West Moreton Anglican College
Annual Report 2023
West Moreton Anglican College (WestMAC) is a dynamic Prep to Year 12 co-educational Independent school that promotes a balanced schooling experience. Our innovative teachers challenge students to actively engage in their own learning; to become critical, creative and entrepreneurial thinkers and develop emotionally, socially and spiritually. We strive to instill a love of learning in our students so they can explore their full potential.
Academic Strengths
Our academic program is carefully sequenced, ensuring that each student is engaged in learning through developmentally appropriate content, assessment, and grading. The College promotes learning as a meaningful experience through decision making, problem solving, invention, experimental inquiry, investigation, and system analysis. These higher-order thinking skills are developed in students at all year levels.
WestMAC offers broad academic and vocational education and training (VET) programs which allow students to select pathways that motivate and inspire them to achieve their best. Graduates seeking post-school tertiary pathways routinely attain first or second preference offers from universities.
Idyllic Learning Environment
The College’s unique location offers many advantages. WestMAC is set on a naturally beautiful 38-hectare semi-rural campus less than 10 minutes from Ipswich’s CBD. This provides students with a peaceful and safe learning environment, as well as convenient access to the amenities of this increasingly dynamic, growing regional centre. Additionally, dedicated bus services make the College easily accessible to Brisbane’s western suburbs; enrolment trends indicate that WestMAC is increasingly attractive to families in this corridor. The College campus includes three sub-schools: Junior (Prep to Year 6); Middle (Years 7 to 9); and Senior (Years 10 to 12). A community C&K Kindergarten is also located on campus.
Personal Growth
At WestMAC students have access to and are encouraged to partake in a wide array of enriching learning activities. Students can participate in sport, creative arts, dance, outdoor education and a range of clubs and activities. These diverse experiences not only contribute to our students’ personal growth but also play a vital role in cultivating their leadership skills, fostering effective team-building abilities, and developing strong communication aptitude. These opportunities empower students to reach their full potential and become well-rounded individuals.
Brighter Futures
The College’s strengths-based wellbeing program, SpiritED, reflects our understanding that life-long learning involves mind, body, and spirit. We focus on developing the aptitudes and the attitudes that young people need to flourish in the 21st century’s rapidly changing world.
At the heart of the College community is faith and service – both based on Anglican beliefs. Students are encouraged to value themselves and to be proud of their own and each other’s achievements.
WestMAC is proud to graduate young people who are more than capable of being tomorrow’s leaders.
Characteristics of the Student Body:
Of the 1469 enrolments recorded in December 2023, 812 were female (55.27%) and 657 were male (44.72%). The College community is drawn from a 45km radius around the campus. Given our proximity to the RAAF Base Amberley, the College nurtures its strong links with the Defence Service and supported approximately 90 Defence family students through the Defence Transition Mentor Program in 2023. There were 28 First Nations students (1.9%). In 2023, 21 long term international students were enrolled at the College. The mix of the students’ nationalities included China (8), Hong Kong (6), Japan (4), Korea (2) and Papua New Guinea (1). Of the students enrolled, 14 were boys and 7 were girls. During 2023, 13 students participated in the Study Abroad program in Term 1, with two students studying in Germany and 11 in Japan.
Distinctive curriculum offerings:
School sector: Independent
School’s address:
8 Keswick Road, Karrabin QLD 4306 Locked Bag 8004, Ipswich QLD 4305
Total enrolments:
1469 (1436 in 2022, 1408 in 2021, 1404 in 2020, 1406 in 2019, 1409 in 2018, 1372 in 2017)
Year levels offered: Prep to Year 12
Co-educational or Single Sex: Co-educational
More information
For further information on the College and its policies, contact Deputy Principal, Mrs Janelle Lecinski on T: 07 3813 4555
The College provides a wide variety of opportunities, some of which are unavailable to many students in Queensland schools, including:
Broad Academic Curriculum that complies with documentation from the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) and the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA), delivered in three programs:
• Junior School for Preparatory (Prep) to Year 6
• Middle School for Years 7 to 9
• Senior School for Years 10 to 12.
