We are proud to announce that, along with the University of Melbourne and other partner schools, Carey has received the 2025 Australian Council for Educational Leaders (ACEL) National Leadership Award in recognition of its outstanding contribution as a valued partner in the ‘New Metrics for Success’ research–practice partnership.
This prestigious, peer-nominated award honours educators and teams who demonstrate exceptional leadership through initiatives that deliver measurable improvements for students and colleagues at national and international levels.
Carey’s Research and Innovation Team, led by Rebecca Swain, has played a pivotal role in this achievement. Their pioneering work in validating assessments, championing learner agency and helping to build a trusted, scalable system of recognition has significantly advanced the New Metrics partnership. These accomplishments exemplify ACEL’s vision for ethical, future-focused leadership committed to the success of every learner.
Through innovation and collaboration, Carey has helped shape a national movement toward more equitable and future-ready education, impacting both policy and practice for years to come.
Congratulations to Rebecca Swain and our Research and Innovation Team (Kathryn Pearson, Yasmine McCafferty, Hannah Kent, Natalie Kunst, Francesca Ohlert, Madeleine Anderson and Sally Nelson) on this well-deserved recognition.
Global educators visit Carey to explore New Metrics in action
In October, Carey proudly welcomed international school leaders from around the world as part of the New Metrics International Schools network. Their visit provided a unique opportunity to witness the New Metrics for Success approach in action – from classroom learning and assessment design to the development of learner competencies throughout the School.
This initiative, a partnership between Melbourne Metrics and the Council of International Schools (CIS), unites schools committed to reimagining how we define, measure and recognise student success.
It was a privilege to share our journey, exchange ideas and connect with like-minded educators dedicated to shaping the future of education globally.
Term 4 update: Complex Competencies Credentials
I am pleased to report strong progress toward our ambitious credentialing targets for this year.
- 83 Year 12 IB students have received a credential including a readiness score in three, four or five of the competencies: Agency in Learning, Quality Thinking, Communication, Collaboration and Acting Ethically. This is represented graphically by propellor blades for each of the competencies and a mark within each to show the student’s level of achievement. 120 teachers are involved in assessing these credentials.
- 258 Year 9 students are set to receive a three-, four-, five- or six-blade credential. Competencies include Agency in Learning, Quality Thinking, Acting Ethically, Communication, Collaboration and Personal Development. 200 teachers are engaged in this assessment process.
- 105 Year 6 Kew students will receive a three-blade credential focussed on Agency in Learning, Personal Development and Active Citizenship. 11 teachers are assessing these students.
Looking ahead: 2026 credentialing goals
In 2026, the School’s goal is to target the issuance of 600+ credentials across key transition points: Year 6, Year 9 and Year 12, including VCE. This will also involve expanding the number of competencies and blades covered, and will include opportunities beyond the classroom.
Kate Croft
Deputy Principal – Learning
