What a busy start to the term it has been. I seem to always say that at the start of each term but this one has been exceptionally busy! Welcome to our new students and their families, I hope you enjoy your time with us.
The term started with a visit from the NSW Board of Studies. What does that mean? Well, IFS is answerable to the Board of Studies, the organisation that sets the syllabus followed by all NSW colleges. In our short history, we have met with the Board four times – twice last year and twice this year. As daunting as these meetings can be, they are welcomed on many levels. While the experience is challenging for both teachers and management, having been both I can say it has been a positive learning experience each time.
The purpose of these visits (I prefer the term ‘visit’ rather than ‘inspection’, as the latter seems to have more negative connotations and I want to focus on the positive) is for the Board to work through all our paperwork in relation to the academic program. When I say all our paperwork, I do mean ALL of our paperwork. The inspectors need to be satisfied we are covering the curriculum authentically and that our policies, guidelines and procedures are consistent. This term’s visit included an inspection of our college site to ensure our facilities are adequate and support teaching and learning.
I won’t lie to you, it is an enormous amount of work, on top of the daily running of a college. It has been eight weeks between visits, and these last eight weeks have, on a professional level, been challenging. It became clear at the last visit that while we were on the right track, there was still much work to be done. From the Board’s perspective, having never seen a college like ours before, there is a greater onus to ensure we are meeting all their requirements. On top of that, we had to prove we are capable of implementing the new curriculum in English, Maths, Science and History that is being introduced next year.
I have had many private meltdowns staring at what I initially thought was an impossible mountain the Board was daring us to climb. I am no mountain climber and for me, it was a battle with my own personal demons of self-doubt, questioning my knowledge and ability to lead a team. Ultimately, I was scared of failure, not knowing how to face staff, students and their families if the outcome at the end of the day was not in our favour. So where did I start? Making lists! It reached the point where I was making lists of lists! Both my desks at college and at home were covered in papers, folders and plastic sleeves. The lists and piles of paper grew as more little holes were uncovered, such as how to combine the current curriculum with the implementation of the new curriculum next year. Days were spent pouring over details ensuring the academic program met every required outcome and mandatory component. This was not always easy. I have made it my job to be familiar with each mandatory subject syllabus on offer at IFS, so when I am speaking to teachers about their teaching and learning programs, I know what to listen for and what to ask about.
I was concerned that I had placed far too much pressure on our teachers, but in their true style, they did not let me down and worked hard to produce what was asked of them. No easy feat. The Board was impressed with the learning programs being implemented in both the primary and secondary classes. On Friday it was no wonder tears of relief were shed when the Board representatives acknowledged the enormous amount of work we had completed in the last two months. It was high praise indeed to know that the quality of work produced was exactly what they required. There is an enormous amount of personal and professional validation in an experience such as this.
What have I learned from this experience? Next year when the Board of Studies visit us again, I will allow myself to embrace the experience for what it is and enjoy it!
Well done Laura and all the staff at IFS.
Congrats to all IFS staff – huge effort and well done
Congratulations! Brought me to tears, reading this. To know my children go to a college with such DEDICATED, LOYAL STAFF that will go above and beyond the call of duty, I TRULY know my children are in the right college. With much adulation, well done Laura X
Congratulations! Your hard work does not go unnoticed. 🙂
Thank you Laura , you and your teaching staff are inspirational. Your dedication and passion for the kids and the college never ceases to amaze our family. We are so humbled to be part of such a revolutionary college . Keep on keeping on !
As a New Parent, I would like to say thank you to Laura and all the IFS staff, Keeley has been inspired since coming to IFS, she is working hard and has done more reading and college work than I have seen her do in a very long time… she loves it there and I am very pleased with her results at the end of term… Keep up the Great work Laura!…. Keeleys results and her attitude are enough proof to me that you are ALL doing an Awesome Job and we made the right decision in letting her become a part of the IFS Family… Thanks Guys!