The College implemented the New Art and Science of Teaching as an overarching pedagogical framework. This is an evolution in our pedagogy as previously the College used other Marzano frameworks including Dimensions of Learning and Classroom Instruction That Works
The College has 30 years of experience operating a Prep program. This program emphasises literacy and numeracy skills, as well as offering specialist lessons in Mandarin Chinese, Music and Physical Education. Students enjoy the unique opportunity to work with animals at the College Farm.
Extension programs in English and Literature Extension (Year 12), Music Plus (Years 7 and 8) and Music Extension (Year 12).
The College is CRICOS registered to educate International students.
The College offers extension opportunities in the Junior School and Middle School. In addition, students are invited to participate in enrichment experiences outside of school time.
The Athlete Development Program in Years 7, 8 and 9 provides skill development and support to students pursuing representative, club and school sporting pathways.
The College’s swimming program is affiliated with Queensland Swimming and provides learn to swim classes through to squad training with Western Aquatics.
The College Farm is a well-equipped and exciting educational centre for students. The College Farm hosts a mixed range of livestock, offering student involvement in vegetable cultivation, pasture conservation and modern farming practices.
An all-inclusive sequential Outdoor Education program from Prep to Year 11 builds on a range of outdoor skills. For example:
• Junior School students begin their Outdoor Education Program in Prep with a day camp. The program builds through a Year 1 late-night, Year 2 on campus overnight, to an increasing number of nights away at various locations. The Outdoor Education program is focused on developing outdoor and life skills as well as independence.
• Middle School students develop a range of camping skills as well as the more challenging skills required in rock climbing, canoeing, abseiling, mountain bike riding and ropes courses. The Outdoor Education program also delivers elements of the Year 9 Rite Journey program.
• Senior School students engage in a range of activities designed to develop leadership, teamwork and self-reliance.
Vocational Education and Training offerings:
• Certificate Courses: Certificate I in Construction, Certificate II in Hospitality, Certificate III in Rural Operations, Certificate II in Manufacturing Pathways, Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, Certificate III in Information Technology, Certificate III in Fitness, Certificate II in Engineering Pathways, Certificate III in Aviation (Remote pilot-visual line of sight) and Diploma of Business (delivered onsite).
• In 2023, 92 VET qualifications were awarded. 64 of these were Certificate III courses, 3 students achieved a Certificate IV and 19 students completed Diploma studies.
West Moreton Anglican College
Student Experiences Programs
Students at West Moreton Anglican College are offered a wide range of extra-curricular activities through the Student Experiences programs. The suite of before and after school and weekend activities fall into three main areas; Sport, Creative Arts, and Clubs and Activities. Students are encouraged to participate in a selection of these experiences throughout the year.
Sport
The College is a member of Queensland School Sport through Metropolitan West School Sport (Regional association) and Western Ranges (District association). Our affiliation enables our students to follow individual and team sport pathways to state and national representation.
In 2023, 63 Secondary and 5 Primary students were rewarded with positions in Metropolitan West teams, 15 students were state representatives, and 2 were national representatives.
Our students also excelled in various club-pathways sports, including futsal, BMX, baseball, go-karting, equestrian, softball, gymnastics, and indoor hockey, showcasing the diverse talents of our athletes. WestMAC is proud to be a part of The Associated Schools (TAS) sporting competition.
TAS Sport: The TAS sporting competition allows students to participate in their choice of sport across the three trimester seasons. In 2023, WestMAC placed third in the overall TAS Champion School standings. College team achievements included eight premierships and Overall Champion School awards in TAS Cricket and Hockey.
Over 300 students participate in the Junior TAS and Eaglets programs offered at the College. Students in Years 3 to 6 took part in the following Junior TAS competition:
• Term 1: Swimming, Cricket, Hockey
• Term 2: Cross Country, Netball, Rugby Union
• Term 3: Athletics, Basketball, Soccer
• Term 4: Tennis, Touch Football.
