Education: creating a new vision
The challenge
SenateSHJ was engaged by a college in regional Australia that had become one of the worst performing schools in its state. Enrolments were rapidly declining. Many parents were not willing to take the risk of sending their children to the school and it struggled to attract new staff.
Approach
It was decided that the school would close and re-open with a new vision and strategy. SenateSHJ was engaged to work closely with the school leadership, staff and community to support this major change process.
We held workshops with the leadership team to build their capability to lead change and strengthen their performance as a leadership team. We used the Four Rooms of Change®, a psychological model of change, to help surface key issues among the team and develop shared action plans.
We designed and delivered interactive planning forums to energise and engage staff in the future of the school. Through these sessions, middle leaders, teachers, support staff and others contributed to the school’s new vision and strategic priorities.
We also ran a series of dedicated student focus groups. This allowed us to better understand students’ aspirations and experiences, ensuring their voice was reflected in the new school.
Outcome
After extensive efforts and a consistent focus, the school is now showing tangible improvement in its results, school climate and community connectedness and openness. This success has been widely showcased by the state’s education department.
Quote from Ange Scaffidi, Founding Partner and Chair, SenateSHJ
It was a privilege for SenateSHJ to make a difference to a struggling college in regional Australia. Working alongside the leadership, staff and students, we helped reinvigorate the school, drive improvement and increase the confidence of the school and broader community.
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