Belonging key to success

AWimmera school’s focus on ‘cultivating a love of life-long learning’ is pushing students to achieve among the highest in the state.

Horsham’s Holy Trinity Lutheran College has an outstanding track record for high achievers, with the vast majority of students consistently performing at or above the national average in annual NAPLAN testing.

The college’s 2019 year seven and nine NAPLAN results ranked it ninth out of 204 regional schools, pushing into the top five percent of Victoria, while primary students, years three to five, ranked 82nd in a pool of 661 schools.

College head of senior school Sally Kuchel said NAPLAN was just one of many areas where college students excelled, with teachers employing a range of methods to assess each student’s progress on an ongoing basis.

Mrs Kuchel said consistently high results were a product of a welcoming learning environment.

“Meaningful, respectful relationships underpin the sense of belonging that we cultivate at Holy Trinity,” she said.

“Students are able to learn in powerful ways – innovating, inquiring and risk taking.

“Successful students learn in an environment where they feel safe, valued and connected, where teachers take the time to listen and to know them and acknowledge their needs, gifts and talents.”

Mrs Kuchel said teachers taught students to be ‘active’ rather than ‘passive’ learners.

“In the early years of schooling, we begin teaching our students how to think rather than being mere passive consumers of knowledge,” she said.

“They learn how to question, to analyse and to improve and refine their ability to think.

“An increased knowledge of these metacognitive strategies is empowering for our students as they are able to take increasing control of their learning and the ways in which they engage with information.”

Year-10 student Maddy Toet has a solid balance between study, sport and social life at the college.

Maddy said along with her heavy study load, she is a passionate netballer and rower, and is involved in Federation University’s Westvic Academy of Sport.

Maddy said her school’s strong sense of community was making it possible for her to excel academically and make time for her extracurricular activities.

“I have found that in order to balance schoolwork and sport I must be organised,” she said.

“I have a schedule where I plan my study time around my other commitments, to make sure that I am able to meet deadlines.

“One of the best things about our school is its sense of community – we are all able to get along with everyone.

“We are able to have conversations with a variety of different people and it isn’t uncommon for a senior student to be talking to a middle or junior school student.”

Maddy said her teachers were fully committed to providing the best possible learning opportunities.

“Their passion and drive for their particular subjects makes it easier to take on board information,” she said.

“And the genuine concern which they have for their students makes it easier to communicate and resolve issues, both academically and as individuals.

“Trusting your teacher and their guidance is key.”