Notable successes in the Junior TAS and TAS competition included:
• Junior TAS Cross Country second place overall boys competition
• Junior TAS Cross Country third place overall girls competition
• TAS overall Girls Cross Country Champions
• TAS Firsts Girls Football Premiers
• TAS Year 7 Girls Basketball Premiers
• TAS Intermediate Seconds Boys Cricket Premiers
• TAS Firsts Girls Hockey Premiers
• TAS Seconds Girls Hockey Premiers
• TAS Year 10B Girls Netball Premiers
• TAS Year 10 Girls Touch Football Premiers
• TAS Junior Red Girls Touch Football Premiers
• TAS Year 12 Boys Swimming Champions
• TAS Year 8 Girls Cross Country Champions
• TAS Year 10 Girls Cross Country Champions
• TAS Year 10 Girls Athletics Champions
• TAS Cricket Champion School
• TAS Hockey Champion School
Creative Arts - Music
WestMAC students can undertake weekly individual music tuition lessons in singing, most orchestral and band instruments, piano, guitar, bagpipes and music theory. All students are encouraged to participate in an ensemble that is suited to their level of ability. In 2023, our ensembles and choirs engaged in a full schedule of public performances and participation in festivals and eisteddfodau. Perhaps the crowning achievement of the year was the spectacular musical production of West Side Story. Bringing that iconic masterpiece of music theatre to life on the stage of the Lostroh Centre was an experience that will live long in the memories of everyone involved.
The ensembles that were available to students in 2023 included:
Choral Groups
• Piccolo Voci: A non-auditioned choir for students in Years 1 to 3 which develops basic choral and singing skills. Students participated in a number of College and community-based events.
• Bella Voce: A non-auditioned choir for students in Years 4 to 6 which prepares students for more advanced singing skills and repertoire. Students participated in a variety of functions and festivals.
• Mezzo Voce: A non-auditioned, treble-voice choir for students in Years 7 to 9. Mezzo Voce students participated in a variety of functions, eisteddfodau and festivals.
• Chorale: A non-auditioned mixed-voice (SATB) choir which sings a variety of styles ranging from traditional to more contemporary repertoire. Students in this ensemble are in Years 9 to 12 and participated in College functions, eisteddfods and festivals.
• Jazz Vocal: An auditioned chamber choir for students in Years 7 to 12 that specialises in jazz and contemporary arrangements.
Small Instrumental Groups
• Intermezzo Strings: An ensemble for students in Years 4 to 7 who play an orchestral string instrument.
• Amadeus Strings: An ensemble for students in Years 6 to 12 who play an orchestral string instrument.
• Cello Consort: A specialised ensemble for cellists that plays arrangements of classical and contemporary popular music.
• Flute Choir: An ensemble for advanced flute players with a repertoire ranging from classical to jazz.
• Clarinet Choir: An ensemble for advanced clarinet players with a broad and varied repertoire.
• Guitar Ensemble: An ensemble for students who play the guitar.
• Percussion Ensemble: An ensemble for students who play percussion instruments.
• Saxophone Ensemble: An ensemble for advanced saxophone players with a repertoire from classical to jazz.
Large Instrumental Groups
• Big Band: A jazz ensemble for trumpet, trombone, saxophone and rhythm instrumentalists which performs both within and outside the College.
• Concert Band: An ensemble for younger students (Junior School) who play woodwind, brass or percussion instruments.
• Brass Ensemble: A highly versatile group, open to advanced brass players, which focuses on techniques and repertoire that are usually not explored with school-aged musicians.
• Orchestra: An ensemble for students in Years 7 to 12 that covers repertoire ranging from well-known classics to selections from musicals, film and television.
• Performance Band: An ensemble which caters mainly for Middle School students (Years 7 to 9) who have been learning a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument for a minimum of one year.
• Symphonic Band: An auditioned ensemble and one of the most senior ensembles in the College’s Band program, with all woodwind, brass and percussion instruments catered for. The Symphonic Band provides an avenue for students to be promoted from the Performance Band.
2023 Highlights for our music ensembles included:
• Ipswich Junior Eisteddfod: first place for Clarinet Choir and Symphonic Band.
• Music Fest: Gold award for Amadeus Strings.
• Performances at Proms at St Paul’s, Jazzin’ Up the Mall, SHEP, and AHEP.
