Bentley Park the fastest mover

INDIVIDUAL mentoring of students and tougher staff standards at Bentley Park College have catapulted the school to the top of the region’s most improved list, according to the latest OP data.

In 2008, the Edmonton school ranked 344 in a list of Queensland schools. In 2018, it had moved up to 208.

Malanda State High School was the second-best performer moving up 111 spots from 164th in 2008 to 53rd last year.

Bentley Park College acting principal Bruce Houghton said the improvement was “outstanding”.

“There are three key components to this and one is around the case management of students in senior years, especially academic students sitting for OPs,” he said.

“That involves solid feedback to students on their data so they know exactly where they sit and how they need to improve, and that is all managed through senior staff.

“The second area has been expert teachers. A lot of professional development has occurred with teachers to make their curriculum come to life and ensure the kids are enjoying what they're learning.

“As well, 83 per cent of students who received an OP1-5 last year were homegrown Bentley Park students who started in Prep. That’s the benefit of a college which can educate kids from Prep to Year 12.

“They are all really well rounded students as well. They are not only very smart academically but they take part in all the extra curricular activities such as dance, sport, IT and robotics.”

Mr Hougton said a focus of the school was to make students ready to “tackle the challenges the world throws them”.

Innisfail State College, Smithfield State High School and Woree State High also ranked among the region’s most-improved schools.