initiatives (annual) Impact achieved this year Resources (annual)

Aboriginal background funding

No funding received in 2015

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English language proficiency funding


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Targeted students support for refugees and new arrivals


<$>

Socio-economic funding


<$>

Low level adjustment for disability funding


<$>

Support for beginning teachers


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Student information It is a requirement that the reporting of information for all students be consistent with privacy and personal information policies.

Student enrolment profile

Longneck Lagoon Environmental Education Centre does not have an enrolled student cohort.

Visiting students from Kindergarten to Year 12 participate in a large range of environmental education and fieldwork activities. Most programs occur within the woodland and wetland environments at Longneck Lagoon. Programs are also provided for TAFE students and teacher professional development.

Visitor Numbers (total)

Student totals (Exc. YES Expo) 5471 Teacher 409 Parent 229

Community 147

Visitations (Breakdown by program etc)

Curriculum programs No. ES 1 78 S 1 2085 S 2 309 S 4 421 S 6 971

Enrichment Programs No. S 2 Kermit 96 S 3 Treasure 93 S 5 Bandicoot 98 Hawkesbury Vis Art 15 Hawkesbury School of Ants 23

Other programs No. Leadership 491 SSP 19 TAFE 54 Camp 23 NAIDOC 106 Celebrate 162 Nature Needs You! 110

Events No. Schools Earth Hour VC 50 Youth Eco Summit Workshops 200 Youth Eco Summit Expo 1000 Teacher Professional Learning 133

Numbers Curriculum Programs

Enrichment Programs

Other Programs

Events

TPL

Workforce information Reporting of information for all staff must be consistent with privacy and personal information policies.

Workforce composition

Position Number Principal 1

Classroom Teacher(s) 1 School Administrative & Support Staff 2 Total 4

Permanent staff are well supported by a number of specialist casual teachers who add to the quality and delivery of programs and resources. All teaching staff are experienced in both classroom and environmental education. The Australian Education Regulation, 2014 requires schools to report on Aboriginal composition of their workforce. There are no Aboriginal staff currently employed permanently at Longneck Lagoon EEC. One of the casual teachers frequently employed by Longneck Lagoon EEC identifies as Aboriginal. Where appropriate, members of the local Darug community are consulted.

Teacher qualifications All teaching staff meet the professional requirements for teaching in NSW public schools.

Qualifications % of staff

Undergraduate degree or diploma 100%

Postgraduate degree

Professional learning and teacher accreditation

All permanent and casual staff at Longneck Lagoon EEC accessed a range of professional learning throughout 2015.

Three casual teachers currently employed by Longneck Lagoon are registered with BOSTES, one is currently seeking accreditation at Proficient level, two are currently maintaining accreditation at Proficient level.

Professional learning activities included:

Mandatory Training (Permanent and casual staff)

Annual Environmental and Zoo Education Centre Conference

Aboriginal Pedagogies Training

Primary Connections Training

Environmental Network Workshop

Principal Network Meetings

Training of new casuals in all programs

Total Professional Learning Expenditure: $11,143.00

Financial information Financial summary

This summary covers funds for operating costs and does not involve expenditure areas such as permanent salaries, building and major maintenance.

A full copy of the school’s 2015 financial statement is tabled at the annual general meetings of the parent and/or community groups. Further details concerning the statement can be obtained by contacting the school.

Date of financial summary 30/11/2015

Income $ Balance brought forward 32996.70 Global funds 26516.66 Tied funds 6988.84 School & community sources 51691.54 Interest 803.40 Trust receipts 0.00 Canteen 0.00 Total income 118997.14

Expenditure Teaching & learning

Key learning areas 28338.60 Excursions 0.00 Extracurricular dissections 2297.88

Library 0.00 Training & development 11143.93 Tied funds 9213.52 Casual relief teachers 9129.13 Administration & office 6868.39 School-operated canteen 0.00 Utilities 4115.27 Maintenance 10736.99 Trust accounts 0.00 Capital programs 0.00 Total expenditure 81843.71 Balance carried forward 37153.43

School performance NAPLAN

Longneck Lagoon EEC does not participate in NAPLAN as it does not have a student body.

Parent/caregiver, student, teacher satisfaction Each year schools are required to seek the opinions of parents, students and teachers about the school. Their responses are presented below.

Student feedback

Stage 3 students were surveyed following participation in the team-building program in order to ascertain their level of engagement and their perceptions of the skills they developed.

100% of the students identified that they enjoyed the day with the highlight activities being the bouldering wall and toxic swamp. The three key skills they identified as being improved were problem solving, perseverance and responsibility.

Parent feedback

Parents accompanying Stage 1 excursions during Term 2 were surveyed to ascertain their opinions with particular regard to communication of facilities, emergency procedures and how they felt staff at Longneck Lagoon EEC engaged with them.

Teacher feedback

Teachers accompanying students on excursions during Term 1 and 2 were surveyed to ascertain their opinions with particular regard to communication prior to the excursion, emergency procedures and how they felt staff at Longneck Lagoon EEC engaged with students.

0 5 10 15

WelcomeEmergency procedures

Student engagementStudent safety

Instructions clear

Responses

Parent Feedback

Very high Excellent

0 50 100 150

Communication priorEmergency procedures

Curriculum relevanceStudent safety

Student engagement

Responses

Teacher Feedback

Very high Excellent

Policy requirements

Aboriginal education

Longneck Lagoon EEC acknowledges the Darug nation as the custodians of the area. Additional signage identifying Darug use of native flora in the area has been installed. Staff have received further training on the inclusion of Darug Culture and knowledge to teaching and learning programs. More than 50% of the school staff have received professional development on Aboriginal Pedagogies and programs are being reviewed in light of this training. As part of the Environmental and Zoo Education Centres Network, Longneck Lagoon EEC has participated in the development and implementation of a Reconciliation Action Plan.

Multicultural Education and Anti-racism

All programs are developed to be suitable for students from various cultural and religious backgrounds.

Other school programs

Student leadership

Student leadership training is provided for school student leadership teams such as captains and prefects, SRC representatives and sports captains. Approximately 500 students participated in this program during 2015.

Environmental education and sustainability

All Centre programs have an Environmental Education for Sustainability perspective. We endeavour to model sustainability at the Centre. Teacher professional learning is offered to schools on embedding sustainability into the curriculum.

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