Performing Arts - Dance
The WestMAC Dance program continued to flourish in 2023. The ensembles that were available to students in 2023 included:
Junior School Dance Crew (JS Crew): JS Crew is an auditioned ensemble for students in Years 4 to 6. During the year, students will continue to develop and refine their dance skills across a range of genres.
Dance Troupe: Dance Troupe is an auditioned ensemble for students in Years 7 to 9. Students develop their skills in contemporary, lyrical, musical theatre, hip-hop and student choreography. They perform at numerous festivals, workshops, and eisteddfodau throughout the year as well as the end-of-year Dance Concert.
Dance Company: Dance Company is for students in Years 10 to 12. Students develop their skills in contemporary, lyrical, musical theatre, hip-hop and student choreography. They perform at numerous festivals, workshops, and eisteddfodau throughout the year as well as the end-of-year Dance Concert.
In 2023 a full schedule of eisteddfods and competitions occurred. Highlights for the 2023 Dance season included:
• IPSWICH COMBINED TEACHERS’ DANCE FESTIVAL
Most Promising Group, Dance Company
1st Place, Dance Troupe - Contemporary Iris
2nd Place, Dance Company - Contemporary Fast Car, Dance Company - Entertainment I Hope I Get It, Dance Company - Student Choreography Telephone, and Dance Troupe - Hip Hop Fight
3rd Place, Dance Company - Hip Hop Come On Let’s Go and Dance Troupe - Contemporary What a Wonderful World
• IPSWICH JUNIOR DANCE EISTEDDFOD
Encouragement Award, JS Crew
1st Place, Dance Company - Entertainment I Hope I Get It
2nd Place, Dance Company - Student Choreography Telephone and JS Crew - Musical Theatre Consider Yourself
3rd Place, Dance Company - Contemporary All Goes Wrong, Dance Troupe - Entertainment I’ll Make a Man Out of You, and 3rd Place, Dance Troupe - Hip Hop Fight
• BRISBANE PERFORMING ARTS CHALLENGE
1st Place, Dance Troupe - Hip Hop Fight
2nd Place, Dance Troupe - Lyrical Iris
3rd Place, Dance Company - Student Choreography Telephone
• QUOTA BEENLEIGH CITY OF LOGAN DANCE EISTEDDFOD
1st Place Dance Company - Student Choreography Telephone, Dance Troupe - Entertainment Back to the 80s and Dance CompanyEntertainment I Hope I Get It
2nd Place Dance Troupe - Contemporary What a Wonderful World, Dance TroupeLyrical Iris, Dance Company - Hip Hop Come On
Let’s Go, Dance Troupe - Hip Hop Fight, and JS Crew - Musical Theatre Consider Yourself
3rd Place, Dance Troupe - Jazz One Woman Army, Dance Troupe - Entertainment I’ll Make a Man Out of You, Dance Company - Contemporary All Goes Wrong, Dance Company - Student Choreography A Whole New World, and JS Crew - Hip Hop Astronaut in the Ocean
Clubs and Activities
The following student experiences programs make up the College’s cultural activities that are not Sport or Creative Arts. They include:
Australian Air Force Cadets: Students aged 13 to 18 years are able to participate in 225 Squadron Australian Air Force Cadets which has a full rank structure from Cadet to Cadet Under Officer. The cadets are responsible for maintaining the Cadet Chain of Command and effectively run the Tuesday night parades as well as the forward planning and execution of weekend activities. Squadron activities have included STEM and Aviation activities, leadership and personal development, bivouacs and field activities, ceremonial events, powered flying and gliding experiences.
Cattle Show Team: From Terms 1 to 3, students in Years 7 to 12 can develop skills and complete activities at the College Farm. Students can then be involved in preparing and exhibiting cattle at local shows and at the Royal Queensland Show (EKKA). As a member of the Cattle Show Team, students may engage in both individual and team activities that enable them to develop personal confidence, work ethic, responsibility, resilience and a strong commitment to working in a team. In 2023 students represented the College at the Marburg, Esk, Toogoolawah and Gatton Shows as well as the EKKA.
Chess Club: The Junior School Chess Club is open to students in Years 3 to 6 and meets weekly during Semester 1. Our students were pleased to challenge themselves at the Gardiner Chess schools tournament hosted at Fernvale State School.
