School Context Statement

School Context Statement

SCHOOL CONTEXT STATEMENT

SCHOOL NUMBER: 0640

SCHOOL NAME: HALLETT COVE SCHOOL

1. General information

PART A

School name HALLETT COVE SCHOOL
School No. 0640
Courier Southern
Principal Ms Mary Asikas
Postal Address 2 – 32 Gledsdale Road, Hallett Cove South Australia 5158
Location Address 2 – 32 Gledsdale Road, Hallett Cove South Australia 5158
Partnership Marion Coast
Distance from GPO 22kms
Phone No 8392 1020
CPC attached No
Fax No. 8381 6713

 

February FTE Enrolment 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Reception 35 32 35 49 62 59 55 54 39
Year 1 41 37 36 52 50 65 58 56 49
Year 2 37 44 44 38 55 61 75 57 66
Year 3 54 45 49 47 48 65 73 76 60
Year 4 59 55 46 60 58 61 80 75 75
Year 5 70 66 61 49 63 77 78 81 91
Year 6 67 70 68 64 68 81 93 77 98
Year 7 76 65 80 77 75 85 89 88 83
Year 8 190 188 167 165 161 147 148 145 159
Year 9 169 188 193 161 166 161 150 169 129
Year 10 179 173 175 177 151 170 146 140 167
Year 11 165 167 169 158 176 155 127 142 146
Year 12 116 148 149 146 137 144 116 122 142
Year 12 plus 1 2 4 2 1.6 0 2
TOTAL 1259 1280 1272 1243 1274 1334 1285 1282 1304
School Card percentage 15% 9.3% 12% 17% 15% 15% 15% 20% 27%
NESB Enrolment 72 138 84 128 54 90 95 89 72
ATSI 19 21 19 15 16 36 35 34 33

PART B

  • School website address: www.hcs.sa.edu.au
  • School e-mail address: info@hcs.sa.edu.au
  • Staffing Numbers: Over 85 teaching staff
  • OSHC Available mornings 7.30–8.30am and after school 3.15–6.30pm
  • Vacation Care also available
  • Enrolment trends: Anticipated enrolment for the next 3 years is approximately1300 students.

HCS is one of 6 Reception to Year 12 schools in the metropolitan area. The current enrolment of 1280 students is organised into 3 levels of schooling: Junior School (R-6), Middle School (7-9), Senior School (10-12).

Year of Opening was 1987.

Public transport access is Bus and Train.

2. Students (and their welfare)

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

The student body is generally cohesive and responsive to the overall expectations of the school and our community. Although largely “monocultural” the student body is positive towards and accepting of, the increasing number of students and families from non-English speaking backgrounds.

A number of families have recently enrolled from England and Scotland.

PASTORAL CARE PROGRAMS

At Hallett Cove great importance is placed on the well being of the whole child. We aim to develop in our students a sense of being an important individual in one’s own right, but also of belonging to a cohesive and stable community of learners. The school aims to develop in students a positive attitude to school, to develop interpersonal and communication skills, to foster self-esteem and self-confidence, to encourage students to respect the rights and views of others, to promote self-discipline and organisational skills, to encourage active citizenship, and to provide individual guidance, counselling and support. We believe that students and staff have the right to work in a safe and supportive learning environment.

Pastoral Care lessons focus on the social, emotional and wellbeing of students, giving opportunity to form positive relationships and interactions within the school community. Pastoral Care also allows time for celebration of student achievements and learning through formal and informal sharing of information.

In the Junior school teachers (years R – 6) use the Growing with Gratitute program. This program assists students to achieve to the best of their ability. Activities from the program are integrated into each year level curriculum by their class teacher to promote resilience, coping and problem solving skills.

In the Middle school (years7-9) Pastoral Care lessons with their Home Group Teacher are tailored around working with others, making friends, positive work environments, learning styles and problem solving skills. Issues such as Bullying and Cyber-safety are also explored. Students also begin to explore career requirements.

In the Senior School (years 10 -12) Pastoral Care lessons with their Home Group teacher focus on developing skills beyond school through their Personal Learning Plan, study skills, career planning and further study options. Citizenship is investigated as well as Safe Partying and Road Awareness Program.

SUPPORT OFFERED

Students are supported by Pastoral Care Workers, two Student Counsellors, a Social Worker and a Careers/Vet Coordinator also provide on-going support. The school has also appointed a psychologist on a fortnightly basis.

