WA Education Awards finalists: Excellence in teaching and learning (primary)

Four public primary schools have been recognised in the WA Education Awards for their commitment to providing students with robust learning opportunities.

Churchlands Primary School, Gwynne Park Primary School, Morawa District High School, and South Halls Head Primary School were named finalists in the excellence in teaching and learning (primary) category. 

This award acknowledges primary schools that create environments that enhance student achievement and progress through collaboration, inclusion, and innovation. 

Churchlands Primary School 

Churchlands Primary School operates an inclusive model of teaching and learning and provides opportunities to challenge growth mindsets and support the diverse needs of students. 

It is committed to cultural responsiveness, particularly in Aboriginal education. 

Leadership at Churchlands has a strong commitment to continuous improvement and innovation, with a Strategic Curriculum Action Learning Cycle central to this. This leans on evidence-based research and practices to enhance teaching and learning. 

Gwynne Park Primary School 

Gwynne Park Primary School aims for every child to graduate with a lifelong love of learning, by providing a safe, inclusive and stimulating environment.  

Creating the ultimate balance between catering for students’ wellbeing and learning, the school boasts a meditation garden, Noongar yarning circle and mindfulness strategies to support its young learners. 

Consistent and collaborative quality teaching approaches are embedded throughout the school, while new staff are adequately upskilled with professional development and allocated a mentor to ensure they deliver programs to the expected standard. 

At Gwynne Park, community partnerships and positive engagement with families are a focus, ensuring all students feel welcomed, valued, and supported.

Morawa District High School 

Located in the Midwest on Yamaji Country, Mowara District High School provides partners with literacy and numeracy programs to deliver improvements in student progress and achievement. 

The development of leadership opportunities for Morawa’s students prioritises health and wellbeing by providing a platform for student voices and feedback. 

An emphasis on community involvement through its Aboriginal Cultural Reference Group of parents, Elders and stakeholders, allows culturally inclusive programs and initiatives to strengthen attendance and engagement, creating significant opportunities for Aboriginal students to maximise their potential. 

South Halls Head Primary School 

South Halls Head Primary School focusses on developing the ‘whole child’ - academically, socially, emotionally, creatively and physically by inspiring students to take risks, accept challenges and learn from their mistakes.  

The leadership team at South Halls Head provides teaching staff with support and mentoring through classroom observations and feedback, providing continuous learning, improvement and self-reflective practice. 

An active student council provides a voice for student input and wellbeing initiatives, such as Healthy Breakfast, Story Dogs and student wellbeing clubs that support social and emotional development. 

Strategy and lesson structures ensure that every student can achieve, regardless of their backgrounds or abilities.