Chinese Club: Our Chinese Club provides students in Years 1 to 6 an excellent opportunity to participate and further enrich their Chinese cultural experience. This club enhances classroom learning by introducing students to activities such as Chinese painting and calligraphy, Chinese drama and dance, handcraft activities and cooking.
Debating and Public Speaking: A wide range of opportunities are presented to students interested in Debating and Public Speaking. In 2023 our students participated in:
• Junior School Debating competition
• Ipswich Secondary Schools Debating Competition
• Australian Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships
• UniSQ Secondary Schools Moot Competition
• Lions Youth of the Year
• Rotary Youth Speaks
Our Secondary debating teams had another successful year in the Ipswich Secondary Schools Debating Competition hosted by St Mary’s College. The Junior School debaters developed their research, writing and public speaking skills by participating in the Ipswich Junior School Debating Competition.
Environmental Committee: Weekly meetings are held for students in Years 5 to 12 to discuss the campus environment and to identify, initiate and fundraise for a range of projects to improve the college and local environment. Highlights for the 2023 included the:
• development of a large-scale coral reef from recycled materials
• annual Photography Competition with the theme ‘textures in nature’.
Equestrian Team: Members of the WestMAC
Equestrian Team continued their individual training regimes. In 2023, the team consisted of 13 riders and were awarded Champion Secondary Team at the South East Queensland Regional Championships. Highlights for the 2023 Equestrian team included:
• Nine riders qualified and competed at the Interschool Queensland State Equestrian Championships
• Three riders offered a position on the Queensland Equestrian Team
Esport: The Esport Program expanded in 2023 with students taking part in Rocket League, Overwatch and League of Legends in the QUT High School Esport League and the TAS Esport Carnival. Our Esport students are refining their reflexes and skills as well as game strategies to prepare for future successes. Highlights for the 2023 Esports team included:
• Second Place in Rocket League at the QUT Sports Tech Challenge
• Runner up League of Legends at the TAS Esports finals
Friends of the Farm: For students in Years 4 to 6 who enjoy the outdoors and through joining this activity, they can help to care for and raise farm animals and plants.
STEM Club: STEM club is offered to students in Years 7 to 12 across Terms 2 and 3. This club provides students with a platform to explore the exciting realms of STEM. Highlights for the 2023 included:
• Robotics using Lego Mindstorm technology to designing, build, and programming line-following robots and sumo robots. This activity culminated in a school-based competition where they showcased their creations, demonstrating technical prowess, strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• The Engineering Link Group Spaghetti Bridge Competition, first place in the ‘Posted Entry’ division. The team designed and constructed a bridge that held an impressive 12.66kg. This also earned them 11th place out of 61 entries in Queensland.
• Individual student success achieving a Credit in the Australian Maths Challenge and a Distinction in the Australian Mathematics Competition.
Staffing Information
Staff Composition:
251 staff in total, 2 of whom identified as First Nations:
Of the 251 staff:
• 140 Teaching Staff (56%)
• 110 Non-Teaching Staff (44%)
Of the 140 Teaching Staff:
• 100 Full Time (71.4%)
• 11 Part Time (7.8%)
• 29 Casual (20.7%)
Of the 110 Non-Teaching Staff:
• 48 Full Time (43.6%)
• 40 Part Time (36.3%)
• 22 Casual (20%)
Year
Year 7-10
Year 7-10
Years 1-10
Years 7-10 Australian Curriculum: Geography and Years 7-10 Economics and Business v9.0 - Familiarisation and planning
Years 7-10 Australian Curriculum: Geography, Economics and Business v.9.0 - Designing quality assessment
Years 7-10 Australian Curriculum: Health and Physical Education v9.0 - Familiarisation and planning
Years 7-10
Australian Curriculum: History and Years 7-10 Civics and Citizenship v9.0 - Familiarisation and planning
Years 7–10 Australian Curriculum: Languages v9.0 - Familiarisation and planning
Total
Professional Development Programs
The proportion of the teaching staff involved in professional 100% development activities during 2023
The major professional development initiatives were as follows: Professional Engagement Program (PEP), which includes Professional Learning Communities, Teach Meets, mentoring and peer learning.
