WA Education Awards finalists: Excellence in school leadership

Asset Publisher

01 November 2024

Reward and recognition

Four West Australian public schools have been recognised in the WA Education Awards 2024 for taking an inclusive approach to leadership.

Baynton West Primary School, Lockridge Primary School, Morawa District High School, and Mount Lawley Senior High School are finalists in the Excellence in school leadership category.

This award celebrates schools and teams that create and maintain conditions for all students to achieve and acknowledges that collective leadership can happen at all levels.

Baynton West Primary School, Lockridge Primary School, Morawa District High School, and Mount Lawley Senior High School are finalists in the Excellence in school leadership category.

Baynton West Primary School

Located in Karratha in WA’s Pilbara region, Baynton West Primary School has a comprehensive approach to leadership that has driven significant improvements in student achievement.

Initiatives include specialist subject leaders, workforce and support plans for graduate teachers in the region, personalised coaching and classroom observation opportunities for staff, and student leadership programs.  

“We believe that everyone leads and should be able to shine in their respective roles, whether as a student, a teacher, a cultural expert or a member of the support staff,” principal Lisa Ledger told the Pilbara News.

“The synergy created by all of us working together to achieve little things every day creates magic for our students.”

Lockridge Primary School

Lockridge Primary School embraces a leadership approach that empowers collaboration and shared decision-making at all levels.

With a united leadership ethos and strong governance, Lockridge Primary School is a culturally rich and rewarding school environment catering to a strong, proud community.

The school prioritises peer observation and professional growth opportunities for staff which drive teacher quality.

These leadership strategies have been integral to the school’s success, bringing significant benefits to student achievement and progress.

Morawa District High School

Located in the Midwest on Yamaji Country, Morawa District High School exemplifies leadership excellence through a united approach that creates a safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive school environment.

Strong leadership offers a clear vision that empowers staff to drive whole-school plans to enhance both student outcomes and community involvement.

With a dedicated focus on literacy, the school has literacy leaders who share teaching methods through coaching and classroom observation to provide essential skills for students.

A comprehensive student leadership strategy also provides meaningful opportunities for students to develop their leadership skills while contributing to a positive school culture.

Mount Lawley Senior High School

Mount Lawley Senior High School excels in its leadership approach with a distributed leadership model that fosters student achievement and connected relationships throughout the community.

There are a range of leadership avenues for staff, including dedicated team leaders for student cohorts, specialist program coordinators, and peer observation and feedback opportunities which empower teachers with both autonomy and accountability for their learning programs.

Staff can also join and contribute to various committees that allow them to cultivate and demonstrate their leadership abilities across the large secondary school.

Mount Lawley Senior High School also provides numerous opportunities for all students to develop their own leadership and team-building capabilities.