NOSSAL HIGH SCHOOL How can we improve our Excel Program?
Nossal …a select entry school
Co-ed select entry school in Berwick Opened in 2010 Currently Y9, Y10 & Y11 About 55% come from Govt schools and 45 % from Private schools Aimed at intellectually gifted/ academically talented students
Physical Surroundings
Purpose built building Designed as an adult learning environment – university style
Physical Surroundings
Open / flexible learning spaces – only the Chemistry rooms have doors ICT rich – all students have laptops Many casual breakout areas
School Organisation
5 x 1hr lessons a day No bells Early student dismissal on a Wednesday (1pm) to allow for staff Professional Learning Time Class sizes 23 -25
What we learnt
Twice the depth, twice the pace A focus on breadth, depth and acceleration No one teaches outside of their learning areas as teachers need to be ‘experts’ to be able to challenge the students At risk students are identified and supported
More of what we learnt
Mixed ability in every class so differentiation is essential (e.g. high in math low in English) Rigorous testing to inform practise Highly competitive Honest and accurate feedback to both students and parents Majority of Y10 students complete at least 1 Unit1/2 subject
Immediate Impact 
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Develop a framework for Yr 7,8 &9 Excel classes around learning strategies and skills so students gain a high level of analytical thinking in a way that doesn't limit student learning Develop a common language to be used in all Excel classes that reflect the College values of Respect, Engagement & Success as well as goals and aspirations Improve communication with parents, information evening for new parents, email contact lists etc
Medium Term
Promotion procedure/policy – at the end of Y7 and Y8 students will need to reapply to be part of the program for the following year. Students not in 7E/8e will also have an opportunity to apply ILP/Goal setting, formalised process that is kept digitally and is available to staff to improve aspirations and promote high achievement Regular meeting time for staff to allow a team environment to promote consistency
Wider Implications 
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In a system that is data driven do we need a whole school testing framework? High achieving schools gather baseline data and regularly test to show/ drive continuous improvement