Proportion of Teaching staff retained from the previous year
Number
Proportion of Non-Teaching staff retained from the previous year
Proportion of Teaching and Non-Teaching staff retained from the previous year
Highly Accomplished or Lead Teaching Staff
Classification Position and Teaching areas(s)
Lead Teacher Year 4
Lead Teacher Leader of Learning English and Social Science
Highly Accomplished Visual Art and SpiritED
Staff Retention and Turnover
At the conclusion of 2023, the College’s staff retention rate was 83% (teaching staff) and 82% (non-teaching staff).
Exit Surveys conducted with these staff identify the key reasons for leaving the College as; alternate career opportunities (18), retirement (4), personal reasons (11) and further study (1).
School Income Broken Down by Funding Source
Please refer to the My School website http://www. myschool.edu.au/ for detailed information about the College’s income by funding source.
Social Climate
WestMAC is an Anglican community in the Ipswich region where a positive school climate contributes to successful teaching and learning across all year levels. The College actively cultivates respect and trust between all stakeholders; this contributes to the health and wellbeing of our students and staff.
The College has a comprehensive pastoral care program designed to meet the developmental needs of the students. All stakeholders are encouraged to show respect for each other, and students are expected to take responsibility for their actions within a domain of clear expectations. A multi-dimensional, proactive pastoral care program in each sub-school enables students to make choices in a safe, caring and supportive environment. The College has clear antibullying policies that are enacted daily through a bespoke program, The WestMAC Way, that establishes three ways of being (be prepared and engaged, be kind to yourself and others, and be courageous). These ways of being are well known to all members of the College community and seek to nurture each student into resilient, respectful, and responsible individuals. At all year levels, bullying is addressed both in the classroom and at assemblies. All reports of bullying are investigated and dealt with according to the findings of the investigation. The College conducts annual student surveys on bullying.
West Moreton Anglican College is committed to the protection of all students in its care. The College adheres to all legislative requirements in relation to child protection.
The Student Protection Officers have received professional development specific to their role. All College staff have undergone professional development with regards to their professional obligations in the domain of child protection.
The College also provides support to students, staff and their families who are in crisis and are being challenged by society’s pressures. Our Chaplain and counselling staff provide ongoing support for students, staff and their families. Similarly, there is a strong sense of school community and connectedness between people. Parents and families in the College community are supported by the College and in turn, contribute to supporting others.
The WestMAC Way, while ensuring accountability, also affords the opportunity to correct behaviour and ensure that all students feel respected, safe and happy. In addition to this, students have access to an online notification portal that allows students to report inappropriate behaviour outside of school hours. Child protection is front and centre with students regularly educated through specific programs as well as reminded of the clear access to Student Protection Officers and continual access to Counsellors, Chaplain and the Defence Liaison Officer in the Wellbeing Centre.
Parental Involvement in the College
The P&F Association meets monthly and encourages all parents to attend and become involved as committee members. Volunteers assist with catering, fundraising and friend-raising events and activities. With sub-committee structures such as the Friends of the Arts Group, the P&F Association offers multiple opportunities for parents and families to participate directly or indirectly in the life of the College. Parents are involved in the support of student learning through literacy groups, reading in classrooms, Art activities and assistance with incursions and excursions.
Satisfaction Data
Parents also provide support for the extra-curricular programs through sport coaching and management. Parents are also involved with the College’s broader program providing volunteer assistance with administrative tasks in student services, the library and other areas that directly support students.
Parent representatives contribute to the College’s governance through membership on the College Council. Parent participation is also sought through the Annual Parent Satisfaction Survey instrument.
West Moreton Anglican College is committed to listening to the views and expectations of key stakeholders and commissions independent surveys to provide performance feedback on a wide range of related education topics.
The feedback from these surveys greatly assists the College with both its operational and strategic planning and its determination to continually improve the educational experience offered to students.
In 2023, 119 parents and 251 students from years 6,9 and 12 participated in surveys and provided views on areas such as academic performance, pastoral care, religious and values education, extra-curricular, sport, communications, reputation, and facilities.
