Success for all students is key to St Cuthbert’s growth
“We have an expectation that all our students are capable of a high level of learning and that it shouldn’t matter what postcode or background they come from, they should all have the same opportunities and successes,” St Cuthbert’s Principal Marcus Donnelly said.
Enrolments are at an all time high for the 38 Catholic Education Tasmania (CET) schools across the state, which is attributed in part to the strong curriculum focus on explicit, direct instruction techniques. In 2022 the Literate Learners for Life initiative was launched, which emphasises those critical early years of education, and in 2023 the Insight into Learning program was launched, with its focus on the Science of Learning.
Mr Donnelly said that St Cuthbert’s reviewed their student data and results seven years ago and decided to try new approaches to achieve the best possible outcomes for their students. The school began exploring the CET programs that offered explicit, direct instruction and evidence-based practices.
One of these was a literacy program called InitiaLit for students in Prep to Grade 2, providing an evidence-based and whole-class program which develops foundations for students to become successful readers and writers.
“We started seeing results with all students, even those that had been slipping through the cracks. We realised that if we do the right things at the right time that it can be transformational for these kids. Once they are literate and numerate this gives them access to learning throughout their whole life,” Mr Donnelly said.
The School is looking forward to immersing itself fully into CET’s Insight into Learning program, after joining earlier this year. The Insight into Learning program equips teachers with knowledge of the Science of Reading and Learning and high impact teaching practices, through professional learning and coaching opportunities.
Also central to success at St Cuthbert’s is its extensive focus around early years learning. The School has an award-winning facility that houses CatholicCare's Ludo short term and long term care, and this sits right next to the Kinder class allowing for ease of access.
“We form relationships and understanding with those kids from the beginning, and this allows for a seamless transition from a daycare environment to school. Our motto is to provide the best possible start to life by education in the early years. We are fortunate to have wonderful staff too, as we are only as good as the people we put in front of our kids,” Mr Donnelly said.