A look back at the first WA Education Awards

Since 2008, the WA Education Awards has been a highlight of the education calendar.

From the nomination process to the announcement of finalists and winners, the awards are an exciting opportunity to acknowledge the critical role schools play in WA communities.  

With eight categories, the inaugural WA Education Awards in 2008 celebrated the successes of staff and schools in the key areas of literacy, numeracy, science, and innovation.

Campbell Primary School, Esperance Senior High School, Parkfield Primary School, Greenmount Primary School, and Westminster Primary School were among the winners.

Not only did the awards bring a sense of achievement to prize winners, but it also provided staff with further professional learning opportunities and the chance to share their successful approaches with other schools in WA.

Sixteen years on, current Campbell Primary School deputy principal Amanda Slee remembers the strong sense of pride within the school community following the award win in 2008. 

“It was a wonderful celebration of the efforts of many. The acknowledgement of the staff and the innovative approaches they utilised to engage all students across all aspects of their learning was wonderful for our school,” she said.

“Our school community as a whole was delighted with the award and, due to the strong partnerships with families and the wider community, they felt very proud of the shared achievement.

“Campbell Primary School continues to display innovative practices that existed in 2008. There is a strong culture among all staff to strive for improving student achievement and progress by implementing current and emerging best practices.”

Ms Slee encouraged schools to nominate for the WA Education Awards 2024.

“Even if not successful, acknowledging the contributions of staff, students, and leaders is always a joy,” she said.

The WA Education Awards 2024 comprises six categories to recognise schools that demonstrate excellence in leadership, teaching and learning (both primary and secondary), cultural responsiveness, disability and inclusion, and wellbeing.

All WA public schools are eligible to be nominated, including early childhood, education support and special educational needs.

Nominations close on Friday 16 August 2024.

Find out more about previous winners of the WA Education Awards here.