Parent satisfaction
A selection of the parents’ top level findings are detailed below, ranked in order of the importance the parents placed on reasons for choosing a school for their children.
The top 5 areas are noted below:
95% of parents noted their expectations were met or exceeded in relation to the College’s values.
95% of parents noted their expectations were met or exceeded in relation to the range of subject choices.
92% of parents noted their expectations were met or exceeded in relation to the College’s reputation.
92% of parents noted their expectations were met or exceeded in relation to the quality of facilities and resources.
90% of parents noted their expectations were met or exceeded in relation to providing a balanced education experience.
Student satisfaction
A selection of Year 9 to 12 students’ top-level findings are detailed below, ranked in order of their expectations being met or exceeded.
The top five areas are noted below:
96% of students noted their expectations were met or exceeded in relation to the size of the College.
90% of students noted their expectations were met or exceeded in relation to the College’s ATAR results.
88% of students noted their expectations were met or exceeded in relation to the College’s academic standards.
88% of students noted their expectations were met or exceeded in relation to the College’s values.
86% of students noted their expectations were met or exceeded in relation to the College’s extra-curricular sport and extra-curricular music programs.
2023
WestMAC Parents - Expectations Met/Exceeded - First 11 (n=119)
Percent Expectations Met/Exceeded
2023 WestMAC Years 9-12 Students - Expectations Met/Exceeded - First 9 (n=182)
Percent Expectations Met/Exceeded
2023 WestMAC Parents and Students - Most Valued Aspects of the College
Parents and students were asked to provide open responses to the most valued aspects of West Moreton Anglican College. The most frequently nominated aspects were:
2023 West Moreton Anglican College ParentsWhat do you value most about your association with the College?
Top 5
Safe, caring and supportive environment
Academic curriculum and standards
Quality of teachers and staff
The College’s values
Balanced, well-rounded education
2023 West Moreton Anglican College StudentsWhat
5
My friends
Academic curriculum and standards
Sports Program
Quality of teachers and staff
The College community
Parent quotes on what they value about West Moreton Anglican College:
I love how the school knows who my children are and tries to find opportunities that fit with their interests and needs.
I value the genuine care and interest that the teachers and staff of the College have for my child. There is real effort around the wellbeing of students. High academic standards.
Strong College community, a sense that the school cares about my children, amazing facilities, great support for students who differ from the norm and need support on both ends of the spectrum.
Our family has had many opportunities to be involved and feel part of the WestMAC family and feel we will always be even after our children have all left for Uni.
My children’s academic progress, values and personal satisfaction with their school experience. They are growing up to become responsible and respectful young women and their positive experience at WestMAC has contributed to that.
The values instilled in my child throughout their time at WestMAC. In addition to providing access to a good education WestMAC has worked alongside us as parents to develop our child into a confident, polite, and well-rounded individual. We frequently received positive feedback relating to our child from College parents and various people that they interact with and I think that we share the credit with WestMAC for their success.
Student quotes on what they value about West Moreton Anglican College:
Because it is a very energetic and sporty school and cares about its students
Due to the stellar reputation, I have been seen as a more approachable and respectable person and have benefited greatly. The community is very supportive and I feel safe.
Having gone to WestMAC will instantly give me a boost in the workforce. It has a stellar reputation and that is something I will be forever grateful for.
I am very happy with how my teachers interact with me and how my learning is improving. I also enjoy hanging with my friends at break times.
I like the College’s music program as it allows me to compete in competitions that help boost my confidence in preforming in front of other people.
How nice, kind and caring everyone is and how people help you when you need it.
I enjoy the extra-curricular sport programs that are provided here, and I like the freedom to choose subjects we enjoy.
I most value my association to the music and other extra-curricular programs at the College. I have my association at the College where I am achieving well and have a good group of friends.
I value being able to express myself through extra-curricular activities both in and out of the college.
Key Student Outcomes
Average student attendance rate for the whole school
The average attendance rate for the whole school as a percentage in 2023 was 88.25%*.
Average student attendance rate for each year level
*Disclaimer - A number of Year 11 and Year 12 students are involved in off-campus educational activities.
