The scoreboard will never be enough

This week, we were named in the Courier Mail as the Sunshine Coast region’s leading school. The article lists the students in the Grammar 2024 Year 12 graduating class who achieved the highest possible marks in their individual subject(s) compared to all other students in the state. It also recognises the students who attained the highest possible marks across all their subjects compared to other students across the state.

Mastery of individual subjects is not the same as an ATAR. An ATAR is a single rank awarded by the tertiary sector and is used to rank students (selectively and by using scaling applied to each subject and by each University) for entry into tertiary degrees within their course offerings.

By comparison, the QCE (Queensland Certificate of Education) Awards are based on raw marks and have not been manipulated or ‘scaled’. The QCE Awards are proof of mastery and are truth telling. There is nowhere to hide. The awards acknowledge students who are near perfect, or, staggeringly, students who did not drop a single mark in their chosen subject(s) throughout the final years of their schooling. Amazing.

2024 Graduates - Top Performing Sunshine Coast Schools

Alongside the students are their teachers. In my view, teachers are the answer to nearly every question that is asked within the context of schools.

Question: How do you help children to reach mastery in their chosen subject(s)? Answer: With the help of our Grammar teachers.

Question: How will you ensure my child feels safe, happy, and valued at school? Answer: With the help of our teachers.

Question: How will my child build confidence in their ability and resilience in their pursuit of mastery? Answer: With the help of our teachers.

The list goes on – good teachers change lives, and good teaching always starts with generosity and connection. At Grammar, we have been discussing the difference between a classroom teacher and a school teacher. A classroom teacher is an exceptional practitioner who supports students to reach mastery through aspiration and inspiration within a particular subject or discipline. A school teacher is a leader of mastery in the classroom but is also a servant-leader on the sidelines, at camps or as a coach or music tutor. A school teacher is both a classroom teacher and a cheerleader for kids. Through their presence, Grammar school teachers support students’ growth and challenges, and enrich connections with students by being role-models in service and faith. And it shows on the scoreboard.

Winning on the scoreboard or league table is not a goal; it’s an outcome. The final scores serve as success indicators or KPI’s. Leading, teaching, mentoring, and caring are the real story. That said, a point in time score should be acknowledged and celebrated, and we wish all our graduates a happy journey as they take the next great step in their lives – leading and aspiring with humility, giving and greatness.

Read more about our success on the Courier Mail website. 
Anna Owen
Principal