STUDENT MANAGEMENT

Hallett Cove R-12 School provides a safe, caring, orderly learning environment where the right of all students to learn and all teachers to teach are underpinned and supported by Restorative Practices and Behaviour Development Principles.

The Hallett Cove Behaviour Management, Bullying and Harassment policies and consistent student behaviour expectations promote and facilitate positive relationships amongst our learning community.

The Hallett Cove Home Group and Pastoral Care Programs focus on proactive strategies for responsible citizenship through:

  • Establishing behaviour expectations at school and in the community
  • Strategies for building positive relationships and resiliency
  • Knowledge of the consequences for irresponsible behaviours at school and in the community
  • Developing reflection and resolution skills to restore relationships with peers and staff

Hallett Cove School recognises positive citizenship and proactive behaviours by:

  • Notes in diary
  • Phone call home
  • Certificates
  • Principal gold sticker in Report Cards
  • Assembly recognition for high Academic Achievement, Values Awards and School Attendance Awards

Hallett Cove School adheres to mandated legislation and DECD policies.

STUDENT EXECUTIVE

The school has established an Executive representing R-12 students. This group meets 3 times a term. The school has also established year level leadership teams which feed into the Student Executive Team. Student Executive are represented on Governing council and other key school committees.

3. Key School Policies

SITE IMPROVEMENT PLAN 2018

Aim of the HCS SIP: 

 Strategic Directions Specific Goals
Strategic Direction 1: Literacy a) Improve literacy achievement in SACE, NAPLAN and PAT R
b) Improve literacy through a whole school approach
Strategic Direction 2: Numeracy a) Improve numeracy achievement in SACE, NAPLAN and PAT R
b) Improve numeracy through a whole school approach
Strategic Direction 3: Grade Band Shift a) Embed Formative Assessment in daily practice 
b) Pedagogical focus on impactful strategies in day to day teaching practice will improve learning
Strategic Direction 4: STEM/PBL a) The DECD Design Process informs STEM/PBL pedagogy
b) STEM initiatives enhances opportunities for intergrated learning, interdisciplinary planning and authentic problem solving

4. Curriculum

SUBJECT OFFERINGS

Eight curriculum areas and LOTE is Japanese. The Australian Curriculum is being implemented in the Junior School and Middle School.

SPECIAL NEEDS

The commitment of the Special Programs team is to ensure that students with disabilities gain the necessary knowledge, skills and attributes to achieve to their highest level of learning and participate successfully in our community.

Intervention in the form of Quicksmart programs, Mini Lit and Pre Lit which support literacy and numeracy, Reading Intervention (Reception to year 10) and 1:1 support in speech and curriculum areas provides students with every opportunity to reach their full potential.

Parents, staff and students are encouraged to contribute in the development of OPOC plan for those students who are verified with a specific disability, including physical and intellectual disabilities.

Our team focuses on:

  • Strengths and interests
  • Effective teaching strategies
  • Specific and achievable learning goals
  • Decreasing barriers to learning

The focus at Hallett Cove R-12 is to provide appropriate curriculum and to ensure an effective delivery of services and support to students with disabilities individually, in small groups or in the class.

For more information about the National Quicksmart Program go to http://www.une.edu.au/simerr/quicksmart.

SPECIAL CURRICULUM FEATURES

  • Soccer Program
  • Marine Biology
  • Volleyball program
  • Electrotechnology, Plumbing – Mechatronics
  • 1-1 Laptop Program at Year 3-12
  • STEM classes Year 9&10

JOINT PROGRAMMES

The Southern Adelaide and Fleurieu Trade School (SAFTS) is a consortium of schools in the Southern Adelaide, Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island regions of the Department of Education and Children’s Development (DECD).

SAFTS consists of the following schools:

  • Aberfoyle Park High School
  • Reynella East College
  • Christies Beach High School
  • Seaford Secondary College
  • Hallett Cove School
  • Victor Harbor High School
  • Eastern Fleurieu School
  • Willunga High School
  • Kangaroo Island Community Education – Parndana, Kingscote, Penneshaw
  • Wirreanda High School
  • Yankalilla Area School
  • Mount Compass Area School

Students access a wide range of vocational courses across the region hosted by 12 local schools working with the local community and industry. At the same time, young people will be able to achieve their South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) while learning skills and working toward industry-accredited qualifications (mainly Certificate I & II).

The SAFT Trade School partners with TAFE and other Registered Training Organisations to provide these nationally accredited and recognised courses. Each school in the SAF consortium tends to specialise in the delivery of 1 or 2 major vocational qualifications.