How non-attendance is managed by the College
At WestMAC the non-attendance of students is managed in a variety of ways:
Under the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006, parents have a legislated responsibility to ensure that any child under the age of 16 years attends school regularly.
At WestMAC we are committed to providing an environment where children and young people receive the highest standard of care, and we believe that child safety and wellbeing needs to be embedded in practice and that it is the responsibility of all staff. We strive daily to create conditions that reduce the likelihood of harm to children and young people and that increase the likelihood of identifying harm. Acting in the best interests of children and young people is at the heart of what we do.
Consequently, WestMAC has developed a suite of comprehensive Work Instructions that detail the procedures for managing student attendance. Rolls are marked every lesson and an audit of staff compliance and student attendance is conducted regularly by our Child and Youth Risk Management Officer.
Specifically, non-attendance is managed in a variety of ways:
Late arrivals
Any student who arrives late during the school day is required to report to the relevant sub-school reception to sign in on the register through software called Passtab. Students are issued with a late pass for the class teacher. A parent note in the Student Diary explains the reason for the late arrival. If the reason is unacceptable or no note is provided, the sub-school receptionist contacts the parent or guardian. Parents are required to accompany Prep to Year 6 students into Junior School reception and sign them in with the Junior School receptionist.
Early departures
Any student who leaves the College during the school day is required to report to the relevant sub-school reception with a note of permission written by a parent in the Student Diary. Alternatively, parents may contact reception via telephone or SMS to provide the reason and arrange time of student departure.
The parent must sign the student out via the Early Departure Register through Passtab software. Any student leaving during the College day for an appointment and then returning to school will need to be signed out and signed in at the relevant sub-school reception.
If a student becomes ill in the course of the day, they are to be directed to the Health Centre where a College Nurse will contact a parent or guardian to collect them if necessary. In such a case the student will be signed out in the Early Departure Register (Passtab software) in the Health Centre. The Nurse notifies the appropriate sub-school reception about the student’s departure.
Reporting Student Absence
If a child is absent from school, parents are expected to phone the Absentee Line prior to 8.15am on the day of absence. The parents or guardians of students who are not in attendance at school and/or in cases where no reason for absence has been provided, will receive an SMS from the College. If a parent response to the initial SMS is not received in a timely manner, the sub-school Receptionist will contact the parent directly via a phone call.
Reporting Extended Student Absence
Should parents absent their child from the College for an extended period of time during the academic year, a letter providing details (reasons and dates) must be forwarded to the Head of School for approval prior to such absences.
Should a student fail to attend school for an extended period (approximately 2 weeks) without explanation, the College will contact parents. Additionally, an official letter from the College Principal or authorised delegate will be sent to the parent reminding them of their legislated obligation to ensure the student attends school regularly. If required, the Principal or delegate will notify the relevant authorities in the case of an extended unexplained absence.
The College requires a term’s notice for withdrawal of a child’s enrolment and follow-up occurs as above if anecdotal advice is received about a student leaving the College without official notification from the parent or guardian.
NAPLAN results for Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 in 2023
Reading
Writing
Spelling
Grammar and Punctuation
Numeracy
Apparent retention rate for Years 10 to 12
The Year 12 student enrolment as a percentage of the Year 10 cohort is 93.50%.
Year 12 Outcomes
of students awarded a Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement
of students who received an ATAR
Number of students who are completing or completed a School-based Apprenticeship 26 or Traineeship (SAT)
Number of students awarded one or more Vocational Education and Training 92 (VET) qualifications
Number of students awarded a Queensland Certificate of Education at the end of Year 12
Number of students awarded an International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBD)
Percentage of Year 12 students who received an ATAR above 90
Percentage of Year 12 students who are completing or completed a SAT or were
awarded one or more of the following: QCE, IBD, VET qualification
Percentage of Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) applicants receiving
a tertiary offer
At the time of publishing this Annual Report, the results of the 2023 post-school destinations survey, Next Steps – Student Destination report were not available. Information about these post-school destinations will be uploaded to the website in September, after the release of the information.
YEARS OF
EDUCATIONAL EX CELLENCE
