- Five public schools named winners in WA Education Awards 2023
- Awards recognise excellence in leadership, teaching and learning, cultural responsiveness, and disability and inclusion
Five outstanding schools celebrated today after the winners of the WA Education Awards 2023 were announced by Education Minister Dr Tony Buti.
Two Rocks Primary School, Brabham Primary School, Manea Senior College, Wananami Remote Community School, and Joondalup Education Support Centre were named winners for providing high quality, innovative, and diverse learning opportunities for students.
The WA Education Awards highlight the exceptional achievements of public schools and celebrate the important way they positively shape the lives of young people.
Two new categories were included in this year’s awards (excellence in cultural responsiveness and excellence in disability and inclusion), bringing the total number of categories to five.
Winning schools will receive $20,000 to go towards a project or program of the school’s choosing.
The WA Education Awards 2023 are sponsored by Lift Alliance, Edith Cowan University, Beilby Downing Teal, and Seven West Media.
WA Education Awards 2023 winners:
Excellence in school leadership
Two Rocks Primary School
At Two Rocks Primary School, staff at all levels are encouraged to reach their potential and develop their skills to become leaders. The leadership approach at Two Rocks Primary School involves the establishment of specific plans, programs, and process to meet the needs of students and support their schooling success. Teamwork is the foundation of leadership at the school, and staff work collaboratively to improve student outcomes. Staff foster their leadership skills through a range of initiatives including professional learning, planning, committee, and mentoring opportunities where they can learn, grow, and trial new ideas and strategies.
Excellence in teaching and learning (primary)
Brabham Primary School
Since opening in 2021, educators at Brabham Primary School have put student achievement, engagement, and well-being at the centre of everything they do. The school is committed to providing students with rich learning experiences through a successful instructional teaching model, vibrant arts culture, holistic student services, AUSLAN LOTE, science and technology, and early childhood education programs. These innovative learning programs are responsive to the needs of students and families, and the school is committed to engaging and collaborating with the community. Staff also regularly take part in professional learning activities to learn new teaching strategies that enable students to achieve their best.
Excellence in teaching and learning (secondary)
Manea Senior College
Manea Senior College is the South West’s only dedicated Year 11 and 12 purpose-built senior college. The school is committed to providing practical, real world learning opportunities through meaningful education pathways and community partnerships allowing students to be contributing and impactful citizens. Manea Senior College was the driving force behind establishing the South West Innovation Academy which encourages students in the region to develop creative solutions to community issues. The college also runs WA’s only school-based health and medical specialist program, offering students a pathway to vital health-related careers.
Excellence in cultural responsiveness
Wananami Remote Community School
Located on Mount Barnett Station in the Kimberley, Wananami Remote Community School students are encouraged to be strong, smart, proud, and deadly leaders who dream big while remaining true to their Ngarinyin culture and heritage. The school is proud of the way it connects, collaborates, and builds relationships with the local community to provide a culturally safe and engaging learning environment for students. Wananami Remote Community School recognises Aboriginal ways of knowing, being and doing, and has a strong two-way science program that integrates Western Australian curriculum science to traditional Aboriginal knowledge. It also has a range of culturally responsive learning opportunities for language, the arts, and culture which ensures students are equipped to succeed and thrive at school and beyond.
Excellence in disability and inclusion
Joondalup Education Support Centre
Joondalup Education Support Centre offers a range of programs shaped to each child’s individual needs and abilities. The school’s specialised and dedicated staff are passionate about equipping students with disabilities with academic and social skills to enable them to thrive. Technology plays a significant role at the school to enhance student learning which is supported by a quality STEM education program. Joondalup Education Support Centre also runs several extra-curricular activities specifically for students with disabilities, including running, gardening, music, breakfast, craft, and sports clubs.
As stated by Education Minister Dr Tony Buti:
“Congratulations to the winners of the WA Education Awards 2023. These winning schools have demonstrated excellence at the highest level and have shown their commitment to ensuring students reach their potential.
“It was fantastic to have the excellence in cultural responsiveness and excellence in disability and inclusion categories included in the awards for the first time this year. Schools achieve so much in these spaces, so it was wonderful to celebrate that commitment and dedication.
“I am continuously impressed by the quality of education delivered to students in our State. Educators and school staff consistently go above and beyond to empower young people and encourage them to achieve success in all aspects of their schooling.”
