Professional Learning for Primary and Secondary staff: Learning Together for the Benefit of Our Students

At Orana, professional learning is an ongoing part of school life. Across both the Primary School and High School, mentoring continues to play an important role in supporting teacher growth and collaboration. Two faculty meetings each term are dedicated to mentoring, professional reflection and the sharing of practice, providing staff with regular opportunities to learn from one another and strengthen their teaching.

Last term, staff welcomed Dr Matt Capp from Capitalise Education to work with us on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Quality Differentiated Teaching. This professional learning focused on practical strategies that help teachers design learning experiences that are accessible, engaging and appropriately challenging for all students. Staff explored ways to provide students with multiple opportunities to access learning, demonstrate understanding, and experience success while maintaining high expectations for every learner. 

A day later, staff participated in the Teaching Without Burning Out program. This professional learning focused on teacher wellbeing, exploring research and practical strategies around sustainable work practices, workload management, energy, resilience and maintaining balance within the teaching profession. By supporting staff wellbeing, we strengthen our capacity to provide calm, consistent and positive learning environments for students. 

Within our ongoing mentoring program, each faculty has been exploring specific areas of professional growth.

In the Primary School, staff have been studying A Passionate Schooling by Alduino Mazzone. Through regular discussions, teachers have been reflecting on key ideas that underpin Steiner education, including child development, the importance of nurturing the whole child, the role of imagination in learning, and the significance of meaningful relationships in education. These conversations help deepen our shared understanding of Steiner pedagogy and its relevance for contemporary classrooms. 

Primary staff will also undertake Disability Discrimination training this term. This training supports our ongoing commitment to inclusive education and ensures staff remain informed about current responsibilities and best practices in supporting equitable access to learning. As recommended practice, schools revisit this area regularly to ensure staff knowledge remains current and responsive to student needs. 

In the Secondary School, mentoring conversations have centred on Living Lessons, a professional learning resource that explores the qualities, habits and attributes of highly effective teachers. Staff have used this framework to reflect on classroom practice and the small, daily actions that contribute to positive relationships, strong engagement and meaningful learning experiences for students.

In addition, a small group of Secondary School teachers has been participating in Quality Teaching Rounds (QTR), an evidence-based professional learning process developed through the University of Newcastle. Through collaborative observation and professional discussion, teachers reflect deeply on teaching practice and explore ways to continually strengthen student learning and engagement. Research has shown positive impacts on teaching quality, teacher confidence and school culture. 

Secondary School teachers have also been reviewing selected chapters from The Teenage Edge by Ted Warren, with a particular focus on adolescent development and the relationship between teenagers and adults. These discussions have complemented ongoing engagement with the Orana Principles and Foundations, as staff explore practical ways of embedding these values and approaches within the High School setting.

We are grateful for the enthusiasm with which staff continue to engage in professional learning. Through mentoring, collaboration, research-informed practice and ongoing reflection, our teachers continue to grow their skills and deepen their capacity to support every student to flourish.

Jeddah Teasdale
Deputy Principal Primary School