About us
About us
We influence the education of all Western Australian students through relevant legislation – directly through a system of public schools, and indirectly through regulation and funding of Catholic and Independent schools.
Regardless of these differences, the aim is the same: to deliver a high quality education to every student in all learning environments. We are committed to all students achieving their best and being lifelong learners who contribute actively to their communities and to society.
We recognise and respect the independence of Catholic and Independent schools; and undertake our responsibilities to all schools, systems and sectors with diligence and integrity. We are impartial in our role as a regulator and funder.
All students in Western Australia, regardless of background and across all schools and learning environments, reach their learning and achievement potential.
Integrity
We believe a good education is the bedrock upon which everything else stands. We do not take this responsibility lightly and feel very privileged to be part of it. We act in the best interest of students and the community at all times. We are accountable and honest and have strong ethical and moral principles.
Truth-telling
We commit to learning about the diverse histories, experiences and worldviews of Aboriginal people. We create culturally safe learning and work environments, and culturally responsive services, free from racism and discrimination.
Equity
We recognise the different circumstances, needs and aspirations of students and staff. We strive for learning and work environments that are free from racism, discrimination, bullying, abuse or exploitation. We believe in more than one path to success and our purpose is to help every child find theirs.
Teamwork
We support, encourage and inspire each other and value the contribution of all. We champion trust and inclusivity. We recognise the importance of collaboration to help students achieve their best.
Voice
We attentively listen to each other and our students, families, communities and stakeholders. We encourage honest and respectful expression of ideas and diversity of thought. We empower the voice of children and young people to be partners in their education.
Care
We practise mutual respect and accept our responsibility to develop and maintain appropriate relationships. We are attentive and considerate. We strive to keep ourselves, others and our resources safe.
Learning
We have a positive approach to learning and encourage it in others. We advance student learning based on our belief that all students have the capacity to learn.
Our Minister is Hon Sue Ellery MLC, Minister for Education and Training.
Our accountable authority in 2020–21 is Ms Lisa Rodgers, Director General, Department of Education.
Our enabling legislation is the Public Sector Management Act 1994 (WA) in which the Department of Education is established under section 35.
We provided staff, facilities and resources to a number of entities created under legislation enacted by the Western Australian Parliament or by ministerial administrative action:
- Non-Government Schools Planning Advisory Panel
- Non-Government School Registration Advisory Panel
- Rural and Remote Education Advisory Council
- School Curriculum and Standards Authority
- Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia
- Western Australian Higher Education Council.
Our strategic outline1 reflects how we deliver public education and support the education of all school students in Western Australia.
Our strategic directions for public school education from 2020 to 2024, Every student, every classroom, every day2, set clear aspirations for every student enrolled in a public school and focus on improvement drivers across six pillars to strengthen support for teaching and learning.
Building on strength: Future directions for the Western Australian public school system3 is our long term vision for education over the coming decade. This statement explains the thinking and rationale behind the commitments made in our strategic directions for public schools and acknowledges the need for students and teachers to be at the centre of our efforts.
To provide specific directions for public education each school year, we published Focus 20204 and Focus 20215, aligned to our strategic directions.
Performance management framework
Broad State Government goals are supported at agency level by specific desired outcomes. We continued to deliver our four services to achieve our desired outcome.
Government goal |
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Strong Communities: Safe communities and supported families |
Desired outcome |
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School students across Western Australia have access to high quality education |
Services |
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1. Public primary education |
These services are as per our approved Outcomes-Based Management (OBM) reporting structure.