5. Sporting Activities

A sub-committee of Governing Council manages out of school hours sports program for students in Years 3-7. Parents are actively involved in managing teams, coaching and fundraising to support this program. The school also supports a significant involvement in a range of SAPSASA sports activities.

R-12 HPE Curriculum – A diverse range of sport, fitness and physical activity is offered across R-12.

Swimming -Swimming is offered as part of the HPE Curriculum for Year 3-6 students, as part of the SAPSASA Swimming Carnival (Year 4-7) and SSSSA Swimming and Diving Championships (Years 8-12). R-2 students participate in a one week swimming program at Noarlunga Swimming Centre during term 4. Students learn water safety and swimming techniques. Year 3- 5 students participate in a one week swimming program at Noarlunga Swimming Centre during term 3. Safety and water based play support the improvement in each students swimming stroke.

  • Aquatics – Surfing, Snorkelling, Waveskiing, Sailboarding, Kayaking and Saiing are offered through Aquatics, Outdoor Ed, Recreation Studies or Sports Studies programmes in Years 7, 10, 11 and 12. Middle School students also experience similar activities at their respective Year Level Camp. Year 6 students enjoy a wide range of activities in term 4 when they enrol in the Aquatics Program at Port Noarlunga. Surfing, fishing, snorkelling, kayaking, sailboarding and sailing are offered for the week ling program.
  • Out of Hours School Sport – Cricket, Soccer and Australian Rules Football are offered on weekends for students in Years 3 through to 9. A range of other ‘after school’ opportunities exist, including Rugby, Tennis and Self Defence. Basketball, Martial Arts, Dance, Calisthenics and Gymnastics are also currently accessible here at the school’s two gymnasiums.
  • Knockout Sports – Knockout Sports are statewide competitions. A wide range of ‘in school-hours’ sports are offered across Years 6-12 and team nominations are largely dependent on student interest. As the name suggests, teams progress through to the next round until they are eliminated. Cricket, Football, Surfing, Netball, Touch Football and Golf are just some of the many options we have competed in, in 2013. HCS has recently made the state finals in the Girls Yr 6/7 Netball, Boys Yr 9/10 Rugby League, Open Boys Soccer, Open Boys Indoor Soccer, Open Girls Indoor Soccer, Boys Yr 8/9 Indoor Soccer and in numerous age divisions in Volleyball.
  • Zone Sport – HCS and other local Secondary Schools in the region plan and implement a range of sporting opportunities for students in Years 8-12. Competition is usually in the form of one-day carnivals and is more regionalized than Knockout competitions. A variety of local venues are sourced to stage these events.
  • Lunchtime Activities – Table Tennis, Badminton, Mixed Netball and Indoor Soccer are some of the more popular options sourced in the gymnasium by Year 7-12 students in 2013. Fitness and conditioning opportunities are available daily for secondary students in the form of cardio machines and ‘light’ weights training in our Fitness Room.
  • SSSSA Interschool Competitions – Includes Knockout Sports (see tab above), but also includes a wide range of sport and recreation in the form ‘day’ events. Cross-Country Running, Swimming and Diving Carnivals, Badminton, Basketball, Cycling, Triathlon and Tennis are some of the many competitions on offer. See www.decd.sa.gov.au/sport/pages/sport/sport for more detailed information.
  • SAPSASA Sports – (Similar to SSSSA – see above). Primary school children turning 10 years and older are eligible to participate in coordinated sports and recreation. SAPSASA implement a wide range of physical activities at school, district and state level. Students can be selected for Southern Valley District Teams, South Australian and Australian teams through these competitions. HCS is an affiliated member of the Southern Valley district with 12 other local primary schools and colleges. Regular ‘in-school’ activities are coordinated by our district, including non-competitive come ‘n try days to more formal competitive events between schools. Athletics, Rugby League, Tennis, Softball and Cricket are some of the recently advertised events available to HCS students.
  • House Shield – Our four Houses at HCS are the Cooper Dolphins (blue), Howchin Seals (green), Sandison Stingrays (yellow) and Tate Sharks (red). All staff (excluding Principal) and R-12 students are allocated a house team upon enrolment at HCS. The House Shield is awarded annually to the team who accrues the most points across a range of events (including Sports Day, House Sport and Standards Days). The House System as it currently exists is being evaluated to possibly incorporate a wider range of events/ criteria in 2014 and beyond.
  • Standards (Athletics) Days – Standards Day(s) are Year Level Athletics competitions incorporating the basic movement fundamentals of running, jumping and throwing for Year 7, 8 students, held in the weeks prior to Sports Day. Events include 100m sprint, 400m, shot put, discus, long jump, high jump, triple jump, vortex throw and tug of war. Scores of 4, 3, 2, 1 or 0 are awarded against a ‘standard’ time or distance. Students accrue points individually to be crowned male or female ‘Year Level Champion’. All points also contribute to their home group’s average score to win the Standards Day Home Group Trophy, and for their House to accrue points for the House Shield. Students benefit from experiencing a variety of events prior to Sports Day and expand on the concepts delivered in their PE lessons. Students may also be selected for the Interschool Athletics Squad to compete at SANTOS Stadium.
  • R-12 Sports Day – Hallett Cove School Sports Day is held in Term 1 annually. In 2013, the traditional R-6 and 7-12 events were combined to create our first R-12 Sports Day, allowing many families to support students across R-12 on a single day. Sports Day is a significant event on the school calendar, which focuses on participation and enjoyment through physical activity. Sports Day offers a wide range of events, which cater for students with varying interests and abilities. Students are able to participate in traditional athletic events while also joining in on the fun of team events such as tunnel ball, corner spry and tug of war. In recent years novelty events have added interest and excitement to the day where students can test their skills in the water balloon catch, vortex throwing and the slow bike ride.
  • 7-12 Soccer and Volleyball specialist program. See HPE section on HCS Website for more info. 

