The Journey to Success 2021

THE JOURNEY TO SUCCESS 2021

PERSONAL LEARNING & SUCCESS

St John’s is at the forefront of teaching and learning best practice.

We are dedicated to empowering lifelong learners by providing a NURTURING, CHALLENGING and REWARDING education.

Our students are active and responsive participants in a changing world, to become CATALYSTS of POSITIVE CHANGE.

Mrs Maria McIvor, PRINCIPAL To be a teacher is a joy and privilege. To grow a strong sense of self in the young hearts and minds we are charged with is an honour. To foster resilience, agility, and courage in our youth is our duty. The Class of 2021 have taken the challenges of the last two extraordinary years in their stride with positivity, grace and calm. Good character abounds as we have come to expect from all at St John’s.

Seemingly against the odds, the Class of 2021 have equalled the achievements of the 2020 cohort who themselves achieved the College’s highest academic results in over 13 years. For the first time, three students achieved 100% in one or more subjects. This is 100% in each of the three rigorous internal assessments, as well as 100% on the external examinations. An additional 10 students achieved 100% on one or more of their external examinations, and six students achieved an ‘A’ grade for each of their six senior subjects.

Across the College, we witnessed an additional 2% growth above the expected rate of development in 2022. More than three-quarters of all students achieved an overall average grade of ‘B’ or above. We had 160 students complete one or more units of work ahead of schedule, with some of those students completing units six months early, allowing them to devote time to other subjects, engage in projects, or undertake a university course.

An important cornerstone of the success demonstrated by all our students is wellbeing.

All staff at St John’s believe that positive student wellbeing is at the heart of academic success and is at the centre of all we do. The growth and development of St John’s Faith Mission & Wellbeing Centre, our involvement in the Independent Schools Queensland (ISQ) Teacher Growth and Development Project and the University of Queensland’s Science of Learning Research Centre’s Wellbeing Project, are evidence of our ongoing commitment to ensuring wellbeing remains a priority.

This very strong performance is reflective of the hard work and commitment of our Class of 2021, the outstanding preparation and professionalism of our teachers and staff, the leadership of Mr Andrew Landroth, Deputy Principal Curriculum and Innovation, Mrs Robern Hinchliffe, Deputy Principal Pastoral Care and our ongoing investment in academic strengthening underway at St John’s Anglican College.

ACADEMIC Growth 2020 to 2021 The Australian Curriculum is designed to keep pace with student development. A grade of ‘C’ in each year level represents the expected achievement standard at that year level.

GROWTH

2% 2021

Years 3-12

St John’s students have demonstrated on average an additional 2% increase in achievement across the College in 2021 above the expected rate of development.

72% 2021 70% 2020 62% 2019

GPA Growth Students in Years 3-12 who achieved an overall ‘B’ grade or above (GPA 11)

SUBJECT Performance 2021

JUNIOR SCHOOL students who achieved an overall ‘B’ grade or above

2021 SOAR Program

Year 3 - 87%

30% of St John’s students from Years 6-11 participated in our SOAR accelerated learning program in 2021 - equating to over 210 students.

Year 4 - 89% Year 5 - 90% Year 6 - 83%

MIDDLE & SENIOR SCHOOL students who achieved an overall ‘B’ grade or above 84% 73% 64% 59%

46% 43%

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Year 10

Year 11

Year 12

2021 ATAR Results St John’s Class of 2021 is comprised of just 0.15% of the total number of Year 12 students in Queensland.

St John’s had 16 students achieve an ATAR of 90 or above, eight above the predicted number of students.

St John’s students received an ATAR of 99.00 or above

PLACING THEM IN THE TOP

600

STUDENTS IN QLD

7%

ATAR 99+

28%

ATAR 90+

26%

St John’s students achieved an ‘A’ grade or above in all six subjects

ATAR 95+

In 2021, three St John’s Year 12 students achieved a 100% result in a subject and 10 students achieved 100% on one or more external examinations.

QTAC Preferences The Class of 2021 chose the following educational institutions as their first preference for further studies in 2022.

18%

28%

OTHER

QUEENSLAND UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

37%

UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND

17%

GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY

FIELDS of Study

1% 9% 42% 48%

The Class of 2021 have been accepted into the following fields of study in the first round of Tertiary offers.

