Thinking Allowed

You would all know that SCEGGS is committed to being an outstanding educator of girls. Pivotal to fulfilling this commitment is attracting, developing and retaining the most highly capable and engaged teaching staff, aided by the very best administrative support teams. And, just like the students are at the heart of what and why do things, our talented and dedicated staff are at the heart of how we achieve everything that we do at SCEGGS.

Part of our processes to evaluate how effectively we are fulfilling our commitment to being an outstanding educator is gaining feedback about our work via surveys. I really want to understand what SCEGGS is like – as a place to learn in and belong, and also for parents in their interactions with the School in delivering high quality education for their girls. So, we do a number of surveys of parents and students each year – to help us be the best possible school we can be. Striving to be the best possible school we can be means that SCEGGS is a great place to come to work to, and so, we survey our staff too to assess how they feel about SCEGGS as a workplace. We administer this staff survey through a company called Xref Engage (previously The Voice Project).

I was thrilled to learn, recently, that Xref Engage has recognised us through a “Best Workplace Award” – acknowledging that SCEGGS has exceptional levels of employee engagement and satisfaction across more than 40 industries. Our 2023 survey results exceeded their criteria for staff satisfaction generally, and also benchmarked significantly about other schools. Xref Engage says: “Your employees report exceptional levels of engagement and satisfaction, describing SCEGGS Darlinghurst as an outstanding place to work.” I am really pleased about this!

It got me thinking about what “an outstanding place to work” means for staff. I think it means:

Students are at the heart of what we do: A school that prioritises student wellbeing and engaged learning is a great school! Teachers value a school that focuses on creating an environment where students are motivated, challenged, and supported, as this can of course significantly impact their own satisfaction and success in the classroom.
Supportive and Collaborative Environment: A school should foster a culture of collaboration and support among teachers, administrators, and staff. This includes regular opportunities for teamwork, sharing of ideas, and professional development, which can contribute to a sense of belonging and purpose. Creating opportunities where teachers can learn from each other such as our recent “Sharing our Practice” staff meeting allows staff to feel empowered and valued and nurtures their strong camaraderie.
Effective Leadership and Communication: The senior staff or executive should communicate clearly with teachers. This involves listening to teachers’ and administrative staff input, addressing concerns, and providing guidance and direction to create a positive and focused working environment.
Quality Resources and Facilities: A school should provide modern, up-to-date resources, technology, and facilities that enhance teaching and learning. Having access to adequate teaching materials, technology, and well-maintained classrooms is essential so that staff can do their job well.
Respect for Teacher Autonomy: Schools should respect teachers’ professional judgment and autonomy in making decisions about what happens in their classroom. Giving teachers the freedom to tailor their teaching methods and approaches to the needs of their students can lead to greater job satisfaction and effectiveness. (NESA and other educational bureaucracies could learn a bit about this too!)

In summary, a good school for a teacher is one that values and supports their professional growth, provides a positive and inclusive environment, and offers the necessary resources and opportunities for them to excel in their roles. Which in turn leads to better outcomes for our girls.

It is so gratifying that we are recognised as offering all this and more!

Jenny Allum
Head of School