6. Other Co-Curricular Activities

GENERAL

Students throughout the school are encouraged and supported to develop skills in decision-making and problem solving and to be actively involved in the life of the school. Leadership and self-development opportunities are fostered through the R-12 Student Leadership Team and its associated groups, Camps, and Conferences. Other opportunities for participation and development include Zone Sport, School Rock Bands, Year 10 Ski Trip, Drama, Dance and Music Performances, Youth development activities such as YFC, Youth Opportunities, and Youth at risk groups. Specialist lunchtime clubs such as chess, computing, volleyball and basketball are also provided and supported by the energy and commitment of school staff.

INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM

Hallett Cove School has a long history of successfully hosting International students and teachers. 80% of our international students come from Japan given the language taught within the school is Japanese. Currently there are also students from Germany and Japan. In the past, the school has hosted students from New Zealand, Scandinavia, Thailand, Brazil and China. We have also had teachers and Leaders from West Java, Japan, Thailand and South Korea, completing a work shadowing role with our staff.

Hallett Cove is a Reception to Year12 School and operates at three levels of schooling. The Junior School covers years Reception to Year 6 (ages 5 to 11/12 Western age). The Middle School covers Years 7 to 9 (ages 11 to 14 Western age) and the Senior School covers Years 10 to 12 (ages 15 to 18 Western age). All levels of schooling are located on the same campus.

  • The school offers a very successful Study Abroad Program for fee paying students through immersive academic and cultural experiences. The school specialises in Marine Biology, Soccer, STEM (Aeronautics), Volleyball, STEM (Mechatronics), Outdoor Education, Photography etc. The school regularly hosts small-group student study tours for up to three weeks with the support of local community homestays. International teachers also complete work shadowing placements within primary, middle and senior classes.

    More information is available on the school website under the International tab

7. Staff (and their welfare)

STAFF PROFILE

The staff as a whole has been particularly stable.

LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE

1 Principal, 1 Deputy Principal, 2 Heads of School, 6 Assistant Principals & 5 Co-ordinators

The school has undergone a leadership re-structure in 2012 to align with government priorities, contemporary educational agenda and local educational agendas. 

     

    PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

    All staff engage in a Performance Development process. All staff complete a Performance and Development plan articulating goals, targets, professional learning, career aspirations and a performance review. TfEL and the National Professional Teaching Standards form the basis of the Performance Development Policy. The plans incorporate data from the Power BI to link the school priorities in the SIP and the performance plan.

    8. Other

    TRAVELLING TIME

    Approximately 40 minutes from CBD

    COOLING FOR SCHOOL BUILDINGS

    Air-conditioned

    9. School Facilities

    BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS

    The size of the campus is 9.0 hectares. The recreational areas include designated hard play areas for various age groups of students, an oval, soccer pitch and hockey pitch. A full size gymnasium is used by Year 7-12 students throughout the school day and is extensively used after hours. A Multi-Purpose Hall for R-7 use was opened in 2002.

    All buildings are one storey. The Resource Centre and Early Years (Junior Primary) Block have recently been refurbished as part of the BER program.