Education

IT/Technology/Design

Business/Law/Arts/Humanities

Science/Health

LOOKING Ahead Education in the 21st Century and beyond is rapidly moving away from the one size fits all model. Students are individuals and at St John’s their learning journey is too.

In looking ahead, the College continues its forward and innovative thinking in creating the optimum learning environment to support exceptional student achievement.

SOAR Program – The College plans to further embed the SOAR program by expanding it across the curriculum with the first class of SOAR Science and Chinese commencing in 2022. St John’s SOAR program continues to grow in numbers with 289 students currently enrolled.

Middle School Innovation – With the introduction of Progress Checkpoints in 2021, the process and delivery of Middle School assessments continue to be refined in 2022. Students and parents no longer need to wait until the end of the semester for academic results; the outcome of summative tasks across subjects will be periodically available providing real-time results and early intervention, in parallel, with the progress checkpoints model.

To be trialled during 2022, student-led parent-teacher conferences will be introduced in Years 7-9. This will provide students with an opportunity to share their learnings, the challenges they were presented with and plans for improvement.

The new Year 7 Precinct on the Secondary Campus will open at the start of Term Two in 2022. Students will enjoy flexible classrooms and furniture, withdrawal pods in each classroom offering a retreat away from the main area for students to work and study and outdoor learning and gathering spaces.

STUDENT Feature 2021 Graduates, Jessica and Joanna Lanza Jessica and Joanna Lanza were the combined 2021 Dux of the College and placed within the top 600 students in Queensland receiving an ATAR of 99.00 and above.

We recently caught up with Jessica and Joanna after they graduated, to reflect on their time at St John’s and their plans for the future.

How would you describe your time at St John’s?

Learning at St John’s was an exciting experience that allowed us to thrive on both a personal and academic level. The school environment was supportive and respectful and allowed us to make genuine connections with our peers and teachers alike. Similarly, St John’s co-curricular activities gave us the opportunity to pursue and refine our interests, which resulted in us honing skills we otherwise would not have had.

How did St John’s help shape your future studies?

The ability to tailor our learning towards our interests was something we strongly appreciated while at St John’s. With the College having such a broad range of subjects and activities on offer, it was easy to branch out and try new things – whether this was in sport, the arts, or more academic pursuits. This allowed us to discover our love of Science and English – two subjects that we aim to incorporate into our future studies and careers. We were encouraged to regularly step outside our comfort zones and try new things, such as participating in debates and student-run clubs and societies.

“Online learning at St John’s was efficient and highly effective and was run seamlessly throughout the lockdowns. Through what was a very turbulent year, we were able to continue our learning and reach our individual goals.”

Jessica and Joanna Lanza 2021 Dux of the College

As Year 12 students during what can only be described as one of the most challenging years, how did St John’s support you in achieving your goals?

The teacher support at St John’s was without a doubt one of the main reasons we were able to keep focused throughout such a difficult year. Regularly touching base to ensure that we understood the content as well as hosting additional tutoring sessions if we ever needed extra support, reaching out during break times to discuss class content and being readily available, lifted the motivation of our cohort and help craft a supportive academic environment that allowed students to thrive.

How did you feel about being awarded Dux of the College and sharing this honour?

I don’t think that either of us expected this outcome, we were very surprised! We are of course proud, and extremely grateful to our excellent teachers, friends and family who never failed to support us throughout our St John’s journey. It is a blessing to be able to share this honour.

What advice would you give to the Class of 2022?

Follow your passions, no matter the consequences. If you want to do a subject but you’re unsure about how it will scale, just do it! School is so much easier and a hundred times more fun if you tailor it to your skills and interests. And don’t forget to try as hard as you can in all your classes – putting in effort throughout the year pays off in the long term. Lastly, try to enjoy your time at school and make positive memories. It’s your final year - enjoy it while you can!

St John’s Anglican College Junior School Kindergarten - Year 6 Alpine Place, Forest Lake QLD 4078 07 3372 0888 Middle & Senior School Years 7 - 12 College Avenue, Forest Lake QLD 4078 07 3372 0111 PO Box 4078 Forest Lake QLD 4078 ABN 14 060 936 576 CRICOS Provider #01406C

stjohnsanglicancollege.com.au Every care has been taken to ensure the information in this booklet is correct at the time of publication. The producers accept no responsibility for any errors, omissions or changes leading to such information being incorrect. This booklet provides general information only and may be subject to change at any time without notice.