Achieving a positive future
Ashdale Secondary College
WA Secondary School of the Year
Ashdale Secondary College in Perth’s northern suburbs is a distinctive world-class educational community of excellence where all students are motivated to strive to achieve their best and to realise their potential in a values-rich environment.
The college is committed to student success and the professional growth of staff, with genuine care for the wellbeing of all students being a vital focus.
“Ashdale Secondary College is an innovative school that has developed programs and opportunities that meet individual student needs and directions,” says Kylie Bottcher, who served as principal leading the college for the majority of the 2021 school year.
“We have a consistent track record of excellence and a particular focus on quality teaching and learning that seeks to maximise each student’s potential.
“We encourage students to make the most of all opportunities, find a passion, care for others and apply themselves in everything they do.”
Since opening in 2009, Ashdale Secondary College has excelled in all areas of education, particularly in the STEM, science and ICT space and is no stranger to the WA Education Awards.
The college is a leader in STEM education and regularly participates in workshops, day camps and competitions to develop student and staff innovation to inspire them beyond the classroom.
To recognise the efforts in this space, the college was awarded the Governor’s School STEM Award in 2020 and was also named a finalist in 2016 and 2018.
Staff also run successful soccer and netball academies to encourage students’ passion, commitment and skill in physical education, as well as a music academy to develop students’ music theory, performance and ensemble skills to excel within the music industry.
Students at Ashdale Secondary College are provided with a relevant and meaningful education with authentic links to post-school opportunities and contemporary work skills.
Kylie says as a result, students become positive contributors to the community with a well-rounded broad skill set.
“Success for our students involves providing pathways for all students to achieve a post-school option that is meaningful and that they have a connection with,” she says.
“It is important the students of the college achieve their potential within these pathways.
“We encourage students to be resilient and active citizens.
“I hope it is visible to both students and parents that the college is inclusive and has something to offer all students. Parents can feel confident their child will thrive in being part of the culture and programs at the college.”
More than 1700 students attend the college, many of who attended the 4 nearby primary schools that form part of the Ashdale Cluster.
Kylie says the Ashdale Cluster promotes a cohesive learning community for students from Kindergarten to Year 12.
“Ashdale Secondary College is part of a unique cluster of schools who work together to provide a true K-12 educational experience.
“The cluster helps students to progress through all areas of education,” she says.
“Data proves that the longer a student is in the cluster the greater their success.”
Kylie says another key focus of the college is developing teachers to be the best they can be to guarantee all students achieve a positive future.
With a strategic and clearly defined professional learning plan, Ashdale Secondary College ensures the professional growth of staff.
“We excel in providing consistent quality teaching across all areas,” Kylie says.
“At Ashdale Secondary College, we build teachers as leaders and work to create a culture of trust across the school.”
Kylie says the philosophy at the college on education is that it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach.
“We must know our students needs to maximise successes,” she says.
The award category is for all secondary schools. Middle schools and district high schools can decide which category to enter (either primary or secondary). This may be based on whether the majority of students are in Year 7 upwards or Year 6 and below.
This award is proudly sponsored by Perth Energy.
Winner
- Ashdale Secondary College
Finalists
- Canning Vale College
- Girrawheen Senior High School
- Mount Lawley Senior High School