In a survey that ranked the ‘factors parents reported as being important in choosing a school’, the two factors of most importance were; quality of teaching – 94%, followed by focus on student welfare – 92% (MMG Education 2012). Quality teaching and learning, and quality pastoral care and community.
2017 saw some amazing academic results achieved once again. Of those that graduated, 26% received an OP between 1 and 5, while four students achieved an OP 1. Many other students completed the year having attained excellent results or qualifications in various vocational certificate courses; Hospitality, Business, Events to name a few. There were plenty of exceptional results from last year’s crop of very talented students, across all year levels.
Student confidence and success in the classroom is facilitated by a positive, supportive and inclusive school environment or ‘climate’. This is comprised of what occurs both inside and outside of the classroom, the playground, and even beyond the school gate into extra-curricular events.
Recent research emphasises just how critical a positive climate and effective pastoral care within schools have become. In particular, the importance of pastoral care has risen because of increasing pressures on family life, financial uncertainty and increasing time pressure on parents. Additionally, pastoral care now finds itself the vehicle that tackles community growing concerns about bullying and the ever rapidly increasing implementation of technology into educational programs.
With an increase in school student populations, comes an increased need to maintain the quality of the individual student care and attention (Guyatt & Pfeiffer, 2013). Mueller College has been blessed with incredible growth in the student population over the last 12 months, with more than seventy new students starting 2018 in the secondary school alone. A pastoral care strategy must be intentional in preparing for such growth. Part of our strategy has seen the effective implementation of Year Level Coordinators across every year level, annual year level camps from years 6-12, the introduction of year level student representatives and community service projects, a new curriculum in the Primary school to promote and maintain positive school culture (Kingdom Culture Partners), and an aligned Primary-Secondary student leadership program. These are all in place to ensure every student whether in Prep or Year 12, having been here since prep or started just this year; are cared for, valued, belong, and find opportunities to contribute and be a part of the Mueller College community. They also help to ensure all students have the opportunity to achieve the best learning outcomes they can while completing their education at Mueller College.
We will continue to work to ensure our quality of teaching, and focus on student welfare are front and centre of our mission here at Mueller College. As we do, we excitedly anticipate the next set of outstanding achievements and results from our students as the year unfolds.