    SPECIALIST FACILITIES

    Specialist teaching facilities include:

    1. R-6 classrooms all with multi-purpose wet area rooms.
    2. Double classroom space for R-6 Music, Assemblies, P.E. and Dance activities plus a designated R – 6 Information Technology room.
    3. Two classrooms dedicated for Japanese.
    4. Performing Arts complex that includes theatre, drama, dance, music and change-rooms.
    5. Four Art and Design rooms.
    6. Resource Centre.
    7. Seven Science laboratories including specialist facilities for Marine Studies, Chemistry, Physics and Biology.
    8. Technology studies facilities for the teaching of Photography and Digital Imaging, Electronics, Metalwork, Woodwork, Plastics and Technical Graphics, Control Technology and Pneumatics.
    9. Two Food and Catering preparation areas.
    10. Fabric and Textiles room.
    11. Gymnasium with weights room annexe.

    STUDENT FACILITIES

    School Canteen, Year 12 study room

    STAFF FACILITIES

    Staff have allocated work areas, usually in association with colleagues working in the same level of schooling or subject area. All staff are provided with Notebook computers for classroom use. In most cases teachers have their own teaching room where all their lessons are taught. There is one large staffroom and staff are encouraged to use this area to facilitate unity, morale and collaboration. A conference room is adjacent to the staff room.

    ACCESS FOR STUDENTS AND STAFF WITH DISABILITIES

    Wheelchair access

    Access to bus transport

    Train transport nearby

     

    10. School Operations

    HALLETT COVE DECISION MAKING PROCESS AND PROCEDURE

    Change is a constant feature of the education landscape. Hallett Cove School must be responsive to change that is proven to enhance student learning outcomes.

    Change may impact upon all or some groups and individuals. Therefore individuals and groups affected by change have both the right and an obligation to have a say about matters that impact upon their work and be involved in making decisions by processes that provide full opportunity for the school community’s involvement.

    The Hallett Cove Decision Making Policy seeks to make clear and transparent the processes by which decisions are made for Staff, Governing Council and Students.

    REGULAR PUBLICATIONS

    Newsletter – 2 per term

    Daily electronic bulletins for staff and students

    11. Local Community

    GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

    The suburbs surrounding the school are physically isolated from other parts of metropolitan Adelaide. Nearly all students live in the local suburbs which are essentially seaside, dormitory suburbs with minimal commercial and industrial activity. Like the school, the suburbs surrounding the school are relatively young or in the early stages of development. A high proportion of families live in dwellings that are still being purchased (60% in Sheidow Park and Trott Park and 50% in Hallett Cove) which impacts on disposable family income.

    The suburbs surrounding the school all have one of the highest proportions of couples with dependent children in the Adelaide Metropolitan area. There is a relatively low proportion of one-parent families and of separated and divorced persons. Labour force statistics indicate relatively high levels of participation in full and part time employment. This, in part, is due to a relatively high female participation rate, with Sheidow Park and Trott Park having one of the highest proportions of mothers, with dependent children, in the labour force. This, of course, impacts on the time available for parents to actively participate in school activities and programs.

    Parents place a high value on education and have high expectations of the school. The school moved from an R-10 configuration in 1994 to an R-12 configuration in 1996. The student population has changed from having 70% of its students in the R-7 years in 1993 to now having 65% of its students in the secondary years. Enrolments have now stabilised at about 1260 students.

    PARENT AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

    Parents are generally very supportive of school activities, although there are limitations to that support during the working week. The Parents and Friends group is very active in a variety of ways to support the school and its students. The P&F meets regularly every month.

    International Programs are also supported by enthusiastic parent groups.

    FEEDER SCHOOLS

    There are 2 main feeder schools, Hallett Cove East PS and Hallett Cove South PS. A significant number of students come from Sheidow Pk and Woodend Primary schools which are east of Lonsdale Highway. The Year 8 cohort inevitably contains students from a wide range of other primary schools who have requested out of zone enrolment in Hallett Cove School.

    OTHER LOCAL CARE AND EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES

    Hallett Cove Kindergarten

    COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL AND SHOPPING FACILITIES

    Hallett Cove shopping centre is close by with a range of shops, a bank, hotel, service station, Doctor’s surgery, outreach library service and Local Government branch office.

    OTHER LOCAL FACILITIES

    Local Child Care centre and preschool

    LOCAL GOVERNMENT BODY

    Marion Council

    12. Further Comments

    The school has a positive reputation in the local community, no doubt due to the focus of the school as being a family oriented community school. The very nature of this R – 12 school provides both challenges and rewards and new learning experiences for staff.