New Timetable Structure for Middle and Senior School in 2024

Recent data gained through our Appreciative Inquiry process, ‘Shape the Future’ (culminating in Carey’s new Strategic Direction Statement) as well as other relevant data collated over the past two to three years (such as the Lead Surveys, student and staff focus groups and surveys), has led to a strategic project to review the structure of the school day in Middle and Senior School.

Underpinning this project was the need to review our structures considering the period of growth Carey has undertaken and the learning and wellbeing data we have gained post the pandemic.

This project aligns directly with the Personalised Learning and Wellbeing and Character strategic priorities outlined in our new Strategic Direction Statement and led us to crafting statements to focus our inquiry:

• How might we deliver the whole program differently to create more time and space for flow, connection and deeper learning?
• How might we create a more balanced learning environment which will enable student learning and alleviate student and staff fatigue?

Our detailed investigation and consultation included the evaluation of current literature, visiting and examining other schools, speaking to students, parents and staff. What we learned was that school timetables very much reflect individual school context, its purpose, vision and values, as well as size. We formed the conclusion that the length of a lesson, and number of lessons a student has each day, are important factors in achieving the outcome of deeper learning.

Our new model, to be implemented in 2024, is based on 4 x 75-minute lessons (with built in travel time to-and-from classes) as well as 25-minute community time to allow for those important wellbeing, cultural and pastoral programs to be delivered with regularity and purpose. This would include Mentor Meetings, House Meetings, Chapel, Year Level meetings etc. Another intended outcome will be to stagger lunchtimes to ease the pressure on facilities such as the canteen and play areas.

Our Leaders of Learning at Carey are working with their teams of teachers to consider course structure and pedagogy ready for the new year of learning. Such factors as lesson pace, challenge and student progress will form part of these discussions as well as the opportunity to learn and assess the Carey Attributes of a Positive Learner.

We look forward to sharing important updates throughout the remainder of the year as we prepare for this exciting change at Carey.

2023 Independent Schools Victoria Parent Satisfaction Survey
Carey is once again taking part in a series of satisfaction surveys conducted by Independent Schools Victoria. The opinion of the whole Carey community is valuable to us, and we will be inviting students, parents, staff and Board members to participate. The aim of the survey is to understand your perceptions regarding the quality of your child’s educational experience with the School. The information obtained will be used by us to improve the quality of education at the School for students.

The 2023 survey links will be emailed to parents in the week commencing 31 July. The survey will close on Friday 25 August. We encourage all members of the community to participate, as the information we gain has proven immensely valuable in the past. Please be assured that the information you provide in the survey is completely anonymous. We look forward to receiving your 2023 feedback.

Kate Croft
Deputy Principal – Learning