Learning and teaching directors and curriculum representatives met in Melbourne last week to examine how Catholic education can better harness expertise and best practice in learning and teaching across the country to improve outcomes for students.

Chaired by director of learning and regional services for Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) Dr Mary Oski, the network meeting was the first opportunity learning and teaching directors from all state and territories have had to meet in person for two years.

NCEC acting deputy executive director Joanna Mackie said one of the key focuses of the day was the opportunity to collaborate across the Catholic sector.

“There were some great presentations and opportunities to share ideas and discuss learning and teaching programs, including MACS’ School Improvement Framework which covered core capabilities for teachers across faith formation, learning and teaching, leadership and management, student wellbeing and the school community,” Joanna said.

“It was one of many examples that highlights the value of collaboration and how it can make a distinctive impact for learners and teachers in classrooms.”

Joanna led a discussion on the national teacher workforce plan with each state and territory sharing current initiatives to meet some of the action items laid out in the plan.

General manager – improved learning outcomes at MACS, Shauna-Maree Sykes, led a discussion on Catholic identity and the curriculum, with each state and territory sharing how they are embedding the Catholic context into curriculum.

The use of digital learning resources to target formative assessments, including Maths Online and the English Online Formative Assessments, was explored in a joint presentation from the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority and MACS.

It is anticipated these curriculum-aligned resources will be made available via the Victorian Digital Access Library (DAL) to all teachers across Australia.

NCEC’s research and evaluation lead Dr Kevin Trimble presented on the work of the commission’s Excellence Standing Committee and the 2023 numeracy and literacy projects.

“This work supports the continual improvement in educational outcomes through sharing evaluated and evidence-based practice in the areas of mathematics, reading and writing,” Kevin said.

“It deepens the understanding of how educators and leaders can monitor student progress through a national lens and share expertise so that the needs of Catholic school students are better served.”

Caption: MACS general manager – improved learning outcomes Shauna-Maree Sykes speaking at the Learning and Teachers Network Meeting.